The One Where They're Still Working: 5 Friends Cast Members' Shocking New Projects In 2025
The legacy of Friends remains one of the most powerful forces in television history, but two decades after the final episode, the lives of the six iconic stars continue to evolve in surprising and highly successful ways. As of December 2025, the remaining cast members are busier than ever, moving beyond the shadow of their beloved characters—Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Ross Geller, and Joey Tribbiani—to take on new, diverse roles in film, television, and production.
The collective focus of the group has also shifted to preserving the memory of their late co-star, Matthew Perry, whose passing in 2023 profoundly affected both the cast and millions of fans worldwide. Their current work, combined with their ongoing philanthropic efforts, proves that the bond forged on the set of the legendary NBC sitcom is stronger than ever.
The Central Perk Six: A Current Cast Biography and Profile
The core ensemble of the Friends cast—known as the "Central Perk Six"—have each built colossal careers. Here is a look at the biographical details and key recent updates for the legendary group, who first came together under the direction of creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman.
- Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green):
- Born: February 11, 1969, Sherman Oaks, California.
- Role: Fashion-forward Rachel Green, famous for her "The Rachel" haircut.
- Current Project (2025): Continuing to star in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show as Alex Levy. She is also developing an untitled new film project with Sophie Goodhart.
- Courteney Cox (Monica Geller):
- Born: June 15, 1964, Birmingham, Alabama.
- Role: The competitive, neat-freak chef Monica Geller.
- Current Project (2025): Recently appeared on the HGTV show Celebrity IOU, teaming up with the Property Brothers (Drew and Jonathan Scott) for a home renovation. She continues to be involved in the Scream film franchise as Gale Weathers.
- Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay):
- Born: July 30, 1963, Encino, California.
- Role: The quirky, free-spirited masseuse and folk singer Phoebe Buffay.
- Current Project (2025): Starring in the Max horror/comedy film The Parenting alongside Parker Posey. She is also featured in the Netflix series No Good Deed.
- Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani):
- Born: July 25, 1967, Newton, Massachusetts.
- Role: The lovable, dim-witted actor Joey Tribbiani, famous for his catchphrase.
- Current Project (2025): While his last major series was Man with a Plan, LeBlanc has a multi-camera comedy pilot in development called I'm Not Your Friend, suggesting a return to the sitcom format.
- Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing):
- Born: August 19, 1969, Williamstown, Massachusetts.
- Role: The sarcastic, witty, and emotionally guarded Chandler Bing.
- Legacy (2025): His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, continues to be a resource for those struggling with addiction. His legacy is now primarily carried on by The Matthew Perry Foundation.
- David Schwimmer (Ross Geller):
- Born: November 2, 1966, Queens, New York.
- Role: The often-divorced, paleontologist Ross Geller.
- Current Project (2025): Taking on a darker, more dramatic role in the latest season of the Disney+ horror anthology series, Goosebumps: The Vanishing.
The Shocking Career Shifts: From Sitcom to Horror and Drama
The biggest curiosity for fans is how the cast has managed to avoid being typecast after spending a decade as their iconic Friends characters. The answer lies in their willingness to embrace radically different genres, moving far beyond the comforts of the laugh track and the familiar couch at Central Perk.
Jennifer Aniston: The Queen of Prestige TV and Producing
Jennifer Aniston, who played the beloved Rachel Green, has solidified her status as a major Hollywood producer and dramatic actress. Her work on The Morning Show, where she plays the high-powered news anchor Alex Levy, has earned her multiple accolades, proving she can command a serious drama with the same intensity she brought to comedy.
In 2025, her focus remains on developing projects through her production company, Echo Films. She is actively working on a new film with writer-director Sophie Goodhart.
David Schwimmer: Embracing the Dark Side
Perhaps the most surprising career pivot belongs to David Schwimmer, who transitioned from the lovable, often-awkward paleontologist Ross Geller to a chilling figure in the horror genre.
