The One Where They Grew Up: Friends Stars Then And Now—Shocking 2025 Updates

It has been over two decades since the final episode of *Friends* aired, yet the enduring legacy of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross continues to dominate streaming platforms and cultural conversations worldwide. This iconic sitcom, which premiered 30 years ago in 1994, created six of the biggest television stars in history, who famously negotiated an unprecedented $1 million per episode paycheck by the final seasons. As of December 2025, the lives and careers of the beloved cast members have taken fascinating, and in one case, deeply tragic turns, with the surviving five members forging unique paths in Hollywood, entrepreneurship, and even semi-retirement, all while honoring the memory of their late co-star, Matthew Perry. The world of the *Friends* cast is constantly evolving, marked by major career announcements, personal milestones, and a collective commitment to celebrating the show’s timeless appeal. From Courteney Cox's return to a major horror franchise to Matt LeBlanc's surprising retreat from the public eye, here is a detailed, up-to-the-minute look at where the *Friends* stars are now, their latest projects, and the surprising details of their enduring bond.

The Six Friends: Complete Biography and Net Worth (2025)

To understand the current paths of the six actors, it is essential to first look at the foundations of their careers and their financial success, a testament to the show's global syndication and their subsequent projects.

• Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green)
  • Born: February 11, 1969 (Age 56)
  • Role: Rachel Green, the fashion-forward runaway bride.
  • Primary Post-Friends Career: Film Actress, TV Producer (*The Morning Show*), Entrepreneur (LolaVie).
  • Estimated Net Worth: ~$320 Million
• Courteney Cox (Monica Geller)
  • Born: June 15, 1964 (Age 61)
  • Role: Monica Geller, the competitive, clean freak chef.
  • Primary Post-Friends Career: TV Actress (*Cougar Town*, *Shining Vale*), Director, Entrepreneur (Homecourt).
  • Current Partner: Johnny McDaid (Snow Patrol)
  • Estimated Net Worth: ~$150 Million
• Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)
  • Born: July 30, 1963 (Age 62)
  • Role: Phoebe Buffay, the eccentric masseuse and musician.
  • Primary Post-Friends Career: Writer, Producer, Actress (*The Comeback*, *Web Therapy*).
  • Current Partner: Michel Stern (Married 1995)
  • Estimated Net Worth: ~$130 Million
• Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani)
  • Born: July 25, 1967 (Age 58)
  • Role: Joey Tribbiani, the dim-witted but lovable ladies' man.
  • Primary Post-Friends Career: TV Actor (*Episodes*), TV Host (*Top Gear*).
  • Estimated Net Worth: ~$85 Million
• David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)
  • Born: November 2, 1966 (Age 59)
  • Role: Ross Geller, the paleontologist with bad luck.
  • Primary Post-Friends Career: Director, Stage Actor, TV Actor (*American Crime Story*).
  • Estimated Net Worth: ~$120 Million
• Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)
  • Born: August 19, 1969
  • Passed Away: October 28, 2023
  • Role: Chandler Bing, the sarcastic IT executive.
  • Legacy: The Matthew Perry Foundation.

The Five Friends: Fresh Career Updates for 2025

While the six main cast members earned approximately $136 million each just from the original run and early syndication deals, their recent careers show a drive for creative fulfillment over pure financial gain.

Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green): The Powerhouse Producer

Jennifer Aniston remains arguably the most recognizable face from the cast, skillfully balancing major film roles with her highly-acclaimed television work. Her career is currently anchored by her role as executive producer and star of the Apple TV+ drama, *The Morning Show* (TMS).

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The Latest: As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, Aniston was actively on set filming the highly anticipated fourth season of *The Morning Show*. Her performance as news anchor Alex Levy continues to garner critical praise, proving her dramatic chops long after her time as Rachel Green. Fans can also look forward to her upcoming film project, *Hail Mary*, showcasing her continued commitment to the big screen. Beyond acting, Aniston launched a "very exciting" new campaign with Smartwater in late 2024, demonstrating her continued influence in the endorsement and brand space.

Courteney Cox (Monica Geller): Scream Queen and Home Boss

Courteney Cox has embraced her versatile career, moving seamlessly between comedy, horror, and entrepreneurship. Her character, Monica Geller, was the heart of the group, and Cox’s real-life persona is equally driven, notably with her successful home care brand, Homecourt.

The Latest: In a major update for horror fans, Cox officially joined the cast of *Scream 7* in December 2024, reprising her iconic role as the tenacious reporter Gale Weathers. This return cements her status as a true "Scream Queen." On a personal note, Cox has been open about navigating the "empty nest phase" after her daughter Coco Arquette moved out, sharing the emotional challenges of this new chapter in late 2024. She also continues to be a vocal entrepreneur, offering frank advice to fellow business owners at the 2024 Inc. 5000 Conference.

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Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay): The Comedic Creator

Lisa Kudrow, who played the quirky Phoebe Buffay, has always been the most creatively experimental of the group, focusing on projects that highlight her unique comedic voice. Her work often involves producing and writing, such as her acclaimed series *The Comeback* and *Web Therapy*.

The Latest: In November 2024, Kudrow was promoting her role in the star-studded Netflix series *No Good Deed*. Furthermore, fans of her cult-hit show *The Comeback* were thrilled by the announcement of a third season, set to premiere in March 2026. When asked about her character in a 2024 interview, Kudrow mused that Phoebe would likely be running a successful, slightly unusual, holistic business today.

Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani): The Recluse

Matt LeBlanc, beloved for his portrayal of Joey Tribbiani, has taken the most dramatic step back from the spotlight. After the successful run of his sitcom *Episodes* and his stint as a host on *Top Gear*, LeBlanc has chosen a path of seclusion.

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The Latest: LeBlanc has been spotted in rare public outings since late 2023. Reports in 2024 indicated that the actor is financially comfortable and has chosen to step away from acting, reportedly seeking to focus on personal interests. Sources close to the star have suggested that his increasingly secluded lifestyle is a conscious effort to avoid the pitfalls of fame that tragically affected his close friend, Matthew Perry.

David Schwimmer (Ross Geller): The Director and Character Actor

David Schwimmer, who masterfully played the neurotic Ross Geller, has consistently pursued a diverse career in directing for both stage and screen, alongside select acting roles that challenge him.

The Latest: Schwimmer kicked off 2024 with a prominent role in the television series *Goosebumps: The Vanishing*, which premiered in January. He was also confirmed to be part of the second season of the *Goosebumps* franchise, showcasing his willingness to embrace family-friendly and genre-based projects. Schwimmer continues to attend industry events, including the 2024 Disney Upfront, maintaining a steady and selective presence in Hollywood.

The Enduring Legacy of Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) in 2025

The entire *Friends* community was shaken by the passing of Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) on October 28, 2023. As the first anniversary of his death passed in late 2024, his legacy remains a central, emotional topic for the cast and fans.

Honoring His Memory: Perry’s impact was deeply felt throughout the 2024 awards season, with emotional "In Memoriam" tributes dedicated to him at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Emmys. The most significant continuation of his life's work is the Matthew Perry Foundation, which was established to honor his profound wish to help others struggling with addiction. The Foundation, which is fiercely protective of his legacy, continues its mission to bring hope to those battling substance abuse, fulfilling what Perry considered his most important work.

The close-knit bond of the remaining five cast members—often referred to as the "Friends 5"—has only strengthened in the wake of this loss. Their public and private support for one another, and their collective effort to keep Perry’s memory alive through his foundation, serves as a poignant real-life echo of the unconditional friendship they portrayed on screen for a decade.