Friends: Then and Now - Where Are They Now?
Hello there, fellow Friends fans! If you're reading this, you're probably as curious as we are about what the Friends cast has been up to since we last saw them in Central Perk. So, grab your favorite coffee mug and let's dive into a then and now journey of our favorite six friends! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and friends cast then and now.
The One Where It All Began
In the 90s, Friends took over our TV screens, and we were introduced to six strangers who ended up becoming our best friends for life. Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, Ross, and Rachel made us laugh, cry, and relate to their everyday lives. But what have they been up to since the show ended in 2004? Let's find out!
Jennifer Aniston - Rachel Green
!Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green
Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green in Friends
Jennifer Aniston, our beloved Rachel Green, has come a long way since her days of waiting for her "break" at Central Perk. After Friends, she starred in numerous successful films like "Bruce Almighty," "The Break-Up," and "Marley & Me." She also produced and starred in the Apple TV+ series "The Morning Show," for which she received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series.
Off-screen, Aniston has been making headlines with her powerful speeches on women's empowerment and mental health. She's also a successful entrepreneur, launching her own beauty and skincare line, LolaVie, in 2021.
Courteney Cox - Monica Geller
!Courteney Cox as Monica Geller
Courteney Cox as Monica Geller in Friends
Courteney Cox, our OCD-prone, clean freak, and everyone's favorite chef, Monica Geller, has been busy since Friends ended. She starred in the television series "Dirt" and "Cougar Town," and has also made several film appearances, including "Scream" and its sequels.
Cox has also ventured into directing and producing, with her most recent project being the Hulu series "Shining Vale," which she executive produces and stars in. Like her on-screen alter ego, Cox is a passionate cook and often shares her culinary creations on her social media platforms.
Lisa Kudrow - Phoebe Buffay
Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay in Friends
Lisa Kudrow, our eccentric and quirky Phoebe Buffay, has been keeping busy with various projects since Friends. She starred in the TV series "Web Therapy" and "The Comeback," for which she received critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations.
Kudrow has also made several film appearances, including "Easy A," "Neighbors," and "The Girl on the Train." In 2019, she reprised her iconic role as Phoebe for a Friends reunion special on HBO Max. When she's not acting, Kudrow enjoys playing the ukulele and spending time with her family.
Matt LeBlanc - Joey Tribbiani
!Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani
Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani in Friends
Matt LeBlanc, our lovable, food-loving, and womanizing Joey Tribbiani, has had a successful career post-Friends. He starred in the spin-off series "Joey," which ran for two seasons, and has also made several film and television appearances, including "Episodes" and "Man with a Plan."
LeBlanc has also ventured into hosting, co-hosting the BBC motoring show "Top Gear" from 2016 to 2019. In his free time, LeBlanc enjoys racing cars and spending time with his family.
Matthew Perry - Chandler Bing
!Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing
Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing in Friends
Matthew Perry, our sarcastic and witty Chandler Bing, has been keeping busy with various projects since Friends. He starred in the TV series "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and "The Odd Couple," and has also made several film appearances, including "17 Again" and "Birds of Prey."
Perry has also been open about his struggles with addiction and mental health, using his platform to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help. In 2021, he released his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," which details his personal and professional life, including his time on Friends.
David Schwimmer - Ross Geller
!David Schwimmer as Ross Geller
David Schwimmer as Ross Geller in Friends
David Schwimmer, our paleontologist and Rachel's on-again-off-again love interest, Ross Geller, has been busy with various projects since Friends. He starred in the TV series "Web Therapy" and "Feed the Beast," and has also made several film appearances, including "Madagascar" and its sequels, as well as "The Iceman."
Schwimmer has also ventured into directing, with his most recent project being the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie." In 2019, he reprised his iconic role as Ross for a Friends reunion special on HBO Max. When he's not acting, Schwimmer enjoys photography and spending time with his family.
The One Where They Reunited
In 2021, the Friends cast finally reunited for an unscripted HBO Max special, "Friends: The Reunion." The special, which was filmed on the original Friends soundstage, featured interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and hilarious anecdotes from the cast. It was a treat for fans to see the six friends back together again, reminiscing about their time on the show and celebrating its enduring impact on pop culture.
The One Where We Look Back
Friends premiered on NBC in 1994 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with its six main characters becoming household names and their catchphrases ("We were on a break!") and fashion trends ("The Rachel") influencing pop culture in countless ways. The show's popularity has endured for nearly three decades, with new generations of fans discovering the series through streaming platforms.
As we look back on the Friends cast's incredible journeys since the show ended, it's clear that their bond as friends is just as strong as it was when we first met them in that New York City apartment. And while we may not get to see them together on our TV screens as often as we'd like, we can take comfort in knowing that they're still out there, making us laugh, cry, and relate to their everyday lives, just like they always have.
So, here's to Friends - the show that brought us together, the cast that made us laugh, and the memories that will last a lifetime. Could we BE any more grateful for the gift that is Friends? We think not!