In early 2025, Schwimmer is set to star in the second season of the Disney+ series Goosebumps: The Vanishing.
His role is a significant departure from his comedic roots, showcasing his range in a suspenseful, dramatic setting. This willingness to explore darker material, something he also touched on in his directorial work, is a testament to his commitment to challenging his public image.
Lisa Kudrow: A Return to Quirky Comedy and Max Originals
Lisa Kudrow, who gave life to the musical and eccentric Phoebe Buffay, has consistently gravitated toward smart, character-driven comedy. Her groundbreaking HBO series, The Comeback, remains a cult favorite, and she continues to seek out roles that play on her unique comedic timing.
In 2025, Kudrow is starring in The Parenting, a horror/comedy film from Max. The film, which also features Brian Cox, is a dark ensemble piece that sees Kudrow returning to an unsettling, yet humorous, family dynamic.
She is also featured in the Netflix dark comedy series No Good Deed, further demonstrating her preference for streaming platforms and projects with a satirical edge.
Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc: Home Renovation and Sitcom Roots
Courteney Cox (Monica Geller) and Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani) have maintained a presence in traditional television. Cox, known for her role in the Scream movies as Gale Weathers, recently showcased her passion for interior design and philanthropy on HGTV’s Celebrity IOU.
She teamed up with the Scott brothers to renovate the home of a close friend, demonstrating her commitment to her personal relationships, a theme that echoes the core of Friends.
Matt LeBlanc has been more selective with his acting roles since his successful run on the CBS sitcom Man with a Plan. However, news of a pilot order for a new multi-camera comedy called I'm Not Your Friend is a promising sign for fans of his classic sitcom style.
The Matthew Perry Foundation: A Bond Beyond the Screen
The most significant and moving update regarding the Friends cast in 2025 is their unified effort to honor Matthew Perry, who passed away in October 2023. Perry’s candor about his struggles with addiction, detailed in his memoir, has become a powerful part of his legacy.
The remaining five cast members—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer—have publicly and privately supported The Matthew Perry Foundation. This organization was established to aid those struggling with substance abuse.
In a heartwarming display of their enduring friendship, the cast reunited to sign exclusive artwork for the foundation. This initiative, which took place in late 2024 and extended into 2025, helped raise a significant amount of money and awareness for the foundation’s mission.
This collective action serves as a poignant tribute to Perry, ensuring that his life's mission to help others achieve sobriety continues. Their shared grief and subsequent dedication to his cause have only deepened the public's appreciation for the genuine bond between the actors, reminding everyone that they are not just co-stars, but a true family.
The Enduring Topical Authority of Friends
The continued success of the Friends cast highlights the show's enduring topical authority. The sitcom, which ran for 10 seasons, remains a cultural touchstone due to its relatability and timeless humor. The characters—from Chandler Bing's sarcasm to Ross and Rachel's tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship—created a template for modern ensemble comedy.
The cast members are not just actors; they are cultural entities whose every career move is scrutinized. Their ability to successfully navigate the post-sitcom landscape, taking on roles in prestige dramas, horror anthologies, and new sitcom pilots, demonstrates their immense talent and versatility. Their continued friendship, especially their support for The Matthew Perry Foundation, proves that the heart of the show—the importance of chosen family—is real, both on and off the screen.
As they move forward with their 2025 projects, the cast of Friends continues to write their own stories, ensuring their legacies extend far beyond their time in the famous New York apartment and the coffee shop known as Central Perk.
Entities Mentioned (25+): Friends, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Ross Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing, Central Perk, David Crane, Marta Kauffman, NBC sitcom, The Morning Show, Alex Levy, Echo Films, Sophie Goodhart, Celebrity IOU, Drew Scott, Jonathan Scott, Scream, Gale Weathers, The Parenting, Brian Cox, Parker Posey, No Good Deed, Man with a Plan, I'm Not Your Friend, Goosebumps: The Vanishing, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, The Matthew Perry Foundation, The Comeback.
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