Every Main Actor from ‘Friends’ Ranked by Career After the Show

The TV show ‘Friends’ ran from 1994 to 2004, turning its six main actors into global icons. Their roles as Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe defined a generation of comedy and left a lasting mark on pop culture.

After the show ended, each actor took a different path in Hollywood, from blockbuster movies to TV hits and even behind-the-scenes work. I’ve ranked them based on their post-‘Friends’ career success, looking at their projects’ impact, variety, and staying power.

6. Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing)

Matthew Perry, beloved for his sarcastic Chandler, faced challenges after ‘Friends’. His TV projects often struggled to find a foothold, but he showed flashes of brilliance elsewhere.

Perry starred in ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ (2006-2007) and ‘Go On’ (2012-2013), both canceled after one season. His role in ‘The Whole Nine Yards’ (2000) was a hit, but the sequel flopped. He earned praise for guest spots on ‘The Good Wife’ (2012-2013) and his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (2022), which detailed his addiction struggles, was a bestseller before his passing in 2023.

5. Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani)

Matt LeBlanc leaned into his comedic roots after playing lovable Joey. While he didn’t chase movie stardom, he found steady success on TV with a mix of hits and misses.

His spinoff ‘Joey’ (2004-2006) lasted two seasons but never matched ‘Friends’ magic. LeBlanc bounced back with ‘Episodes’ (2011-2017), playing a version of himself and earning a Golden Globe. Films like ‘Lost in Space’ (1998) and ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (2000) were fun but forgettable. His role in ‘Man with a Plan’ (2016-2020) kept him in the sitcom game.

4. David Schwimmer (Ross Geller)

David Schwimmer, the sensitive Ross, took a quieter but versatile route. He balanced acting with directing and voice work, showing range beyond sitcoms.

Schwimmer voiced Melman in the ‘Madagascar’ series (2005-2012), a major animated hit. His role as Robert Kardashian in ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson’ (2016) earned an Emmy nod, proving his dramatic chops. Directing films like ‘Run Fatboy Run’ (2007) and guest spots in ‘Will & Grace’ (2018-2019) kept him active, though he’s stayed out of the spotlight compared to others.

3. Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay)

Lisa Kudrow, the quirky Phoebe, carved out a unique path with bold choices. Her knack for picking smart, offbeat projects earned her critical praise.

Kudrow’s ‘The Comeback’ (2005, 2014) was a cult hit, showcasing her as a desperate actress in a sharp satire. She created and starred in ‘Web Therapy’ (2011-2015), earning Emmy nods. Films like ‘Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion’ (1997), ‘Easy A’ (2010), and ‘Booksmart’ (2019) highlighted her range. Producing ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ (2010-2022) added to her impressive resume.

2. Courteney Cox (Monica Geller)

Courteney Cox, known for Monica’s neat-freak charm, built a solid career blending TV and film. Her horror franchise work and producing efforts stand out.

Cox starred as Gale Weathers in the ‘Scream’ series (1996-2023), a horror staple that kept her relevant. Her sitcom ‘Cougar Town’ (2009-2015) ran six seasons and showed her comedic range. She also directed episodes and produced projects like ‘Celebrity Name Game’ (2014-2017). Her recent role in ‘Shining Vale’ (2022-2023) mixed horror and comedy, keeping her versatile.

1. Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green)

Jennifer Aniston, the fashion-forward Rachel, became a Hollywood powerhouse. Her mix of box-office hits and TV success makes her the clear frontrunner.

Aniston starred in rom-coms like ‘The Break-Up’ (2006), ‘Marley & Me’ (2008), and ‘Horrible Bosses’ (2011), which were commercial wins. Her dramatic role in ‘Cake’ (2014) earned Golden Globe buzz. She returned to TV with ‘The Morning Show’ (2019-present), nabbing Emmy nominations and proving her star power. Her endorsements and production work further cemented her as a household name.

Which ‘Friends’ star’s career surprised you most, or did I miss a standout project? Drop your thoughts in the comments!