The Six Icons Of Central Perk: Who Played Friends And Where Are They Now In 2025?

Few television ensembles have achieved the global, enduring fame of the cast of Friends. The beloved sitcom, which ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004, introduced the world to six iconic characters whose lives revolved around a purple apartment and a coffee shop called Central Perk. Nearly two decades after the finale, and with the tragic passing of one of its stars, fan curiosity about "who played Friends" and what they are doing now remains as strong as ever. This comprehensive, updated guide, current as of December 2025, looks at the core six, their careers, and the powerful legacy they continue to build together.

The success of Friends was built on the undeniable chemistry between its six leads, who famously negotiated their salaries as a group, eventually earning $1 million per episode in the final seasons. Their on-screen personas—Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross—became cultural touchstones, launching the careers of the actors into superstardom and ensuring they would forever be known as one of the most successful casts in television history.

The Central Six: Complete Biographies of the Core Cast

The main cast of Friends consists of six actors, each embodying a unique, memorable character. Here are the full profiles of the six stars who defined a generation of comedy:

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• Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green)
  • Born: February 11, 1969, Sherman Oaks, California, U.S.
  • Character: The fashion-loving, sometimes spoiled, but ultimately kind-hearted waitress-turned-fashion executive.
  • Post-Friends Highlights: A highly successful film career in romantic comedies and dramas (e.g., Marley & Me, Horrible Bosses) and a return to critical television success as an actress and executive producer on the Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show.
• Courteney Cox (Monica Geller)
  • Born: June 15, 1964, Birmingham, Alabama, U.S.
  • Character: The competitive, obsessively neat, and nurturing chef of the group.
  • Post-Friends Highlights: Starring role in the hit sitcom Cougar Town (2009–2015), the horror film franchise Scream, and the home renovation series 9 Months with Courteney Cox.
• Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)
  • Born: July 30, 1963, Encino, California, U.S.
  • Character: The quirky, free-spirited masseuse and folk singer known for her song "Smelly Cat."
  • Post-Friends Highlights: Critically acclaimed roles in HBO’s The Comeback, producing the genealogy series Who Do You Think You Are?, and starring in films like P.S. I Love You and Booksmart.
• Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani)
  • Born: July 25, 1967, Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.
  • Character: The lovable, dim-witted, womanizing actor with a heart of gold.
  • Post-Friends Highlights: The spin-off series Joey, the self-parodying role in the BBC/Showtime comedy Episodes (winning a Golden Globe), and hosting the BBC series Top Gear.
• Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)
  • Born: August 19, 1969, Williamstown, Massachusetts, U.S.
  • Character: The sarcastic, witty, and emotionally guarded data processor.
  • Post-Friends Highlights: Roles in films like The Whole Nine Yards and 17 Again, starring in the short-lived series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and publishing the candid memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Perry tragically passed away on October 28, 2023.
• David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)
  • Born: November 2, 1966, Queens, New York, U.S.
  • Character: The nerdy, often unlucky-in-love paleontologist.
  • Post-Friends Highlights: Critically praised for his role as Robert Kardashian in American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson, extensive work in theater as a director and actor, and co-founding the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago.

2025 Updates: The Cast's Latest Projects and Enduring Legacy

The surviving five cast members have maintained a close-knit bond, a relationship that has become even more poignant following the death of Matthew Perry. Their current projects and joint efforts demonstrate an ongoing commitment to their careers and to honoring their late co-star.

Jennifer Aniston: From Rachel Green to Global Producer

Jennifer Aniston remains arguably the most visible member of the cast, continuing her status as a Hollywood A-lister. As of late 2025, Aniston is heavily involved in the production of the fourth season of her highly successful Apple TV+ drama, The Morning Show, where she stars alongside Reese Witherspoon. She is also set to star in a new Apple TV+ series inspired by the memoir of former child actor Jennette McCurdy, showcasing her continued focus on complex, high-profile streaming projects. Her commercial partnerships also remain current, with a 2025 smartwater® campaign reinforcing her timeless, marketable appeal.

Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow: The Power of Friendship

Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow often appear together, symbolizing the real-life friendship that mirrored their characters Monica Geller and Phoebe Buffay. In a fresh 2025 update, the two were featured in a joint commercial for the mobile game *Royal Kingdom*, demonstrating their chemistry can still sell. Cox has continued her work in the horror genre with her role in the Scream franchise, while Kudrow has focused on producing and voice acting, frequently appearing in comedic and dramatic guest roles across various platforms, including her acclaimed work in the show *The Comeback*.

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David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc: Directing, Theater, and New Roles

David Schwimmer, known for his work as Ross Geller, has consistently balanced acting with his passion for directing and theatre. His current focus in 2025 includes his continued involvement with the non-profit Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, which he co-founded. Schwimmer's dedication to the stage and independent film projects often keeps him out of the major Hollywood spotlight, but his recent work includes voicing the role of Melman in the *Madagascar* franchise.

For Matt LeBlanc, the actor who brought Joey Tribbiani to life, recent news is mixed. While some reports from late 2024 and 2025 hinted at a return to a new sitcom or a more serious on-screen role, others suggested he was stepping away from acting to enjoy a quieter, private life after his successful run on Episodes and *Top Gear*. This contrast highlights the different paths the cast members have taken, with LeBlanc prioritizing his personal life over the constant demands of the industry.

The Undying Legacy of Matthew Perry and the Foundation

The most significant and moving update for the Friends cast in the 2024-2025 period centers on the legacy of Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing). Following his passing in October 2023, the remaining cast members have been actively involved in honoring his memory.

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The Matthew Perry Foundation was established to help those struggling with addiction, a cause Perry championed throughout his life. The five surviving co-stars—Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer—have publicly supported the foundation, including a recent collaboration to auction off signed artwork to raise funds. This collective effort underscores their enduring bond and their commitment to continuing Perry’s mission, turning the personal tragedy into a lasting, positive impact.

Beyond the Core: Essential Recurring Characters and Their Actors (Topical Authority)

The world of Friends was enriched by a host of recurring characters, many of whom became household names themselves. Mentioning these key entities adds crucial topical authority to the article:

• Janice Litman-Goralnik: Played by Maggie Wheeler, Janice was Chandler's on-again, off-again girlfriend, instantly recognizable for her nasal voice and catchphrase, "Oh. My. God!"
• Gunther: Played by the late James Michael Tyler, Gunther was the manager and barista at Central Perk, known for his unrequited love for Rachel Green. Tyler sadly passed away in 2021, but his character remains a fan favorite.
• Mike Hannigan: Played by the now-superstar Paul Rudd, Mike was Phoebe Buffay’s eventual husband. Rudd has since become a major movie star, notably as Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• Dr. Richard Burke: Played by veteran actor Tom Selleck, Richard was Monica's older boyfriend and a close friend of her parents, Jack Geller (Elliott Gould) and Judy Geller (Christina Pickles).
• Ursula Buffay: Also played by Lisa Kudrow, Ursula was Phoebe's twin sister, a recurring gag that connected *Friends* to Kudrow's earlier work on *Mad About You*.
• Frank Buffay Jr.: Played by Giovanni Ribisi, Phoebe's eccentric younger half-brother.
• Estelle Leonard: Played by June Gable, Joey’s long-suffering talent agent.
• Carole Willick and Susan Bunch: Ross’s ex-wife and her partner, played by Jane Sibbett and Jessica Hecht, respectively, who helped normalize same-sex relationships on mainstream TV.

The talented cast who played *Friends*, both the core six and the memorable supporting players, created a show that continues to find new audiences globally. Their individual careers and their collective efforts to honor Matthew Perry’s memory ensure that the legacy of Friends remains vibrant and relevant in 2025.