The end of Friends – unearthed, unfiltered interviews with sitcom’s greatest 3 leading men

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On May 6th, 2004, the beloved sitcom Friends aired its final episode, appropriately titled “The Last One.” Fans watched as Monica, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, Ross, and Rachel gathered at Central Perk for one final coffee, marking a bittersweet goodbye to the iconic group.

Although many fans hoped for more episodes, the cast of Friends didn’t film any further series after the original run. They did come together in 2021 for a special reunion episode that was both humorous and emotionally touching.

Over the years, TopMob was lucky enough to interview the stars of the show. We’re looking back now at three interviews with David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry.

Between 2005 and 2007, shortly after the popular show Friends concluded, the three main male actors gave remarkably honest interviews about their experiences transitioning from starring in the sitcom to their lives afterward.

Though they came from very different backgrounds and had unique experiences, they both felt sadness when it was time to move on. However, they reacted differently to letting go of the roles they were known for.

These interviews were surprisingly candid, especially coming from celebrities of that magnitude.

David Schwimmer

Originally published in June 2005. Interview by Mark Aston.

Can you explain the perennial popularity of Friends?

People love it because it’s so well-written. I hope my kids will still enjoy watching it someday, even if they’re using a format other than DVDs – maybe even just taking a pill that lets them experience an episode!

People say you struggled the most with consistency throughout the ten seasons of the show. Would you agree with that?

I often felt trapped by playing the same character day after day, because I’m someone who needs constant stimulation. I think everyone on the show struggled with that at times, but I especially did. I thrive on learning and new experiences, so the biggest challenge with Friends was actually finding a challenge within the show itself.

Sometimes I felt imprisoned by the character of Ross

Friends existed in a Manhattan where 9/11 never happened, so are you seeking edgier material?

I’ve always preferred stories with a darker edge. Even when I was studying comedy at university – playwrights like Neil Simon and Shakespeare – my favorite was Joe Orton because of his cynical humor. That’s why taking the role in Friends felt a bit strange. I was actually performing in theater in Chicago, which wasn’t the typical path to a mainstream TV show, when I auditioned.

Did the others typecast you as “Serious Theatre Guy”?

Yeah, though they were quick to remind me that I probably took myself too seriously!

You recently started performing in a West End play, ‘Some Girls,’ as a character who’s quite a flawed and unfaithful man. That’s a big departure from your role as Ross!

I didn’t take this job for any particular reason other than the character and play itself are fantastic. It offers a really insightful look at modern relationships and what it means to be a man. It’s the kind of story that really resonates with you because it taps into your own experiences with relationships.

You famously played Melman, the worried giraffe, in the animated movie Madagascar (which came out in July 2005). What qualities, other than your height, made the filmmakers choose you for the role?

I think it’s probably because I understand both slapstick humor and the way people worry, plus I have a naturally anxious tone of voice.

Might one call your voice whiny?

People sometimes describe Melman as complaining, but it’s more accurate to say he’s fearful. He’s genuinely scared of a lot of things, and heights are a major worry for him.

Sacha Baron-Cohen plays the king of the lemurs. Are you a fan of his Ali G?

Absolutely! What’s great about his work is how his characters expose uncomfortable truths about our society – things like racism, prejudice, and fear.

What’s your favourite kind of comedy?

Social satire, like Ali G, or South Park. Though I grew up on Monty Python.

I’m told that you’re a history buff.

Yes I am.

OK, when was the Battle of Hastings?

Oh come on! That’s not fair! I haven’t a clue.

There was a book written in its honour, titled 1066 and All That.

I’m going to say it was 1066. If you’re interested in learning more, I highly recommend “A Short History of Almost Everything” by Bill Bryson – it’s a great book for anyone who enjoys history.

We don’t know much about your background, like the fact that you started the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, or that you’ve always wanted to be a teacher.

I’ve thought about becoming a teacher. I might wait until my personal life is more stable, like after starting a family, but I really enjoy the thought of working with children.

Would you ever consider another sitcom?

People sometimes ask if I’m interested in acting, but honestly, it doesn’t really thrill me. That’s actually why I’ve been focusing more on theater recently. I also just directed the pilot episode for a new comedy series called ‘New Car Smell’ – it’s about car salesmen working in Las Vegas.

