'Friends' Cast Photos: Then and Now

Jennifer Aniston became a household name in the 1990s with her role as Rachel Green — with her widely copied signature haircut, known simply as “The Rachel” — and lovable girl-next-door charm. Rachel's journey from a runaway bride to a fashion executive made her one of the show’s most dynamic characters. Aniston’s comedic timing and emotional depth helped define the ensemble's chemistry, and she quickly became one of the breakout stars of the series. While she had appeared in other roles before Friends, it was this sitcom that made her a global icon and one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood.

Jennifer Aniston has continued to evolve as a leading lady in both film and television. She’s starred in tons of successful movies and TV shows, and received critical acclaim for her work in The Morning Show, where she also serves as an executive producer — and for which she was nominated for an Emmy. In interviews, Aniston has been open about fame, aging, divorce (she divorced Brad Pitt in 2005 and Justin Theroux in 2018), and navigating life in the public eye. A wellness advocate and entrepreneur, she’s also partnered with major brands and launched her own line of haircare products. Today, she’s seen not just still a mega-star, but also as a steady, respected figure in the entertainment world.

Before Friends, Courteney Cox was best known for her role on Family Ties and for appearing in Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark” video. On Friends, she played Monica Geller, the competitive — but still lovable — neat freak. But behind the scenes, Cox was a steady, grounded presence among the cast, often seen as the “big sister” figure, with confidence that came from her status as a seasoned actress, and Friends propelled her into a new level of stardom.

After Friends, Courteney Cox continued her success for her roles in the massively popular Scream franchise and starred in Cougar Town, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She also stepped behind the camera, directing television episodes and launching her own production company. More recently, Cox has opened up on social media, giving fans a candid behind-the-scenes look at her life. She’s also spoken honestly about aging and beauty standards in Hollywood. She's still close with her Friends co-stars, and she's often spotted at reunions, events, and red carpets. Whether acting or producing, Cox remains a strong presence in Hollywood.

Lisa Kudrow brought quirky charm to the role of the slightly out-there Phoebe Buffay, but she was already respected in comedy circles long before Friends. With a background in improv through The Groundlings, Kudrow brought a winning eccentricity and loveability to the role that made her a fan favorite. Despite Phoebe's on-screen persona, offscreen, Kudrow was one of the most intellectual members of the cast, with degree in biology and a deep interest in science and psychology.

After Friends, Lisa Kudrow moved her career forward as a smart, satirical creator. She wrote and starred in The Comeback and Web Therapy, both of which showcased her comic genius and vision. Unlike some of her former castmates, she’s leaned more into independent projects and writing. She’s also an executive producer on several documentaries and series. Kudrow tends to keep a lower profile, but her appearances — whether on screen or behind the scenes — still garner big cheers, and her presence is still influential.

David Schwimmer was a respected stage actor before joining Friends as Ross Geller, and his theater background gave the show an extra dose of emotional range. While Ross was often awkward and over-the-top, Schwimmer played him with real humanity that fans loved. Offscreen, he was seen as thoughtful and serious about the craft of acting. He also directed several episodes of Friends and took on film roles during the show’s run.

Since Friends, David Schwimmer has moved between acting, directing, and activism. He’s appeared in acclaimed projects like American Crime Story (as Robert Kardashian) and voiced Melman the giraffe in the animated Madagascar films. He’s also been vocal about social issues, particularly around male accountability and consent, founding a campaign to combat sexual harassment. Schwimmer continues to take challenging roles, and has also remained loyal to his Friends roots, frequently participating in reunions and tributes. And he's still widely respected not just as an actor, but as a thoughtful voice in the industry.

Matt LeBlanc had appeared in commercials and small TV roles before his star turn as Joey Tribbiani on Friends, the lovable, hunky, and slightly clueless character that would define his career. With his comic timing and adorable goofiness, LeBlanc made Joey more than a punchline: He gave him tons of heart. His chemistry with the ensemble, especially with Matthew Perry, helped create some of the show’s funniest and most memorable moments. His blue-collar background and laid-back nature off camera set him apart in the cast.

After Friends, Matt LeBlanc continued with the spin-off Joey, though it didn’t match the success of the original. He took a break from acting before returning in Episodes, a show that played off his own fame. That role earned him a Golden Globe and reestablished him as a sharp comedic actor on the scene. He also co-hosted Top Gear and starred in the sitcom Man with a Plan. LeBlanc has mostly kept a quiet personal life, focusing on raising his daughter (now 21). While he's not in the spotlight as often as his former co-stars, fans always cheer his appearances — and still adore him.

Matthew Perry brought intensely sharp wit and physical comedy to the role of Chandler Bing — and fans adored him. Though he had worked in TV before, Friends launched him into stardom. Offscreen, Perry was beloved for his humor and charm, but behind the scenes, he struggled with addiction during parts of the show’s run. His chemistry with the rest of the ensemble cast, and especially his love interest Courteney Cox, helped anchor the show. Perry’s quick delivery and emotional vulnerability gave Chandler depth — and made Perry one of the era’s most relatable comedic actors.

After Friends, Perry acted in various TV series and stage productions. Off stage and screen, he spoke candidly about his longtime battles with addiction, becoming a vocal advocate for recovery and mental health awareness. His 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, was widely praised for its raw candor — digging deep into the addictions that had plagued him during his Friends years and beyond, and ending with optimism for his recovery and future. But tragically, Perry passed away in 2023, the result of a ketamine overdose. He is remembered not only for his on-screen humor and charm, but also for his courage in sharing his own story as a way to try to help others suffering with addiction-related struggles.