Who Went on to Greater Fame? Ranking the ‘Friends’ Cast After the Show!

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The television series ‘Friends’ aired from 1994 to 2004, transforming its six principal actors into internationally recognized figures. Their portrayals of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe shaped an era of comedy and left an indelible impact on popular culture.

Following the conclusion of the show, each actor embarked on a distinct Hollywood journey, spanning blockbuster films, hit TV series, and even roles behind the scenes. I’ve organized them based on their post-“Friends” career achievements, considering factors such as the influence of their projects, the range of opportunities they’ve pursued, and the longevity of their work.

6. Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)

Matthew Perry, renowned for his sarcastic portrayal of Chandler, encountered difficulties following the conclusion of ‘Friends’. Numerous television productions he was involved in failed to gain traction, however, he displayed moments of exceptional talent in other areas.

Perry gained prominence by appearing in ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ (2006-2007) and ‘Go On’ (2012-2013), unfortunately, both shows were terminated after a single season. However, his performance in ‘The Whole Nine Yards’ (2000) was well-received, but the follow-up movie underperformed. He garnered acclaim for his guest appearances on ‘The Good Wife’ (2012-2013), and his memoir titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (2022) detailing his battles with addiction, became a bestseller before his demise in 2023.

5. Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani)

Matt LeBlanc delved back into his humorous background following his portrayal of endearing Joey. Although he didn’t actively pursue film fame, he maintained consistent success on television, striking a balance between hits and less successful projects.

Matt LeBlanc’s spinoff ‘Joey’ (2004-2006) spanned two seasons, yet it never recaptured the enchantment of his original series, ‘Friends’. However, he made a strong comeback with ‘Episodes’ (2011-2017), where he portrayed a character similar to himself and won a Golden Globe. Movies such as ‘Lost in Space’ (1998) and ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2000) offered enjoyable moments, but they didn’t leave lasting impressions. His stint in ‘Man with a Plan’ (2016-2020) kept him active in the sitcom realm.

4. David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)

David Schwimmer, known for his sensitive portrayal of Ross, opted for a more subdued yet multi-faceted career path. By skillfully juggling acting, directing, and voiceover work, he demonstrated an extensive talent that transcended the realm of sitcoms.

In the ‘Madagascar’ animated series (2005-2012), Schwimmer lent his voice to Melman. This role, along with his portrayal of Robert Kardashian in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’ (2016), gained him an Emmy nomination, showcasing his acting abilities. Outside of this, he directed films such as ‘Run Fatboy Run’ (2007) and made guest appearances on ‘Will & Grace’ (2018-2019). Despite these endeavors, Schwimmer has maintained a relatively low profile compared to some other celebrities.

3. Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)

Lisa Kudrow, known for her unconventional character Phoebe, paved a distinctive route through her daring decisions. Her talent for selecting intelligent and eccentric roles garnered her acclaim from critics.

Kudrow’s show ‘The Comeback’ (released in 2005 and 2014) was a popular choice among niche audiences, featuring her as a struggling actress in a biting comedy critique. She not only starred in it but also played a significant role in its creation. From 2011 to 2015, she appeared in ‘Web Therapy’, garnering Emmy nominations. Her versatility as an actress is evident in films like ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’ (1997), ‘Easy A’ (2010), and ‘Booksmart’ (2019). Additionally, her role as a producer on ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ (2010-2022) further enriches her impressive portfolio.

2. Courteney Cox (Monica Geller)

Courteney Cox, famed for her impeccably organized character Monica, has crafted a robust career by seamlessly merging television and cinema. Her notable contributions to horror films and her production ventures truly shine.

Courtney Cox played Gale Weathers across the ‘Scream’ franchise from 1996 to 2023, a popular horror series that maintained her fame. Her television show ‘Cougar Town’, which spanned six seasons from 2009 to 2015, demonstrated her comedic prowess. Additionally, she directed episodes and produced projects such as ‘Celebrity Name Game’ between 2014 and 2017. In the recent series ‘Shining Vale’ (2022-2023), Cox showcased her versatility by blending horror and comedy.

1. Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green)

Jennifer Aniston, famed for her trendsetting character Rachel, rose to become a dominant force in Hollywood. The combination of her blockbuster films and television triumphs clearly places her as the leading contender.

Jennifer Aniston has been featured in successful romantic comedies such as ‘The Break-Up’ (2006), ‘Marley & Me’ (2008), and ‘Horrible Bosses’ (2011). Her dramatic performance in ‘Cake’ (2014) generated buzz for a Golden Globe Award. More recently, she made her comeback on television with ‘The Morning Show’ (2019-present), earning Emmy nominations and demonstrating her enduring stardom. Additionally, her endorsements and production projects have solidified her status as a well-known figure in households everywhere.

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2025-07-13 08:46