You also directed a few episodes of the show Joey, starring Matt Le Blanc, who you worked with on Friends. What was that experience like?

It felt instantly familiar – we were back on the same soundstage where we filmed Friends, working with many of the same people. Surprisingly, it just felt right.

One final question: you may want professionally to bury Ross, but might we ever see him again?

I remember hearing about a possible Friends reunion episode featuring Joey, where a couple of us might have visited. It never really went anywhere, but I’m not saying it’s impossible – we all get along so well that anything could happen with that group.

Matt Le Blanc (May 2005)

Originally published in June 2005. Interview by Benji Wilson.

Before we talk about Joey, tell us how you felt about the end of Friends.

It felt like a really painful breakup, even though I still cared deeply about the people and the place. I practically grew up there, and I could talk about all the good times for ages. It’s just really upsetting.

You didn’t want it to end?

It was time to end things, and most people agreed. We all felt it had run its course after a good ten years, and that’s what mattered – reaching a group decision.

So did you all vote on it?

I don’t want to go into exactly how we came to a decision, but… pretty much.

Did you get emotional when you finished the final episode?

Yes, I was crying.

It was like getting a divorce from someone you’re still in love with

But Friends must have put you in a position where you didn’t need to work any more?

Absolutely, I could have just retired.

So what gets you out of bed?

You’ve got to do something.

Why choose to do a spin-off starring Joey Tribbiani rather than something new?

I was confident this would work out, as there weren’t many other options. There are a lot of talented actors, and I haven’t really established myself in the film industry yet.

Is he a different Joey from the one we know and love?

He’s the same guy, just more evolved.

Well he couldn’t have been much less evolved.

You’re not saying Joey’s dumb, are you?

Not dumb exactly – maybe one cappuccino short of a coffee shop.

The audience really connects with this character, and I didn’t want the writers to change him significantly.

What was it like saying, “How you doin’?” to a whole new group of workmates?

This isn’t a completely fresh start with a new team. Many of the people involved previously also worked on ‘Friends’ – about half the writers, actually – and we’re filming in the same studio. We already have a well-established working relationship, so it’s mostly about integrating the new actors.

As the star, how did you go about setting the tone?

The guiding principle behind Friends was to put aside personal pride and collaborate to create the funniest show possible, and that’s what I’m aiming for here. I constantly encourage everyone to remember that if we’re having fun, the audience will too. It’s really special to watch this new cast develop their characters, much like we did on Friends, and it brings back a lot of good memories.

We’ve been asked to make another season of the show, and Channel 5 is now broadcasting it, but it’s had a bit of a rocky start, hasn’t it?

The show started with really strong ratings, but they’ve gone down a bit. It’s tricky balancing familiar characters with new ones, and it makes their interactions feel a little awkward at first. I think it just takes viewers a while to get used to the new faces. I’m aware people are hoping I’ll stumble, but we’re always working to get better and find our rhythm.

So what things can we expect to see in the next series?

We’ll probably see more of Joey’s nine sisters in future episodes. I especially liked Christina Ricci’s performance when she played Joey’s sister – she was really creative and brought a lot to the role.

Being a dad is tough enough, but what’s it like when you’re also navigating step-parenting and raising a young child at the same time? How do you balance everything and still feel like a ‘normal’ dad?

My life seems ordinary on the surface, but I’m very limited in where I can go without being noticed. It’s often difficult to go anywhere without people recognizing me and wanting to interact, sometimes to the point of feeling like I’m being watched.

Did your stepkids think you were cool because you were in Friends?

I’m not sure if being on Friends made a difference, but I don’t think it did. I suspect my kids were just happy to see me happier, and they probably liked that.

Do you change nappies?

I’m often awake at night changing diapers. I’m unable to breastfeed, but thankfully Melissa can prepare bottles for me to feed Marina. Even so, I enjoy the closeness of holding Marina while she feeds.

So, you’ve mentioned some pretty mundane topics, but given your celebrity status, everyone’s wondering about the more exciting side of life – the parties, relationships, and wild experiences that often come with fame.

