"Friends" cast: Then and now
Your friends will always be there for you – and these "Friends" will, too.
"Friends" debuted on Sept. 22, 1994 -- meaning the comedy series is now 20 years old. During its run, the show spawned "The Rachel" haircut craze, the "Smelly Cat" song, countless one-liners and shot the cast's six stars to, well, stardom.
In celebration of the "Friends"-iversary, we're taking a look at the cast, their characters and what they're all doing now.
Jennifer Aniston - Then
Jennifer Aniston played Rachel Green, who begins the show as a spoiled suburban rich girl who moves in with childhood pal Monica after leaving her fiance at the altar – and getting cut off financially by her father.
She gets a job at Central Perk, before later moving into a career in fashion and an on-again, off-again relationship with Monica's brother, Ross, with whom she has a daughter by the end of the series.
Jennifer Aniston - Now
Since "Friends" ended, Aniston's movie career took off and her relationships (her marriage and split from Brad Pitt, now her engagement to Justin Theroux) began dominating tabloid headlines. Her film credits include "Along Came Polly," "The Break-Up" and "Horrible Bosses" (and its upcoming sequel). In September 2014, she received critical praise for her role in the film "Cake," which was featured at the Toronto Film Festival.
Courteney Cox - Then
Courteney Cox played Monica Gellar, the younger sister to Ross and friend/roommate to Rachel. A chef who struggled with her weight in high school, she's known for her bossiness and obsessive-compulsive tendencies. She later marries Chandler and the two adopt twins.
Courteney Cox - Now
Courteney Cox went on to appear in the "Scream" films, alongside future husband (and now ex-husband) David Arquette, and has found continued fame on TV. She starred on the FX series "Dirt" and has played Jules Cobb on the ABC-turned-TBS series "Cougar Town" since 2009. The comedy's sixth and final season will premiere in 2015.
Matt LeBlanc -Then
Matt LeBlanc played Joey Tribbiani, a struggling actor who lives across the hall from Rachel and Monica with his roommate, Chandler. He's loyal and has good intentions but isn't quite that bright, and made frequent use of the phrase, "How you doin'?" -- especially when trying to woo the ladies.
Matt LeBlanc - Now
After "Friends" ended, Matt LeBlanc played Joey for two more seasons its spinoff, "Joey." These days, he's playing a version of himself on the Showtime comedy "Episodes," a role that earned him a Golden Globe in 2012.
Lisa Kudrow -Then
Lisa Kudrow played Phoebe Buffay, a masseuse and musician known for her wacky stories, guitar-playing and eccentric personality. She's the quirky one of the group, but has a good heart and even acted as a surrogate for her younger brother and his wife, giving birth to their triplets.
Lisa Kudrow - Now
Lisa Kudrow's TV roles continued post-"Friends" with the short-lived HBO series "The Comeback," which is now getting a second season airing in November 2014. She also stars on the Showtime series "Web Therapy." Kudrow has starred in numerous films including "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion," "Analyze This" and "Easy A."
Matthew Perry - Then
Matthew Perry played Chandler Bing, Joey's roommate and Monica's future husband. An exeucitve who works in statistical analysis and data reconfiguration, he's known for his sarcasm and often starting sentences with, "Could that beany more..."
Matthew Perry - Now
Post-"Friends," Matthew Perry starred in the short-lived shows "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," "Mr. Sunshine" and "Go On," and earned acclaim for his portrayal of Ron Clark in the TV movie "The Ron Clark Story." He'll star next in an updated version of "The Odd Couple," set to air on CBS in 2015.
David Schwimmer - Then
David Schwimmer played Ross Gellar, a paleontologist and Monica's older brother, as well as Chandler's best friend. Neurotic and clumsy, he's loved Rachel since their childhood -- and even said her name instead of Emily's at their wedding in season 4. He has one son and three failed marriages, and by the end of the series he and Rachel have a daughter, Emma, and confess that they are still in love with one another.
David Schwimmer - Now
David Schwimmer lent his voice to the role of Melman in the "Madagascar" films, and has appeared in roles on "Web Therapy" (starring his former "Friends" cast mate Lisa Kudrow), "30 Rock" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm." He was also in the TV miniseries "Band of Brothers" can be seen in films including "The Iceman," "Apt Pupil" and "Six Days Seven Nights." He's also directed projects and appeared in theater roles on Broadway and in London's West End.
Central Perk
Central Perk is the (fictional) New York City coffee shop where the "Friends" gang would gather to caffeinate and catch up. Rachel worked there early on in the series, and the group often encountered the establishment's manager, Gunther (played by James Michael Tyler).
Central Perk
Central Perk became a real-life destination when a pop-up version opened in New York in September 2014, to mark the 20th anniversary of "Friends." The shop will remain open through Oct. 18, 2014, and James Michael Tyler (aka Gunther) even made an appearance.
Central Perk
Another look inside the Central Perk pop-up celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Friends" on Sept. 16, 2014, in New York.
The "Friends"
The "Friends," from left: Ross Gellar (David Schwimmer), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Gellar (Courteney Cox), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc).