It has literally been 21 years since Friends burst on to our TV screens and subsequently into our hearts.
The first season of the sitcom began on September 22 in 1994 and for ten years Rachel, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe made us laugh with their hilarious antics.
The show, which shone a light on the New York native’s every day lives, became a cultural phenomenon and demonstrated a new era of friends becoming your family – truly cementing the notion of “I’ll be there for you” which was made so famous in the opening theme song by The Rembrandts.
While the series ended over ten years ago, we are still as obsessed as ever with the cast made up of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry.
The show was nominated for 62 Emmys and scored the gong for the Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002. Meanwhile Jen and Lisa were the only two stars from the ensemble cast to win individual Emmys for their work. And while there is still no sign of an official reunion, we’ll keep crossing our fingers…
In honour of the show starting 21 years ago, we take a look at where the cast of Friends are now!
Can you believe it’s been 21 years since Friends hit our screens?! The show first aired on September 22, 1994 and unbeknownst to the world, six little-known actors – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry – would become household names.
Leading ladies! Monica, Phoebe and Rachel in their first (L) and last episode (R)
Let’s hear it for the lads! Chandler, Joey, Ross, in their first (L) and last episode (R).
Jennifer Aniston, 46, taught how to have amazing hair as Rachel Green but the actress has since gone on to become a Hollywood superstar. She made headlines as Brad Pitt’s jilted ex-wife but has since found love and happiness with Justin Theroux. The television star also made a shift to film, with starring roles in Along Came Polly, Friends With Money, The Break-Up, Marley & Me, Horrible Bosses, and countless others. Most recently Jen received a Golden Globe nomination for her role in the critically-acclaimed flick Cake.
In the Nineties Courteney Cox was a Scream queen and the hilarious Monica Geller. Today the actress is mum to daughter, Coco, and has continued working in front of the camera. When the 51-year-old is not Jen Aniston’s bestie, Courteney is the lead star in the sitcom, Cougar Town. She is also happily engaged to Snowpatrol rocker Johnny McDaid.
Lisa Kudrow, 52, has come a long way since her days as the the whimsical Phoebe. Making many appearances in some of our favourite flicks like P.S I Love You and Easy A, the actress now stars in the incredibly witty web-series-turned-Showtime-comedy Web Therapy. For fans of the funnylady, Lisa is in talks to bring back her series The Comeback. In her spare time, Lisa sings Smelly Cat with Taylor Swift.
We’re not exactly pivoting over David Schwimmer’s career post-Ross. Making various appearances in a few shows, his highlight would have to be his his very funny guest role on Matt LeBlanc’s show, Episodes and his cameo as the over zealous environmentalist Greenzo on 30 Rock.
Could he be on any more TV shows!? Matthew Perry has held onto his dry wit since his days as Chandler Bing. Starring in a series of series that never quite lived up to his potential, the actor has found a home in the new sitcom, The Odd Couple, which the 46-year-old co-wrote.
How you doin’ Matt LeBlanc? Very well! The 48-year-old snagged his first Golden Globe for his show Episodes – where he plays a fictionalized version of himself. The show has just been renewed for a fourth season.
Remember Rachel and Ross’ baby girl, Emma Gellar-Green? She was played by twins Noelle and Cali Sheldon, who are now 12-years-old! “I grew up knowing that I was on Friends, but I didn’t realize the extent of it until I was probably 10,” Noelle admitted to Entertainment Tonight about her time on the show.
Who could ever forget Ben Gellar? The adorable son-of-Ross was played by Cole Sprouse. The 22-year-old in now a graduate with honours (after-all he is Ross’ son!) from New York University.
Friends will always be there for you! Here’s to another 21 years!
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