In the 90s, Friends became one of the most beloved modern sitcoms in television history. With ten acclaimed seasons, it’s most likely that almost everyone has seen at least one episode of the series or know the iconic 90s sitcom through other pop culture media. Friends was, for a decade, a safe haven for fans across the world. Whether it was the hilarious situations they found themselves in or the milestones they experienced together, audiences felt very much part of the TV sitcom cast.
Although some support a Friends reboot, Lisa Kudrow herself doubts that the old cast would return for such an occasion. After last year’s Friends: The Reunion aired on HBO Max, many have been wondering where the iconic cast is today and whether they’re still popular as before. Let us have a look at the cast’s current whereabouts.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
Paul Rudd
NBC
Paul Rudd has come a long way since starring in Friends as Phoebe’s boyfriend-turned-husband Mike Hannigan, as he has become a beloved goofball of a Hollywood star. In addition to being named Sexiest Man Alive by People Magazine in 2021, Rudd has made a name for himself in the MCU franchise as Ant-Man in both the Ant-Man and Avengers franchises. His character of Scott Lang brings the needed dorky humor into the superhero world. Most recently, he appeared in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), the fourth sequel of the franchise. In addition to it all, it’s been recently announced that a sequel to This is 40 is in development, with Rudd returning as Pete.
Maggie Wheeler
You can instantly hear the laugh and the iconic “Oh My God” at the mention of Janice’s name. Originally meant to only be a side character — one of Chandler’s many girlfriends — Maggie Wheeler made Janice one of the most iconic supporting characters of the entire series. She became so well-liked by Friends fans that she stayed until the very end, making appearances here and there throughout each season. Although Wheeler hasn’t really made a name for herself outside the series, she’s had some successful moments in her career. In the 2019 animated version of The Addams Family, she lent her voice to the character of Trudy Pickering. She also starred in the comedy film Mark, Mary & Some Other People (2021) as Lisa.
Matt LeBlanc
One of the biggest heartthrobs of the 90s was Matt LeBlanc, thanks to his character Joey Tribbiani, who had a tendency to break women’s hearts, but at the same time is a devoted sweetheart to his friends. Blanc unfortunately didn’t follow up his Friends stardom with something of the same popularity. The most notable parts of his career was his two years of presenting the BBC’s award-winning series about motor vehicles Top Gear. Serving as an executive producer, Blanc also starred as the main character in a CBS TV series Man With A Plan, which focuses on a father trying to raise three of his kids with his wife. The show, however, was canceled in 2020.
David Schwimmer
Just like his co-stars, David Schwimmer rose to stardom thanks to his portrayal of Ross Gellar in Friends. Outside of the series, he is best known for lending his voice to the giraffe Melman from the Madagascar series. As for his recent roles, Schwimmer plays a NSA agent in a British TV series called Intelligence. He has also participated as one of the celebrity readers in CBeebies Bedtime Stories for children.
Lisa Kudrow
For many, Phoebe’s quirkiness has become a safe space for them. Truthfully, everyone should live their lives the way Phoebe runs. Lisa Kudrow’s amazing portrayal of the character earned her many acting roles after the show ended in 2004. The adult animated sitcom HouseBroken features Kudrow’s voice as the main dog character Honey, who explores human dysfunctions. In 2021, the series was renewed for second season. Her most recent role shows her as Aunt Heidi in a Disney+ musical family comedy Better Nate Than Ever (2022), which is about a 13-year-old boy who wants to become a Broadway star.
Matthew Perry
Chandler is arguably the most relatable character on Friends. Since then, Matthew Perry has starred in some old-time comedy classics, such as 17 Again (2009), where he plays the role of Mike who goes back in time to his 17-year-old self to get his family back together. Starring alongside Bruce Willis, Perry played a dentist involved in mob crime in the crime comedy The Whole Nine Yards (2000). He was the co-creator and main character of the ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine and the co-developer of the CBS sitcom The Odd Couple.
Courteney Cox
Courteney Cox beautifully breathed life into the eccentric, well-organized character of Monica Geller, but that’s not the only series she is widely known for. She is also famous for playing the character of Gale Weathers in the Scream franchise, ever since the first movie released in 1996, while Friends was still an ongoing show. The fifth movie of the franchise, also titled Scream, returned after 11 years just last year and is already confirmed to have the script for the sixth part. Recently, Cox is starring in a horror-comedy about a dysfunctional family called Shining Vale. Along with her ex-husband, she owns a production company called Coquette Production.
Jennifer Aniston
Jennifer Aniston, who portrayed Rachel Green on Friends, is undoubtedly the biggest star that came out of the series. As one of the highest paid actresses in the world, she has starred in some major successful projects in the industry. As for her most popular movies, Office Christmas Party (2016) sees her play an uptight interim CEO. In the commercial success We’re The Millers (2014), Aniston becomes part of a fake-pretend family. As for her recent successful movie Murder Mystery, renewed for a second part, the actress star alongside Adam Sandler as a married couple who gets involved in a murder case. She also stars in The Morning Show with Reese Witherspoon on Apply TV+, which was recently renewed for season 3.
