Top 10 Friends Actors Roles Post-Friends
#10: Cali & Noelle Sheldon as the Tyler Twins “Us” (2019)
It might surprise you to learn that Ross and Rachel’s baby daughter Emma was portrayed by twin sisters Cali and Noelle Sheldon. It feels like it was only yesterday that the Friends were making Emma a video she could watch on her eighteenth birthday. Well, eighteen years can fly by fast and while the Sheldon twins have kept a low profile since “Friends” ended, they returned to the spotlight in Jordan Peele’s 2019 horror film, “Us.” Cali and Noelle play twin sisters Becca and Lindsey, respectively. The Tylers are typical teenage girls, but Cali and Noelle really shine as their creepy tethered counterparts. If you thought Ross was an unhinged character on the verge of cracking, just wait until you see his daughter in action.
#9: Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones “Riverdale” (2017-)
Speaking of Ross’ children, there’s been a fair deal of speculation over what happened to his son Ben, who was absent from the final two seasons. Although we can’t say with certainty where Ross’ firstborn went, we can tell you what happened to Cole Sprouse, who played Ben in Seasons 6-8. After enjoying “The Suite Life” with his twin brother Dylan for several years, Cole settled into his most mature and iconic role to date: Jughead Jones on “Riverdale.” We’re not sure what’s more surprising: that little Ben grew up to be a teen idol or that he turned an Archie Comics character into a heartthrob. Sprouse has broken out as the resident scene-stealer on “Riverdale” with his quick wit, philosophical wisdom, and brooding demeanor.
#8: Christina Applegate as Jen Harding “Dead to Me” (2019-)
Applegate won an Emmy for her guest performance as Rachel’s irresponsible sister Amy. She’s gone on to garner more Emmy love for her leading role in this dark Netflix comedy. Applegate plays Jen Harding, a cynical woman coping with the sudden demise of her husband. Although she’s beyond devastated, the loss forces Jen to reevaluate her marriage and accept the fact that things were far from perfect. This only makes the grieving process more difficult and confusing, but she consequently gains a supportive friend in Linda Cardellini’s Judy. The chemistry between these two women is just one of the reasons why “Dead to Me” is so addicting. Applegate especially shines in what might be the most layered role of her career, balancing humor and tragedy.
#7: Paul Rudd as Scott Lang “Ant-Man” (2015)
In one episode, it’s revealed that Phoebe used to mug kids outside a comic book shop, one of which turned out to be Ross. So, it’s only fitting that Phoebe’s husband would go on to play a superhero… and we’re not talking about Science Boy. Over a decade after making his debut as Mike Hannigan, Paul Rudd joined the MCU as Scott Lang, aka Ant-Man. Naturally, the “Ant-Man” movies are of a smaller scale than some of the other MCU filmes, putting a stronger emphasis on screwball comedy and even romantic comedy. This is perfectly suited to Rudd’s signature charm, charisma, and sense of humor. Even as Ant-Man’s role grows larger in the MCU, Rudd continues to shine in the heavier moments.
#6: Matthew Perry as Matt Albie “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (2006-07)
Chandler Bing always dreamed of quitting his job and writing jokes for a living. In “Studio 60,” Matthew Perry got to live out Chandler’s dream as Matt Albie, a television writer who’s tasked with getting a long-running sketch comedy series back on track. While Chandler’s sarcastic chops sometimes shine through, Albie required Perry to step out of his comfort zone. He portrays Albie as a cocky yet capable crusader for free speech. No matter how edgy a joke might be, Albie will challenge the censors as long as he thinks it’s funny. Getting overshadowed by “30 Rock,” “Studio 60” only lasted one season, but is well-worth revisiting for Perry’s charismatic performance and the show’s relevant commentary on political correctness in the world of comedy.
#5: Courteney Cox as Jules Cobb “Cougar Town” (2009-15)
Remember when Monica found out that she took a high school senior’s virginity? Well, Jules Cobb also knows a thing or two about dating younger guys. As Jules, Cox plays a newly single woman in her 40s who decides to reignite the spark in her life by pursuing relationships with young men, hence the title “Cougar Town.” Of course, the title lost its relevance by the end of Season 1, as Jules settles into a committed relationship with neighbor Grayson, who’s roughly her age. While the show would essentially become about a group of friends hanging out, Jules is very different from Monica. Both are maternal, but Jules allowed Cox to show off her wild side and explore the adventure that is middle-aged life.
#4: David Schwimmer as Robert Kardashian “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (2016)
Although this family’s name has taken over pop culture, people sometimes forget that the late Robert Kardashian was one of O. J. Simpson’s lawyers and closest friends. Since David Schwimmer is famous for his sitcom roots and the Kardashians are infamous for various reasons, it would’ve been easy to take a more comedic approach. While there are references to his family’s future celebrity status, Schwimmer portrays Kardashian as a sympathetic, morally conflicted man stuck in the middle of a media circus. At first, Kardashian just wants to prove his friend’s innocence. By the end of the trial, however, Kardashian is not only uncertain of Simpson’s innocence, but also whether he can even call him a friend anymore. Schwimmer becomes Kardashian with quiet subtlety and surprising empathy.
#3: Matt LeBlanc as Matt LeBlanc “Episodes” (2011-17)
Top 10 Hilarious Matt LeBlanc Friends Bloopers
“Joey” unfortunately wasn’t the next “Frasier”… or the next “Friends” for that matter. A few years later, Matt LeBlanc returned to the limelight with a role that literally no other actor could play: himself. To clarify, LeBlanc plays a wildly fictionalized version of himself on this Showtime series. The show’s interpretation of LeBlanc shares many attributes with Joey Tribbiani. Both are actors, womanizers, and aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed. Where Joey is a loyal friend who only occasionally lets fame go to his head, though, LeBlanc is depicted as a male primadonna whose ego is his worst enemy. It’s hilarious seeing LeBlanc go from lovable goofball to conceited jerk, which is why the role won him a Golden Globe.
#2: Lisa Kudrow as Valerie Cherish “The Comeback” (2005; 2014)
Top 10 Hilarious Lisa Kudrow Friends Bloopers
A year after “Friends'' wrapped up, Lisa Kudrow staged her television comeback in a series appropriately titled “The Comeback.” Of course, where Kudrow is still a highly respected and bankable star, Valerie Cherish finds her career on life support at the beginning of this dramedy. It may’ve been a departure from Phoebe Buffay, but Kudrow brought her trademark quirky charm and spot-on delivery to the role. Despite getting canceled after one season, the show gained a cult following and after nine years, came back for a second season. If that’s not meta enough, Valerie ends up playing a fictionalized version of herself, not unlike Matt LeBlanc in “Episodes.” Kudrow has had several other memorable post-“Friends'' roles, including Fiona Wallice in “Web Therapy.”
#1: Jennifer Aniston as Alex Levy “The Morning Show” (2019-)
Top 10 Funniest Jennifer Aniston Bloopers on Friends
Shortly before saying goodbye to Rachel Green, Jennifer Aniston showed another side of herself in “The Good Girl.” After that, Aniston mainly stuck to comedies on both the silver and small screens. Aniston reminded audiences what a phenomenal dramatic actress she is in “The Morning Show,” however, winning a SAG Award. Aniston is breathtaking as Alex Levy, a news anchor whose show is suddenly hit with a major scandal. As a power struggle reaches its boiling point, Levy holds her own against the big boys. Levy must walk a tightrope as she’s forced to decide between potentially ruining her career and reporting the truth. She also finds a potential alley and rival in up-and-comer Bradley Jackson, played by Jill Green… er, we mean Reese Witherspoon.