I don’t have anything to hide. A tabloid recently published a lot of untrue stories about me – a supposed gay sex scandal, a drug overdose where they claimed I died, and even that I was heavily into cocaine. I try not to worry about it now, but after they reported I’d died, I actually called my mother. I couldn’t bear the thought of her seeing something like that.

Matthew Perry

Originally published in July 2007. Interview by Jenny Eden.

After the phenomenal success of Friends, you don’t need to work again, so why do another show?

Honestly, it wasn’t about needing a job or being scared of what was next. I was a big fan of Aaron Sorkin’s work, especially shows like The West Wing and movies like A Few Good Men. So, when I learned he’d written a new show set in a world I understood, I immediately wanted to read the script. And after I did, I knew I’d do everything I could to get involved. The writing was simply outstanding – I would have happily participated even if it had been a play, a movie, or even a big ice-skating production!

You’re Matt Albie, the head writer for Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, a comedy show that’s trying to find its footing. Just out of curiosity, were you ever a cast member on Saturday Night Live?

That happened in 1997, and it was a really frightening experience. Everything moves so quickly, and there’s no time to prepare. Honestly, I still can’t even remember what floor I was on! It’s definitely an exciting environment, but I’m not sure I’d want to go through it again.

Isn’t making a TV show about making a TV show when television starts to eat itself?

It’s strange how dishonesty is so common in this business – people are constantly lied to, and it’s almost accepted. This show is about characters who want to rise above that, who strive for honesty and integrity. I’m drawn to a world where people genuinely consider the small details, like whether a funny stumble is more amusing from one angle or another.

How hard was it to say goodbye to Chandler Bing in Friends?

It felt good to finish the project and be proud of the work. However, after some reflection, I realized I’d make a few changes if I could. The character I created is a comedian, but I specifically didn’t want him to be as anxious or exaggerated as Chandler from Friends. I’ve even told directors that if they detect any similarities to Chandler, I want them to let me know so I can adjust things.

Is it a relief not to have to be the funny guy any more?

It was a huge relief to move past the fast-paced, joke-heavy style of a show like Friends. I never really felt at ease with having to deliver so many jokes per scene. When a joke didn’t land well, the writers would rush to fix it, and I’d get incredibly anxious, feeling like we’d never get the humor right.

Are you ever tempted to throw in a gag in the new show?

In every job I’ve had, I’ve always tried to find ways to add humor. But working with Aaron’s writing is different. It demands absolute precision – every single word matters. You can’t change “He has not” to “He hasn’t,” even if it sounds more natural. It’s all about maintaining the specific rhythm of his writing, which is incredibly demanding. That’s why the workdays are so long – often 14 or 15 hours – and you feel like you’re immediately going back to work after a brief rest.

Quite different to life on a sitcom then?

Being on Friends felt like having a regular job, with consistent hours. My current work is very different – I even have to make sure there’s always Red Bull on set because my character, and I, drink so much of it! Like most actors, I tend to find something to complain about no matter what. If I’m not working, I miss it. And when I am working a lot, I dream of having some time to relax.

There is no happiness. The reward is death. That’s what it says on the bumper sticker on my car.

Do you still see the other Friends stars?

I’m trying to cope as best I can, but it’s definitely strange. We’re filming the show just a few feet away from my old workplace, where I spent ten years. It feels really surreal, and honestly, I think everyone from the show should live here too!

So, I was wondering, being one of the most popular comedic actors in the world… it must be tough to stay grounded, right? How do you keep your ego from getting out of control with all that success?

I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum with television – being on a show that almost no one watched and another that was a huge hit. But surprisingly, neither experience changed my life as much as I expected. It’s strange, because you can’t really define yourself by awards or big successes. For example, I was on a Fox show called ‘Second Chance’ that was near the bottom of the ratings – 92nd out of 93 shows – and I actually acted like I was on top of the world. Ironically, I was more down-to-earth when I was part of a number-one show.

Authors

Minnie WrightDigital Growth and Acquisitions Lead

Minnie Wright leads digital growth and acquisitions at TopMob. She previously worked in TV, film, and music for a large national publication, and holds a degree in Popular Music Journalism.

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2025-12-15 12:41