Are you still as obsessed with “Friends” as we are? It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly two decades since the show ended, yet we still find ourselves drawn back to the familiar comfort of Rachel, Chandler, Joey, Monica, Phoebe, and Ross. The recent passing of Matthew Perry in 2023 served as a poignant reminder of how deeply these characters and the actors who portrayed them are etched into our lives, even leading the show to surge back to the top of streaming charts.
Beyond the hilarious on-screen moments and iconic catchphrases, it’s natural to wonder about the lives of these beloved stars off-camera. Many of the main cast members, along with some of their equally cherished recurring characters, have embraced the profound journey of parenthood, experiencing its unique joys and inevitable challenges. While some of their children have found themselves in the public eye, others have carved out their own distinct paths, sometimes far removed from the dazzling allure of Hollywood.
Whether they’re following in the well-trodden footsteps of their famous parents or forging entirely new trails, these remarkable young individuals are growing up with a captivating blend of inherited talent and strong individuality. We’re about to embark on an exciting exploration to introduce you to this next generation, offering insights into their lives, their special bonds with their superstar parents, and how they are shaping their own narratives. Let’s dive in and get to know the extraordinary children from the “Friends” universe!
1. **Matt LeBlanc put his career on hold for his daughter Marina**Get ready for some serious daddy-daughter goals! Matt LeBlanc’s love for his daughter, Marina Pearl LeBlanc, is so incredibly priceless that it even outranks his beloved Ferrari. He gushed to Mirror, sharing the profound moment he first met her: “The second I laid eyes on her, I was in love, and I had never felt that way before.” That’s the kind of love that lets her get away with anything, even crashing his car, as he playfully added!
Marina was born in 2004 to Matt and his ex-wife Melissa McKnight. While she had parents who absolutely doted on her, Marina’s early childhood was far from easy. She was diagnosed with cortical dysplasia, a condition affecting the brain that can cause epileptic seizures. This challenging period, alongside other personal crises, prompted Matt to make a significant decision: he briefly retreated from the acting world to prioritize his daughter’s well-being.
Fortunately, Marina’s condition was eventually corrected, and she emerged stronger, enjoying countless precious moments with her famous father. Matt truly indulged in everything that captured her interest, from the music of Rihanna to horse-riding. He embraced her passions fully, even if the reverse wasn’t always true!
In a moment that’s both incredibly funny and perfectly relatable, Matt LeBlanc once shared with Ellen DeGeneres that his daughter, Marina, seemed completely unimpressed by his iconic role on “Friends,” admitting, “She just couldn’t care less.” It’s a great example of keeping your dad grounded! But don’t worry, the doting father is certainly keeping a close watch, humorously telling Stellar magazine about Marina’s future dating life: “Well, she’ll start dating when she’s 45, and then she’ll be old enough to make her own decisions.” You can almost hear Joey Tribbiani wincing at that thought!
2. **David Schwimmer co-parents his daughter Cleo with ex-wife Zoë Buckman**Just like Ross Geller had his adorable son Ben, David Schwimmer has his equally incredible daughter, Cleo Buckman Schwimmer! This “Friends” star’s only daughter arrived in 2011, a truly momentous occasion when he was still married to the talented English artist Zoë Buckman. For David, fatherhood was a blessing he had eagerly awaited for a long, long time, even before his relationship with Zoë began.
After his career-defining sitcom concluded its iconic run, David openly admitted to feeling like a major piece of his life was missing. He reportedly said, according to the World Entertainment News Network (via UPI), “Basically, I don’t think I’ll truly be happy until I’m a father and a husband.” When his heartfelt desires finally came to fruition years later, David made it his mission to protect that newfound joy with all his might, ensuring Cleo’s privacy was paramount.
For much of her childhood, Cleo was strictly kept away from the glaring spotlight of fame. It’s only in more recent years that David and Zoë, who parted ways in 2017, have started giving fans delightful glimpses into the amazing young woman their daughter is growing up to be. Speaking on the “Table Manners” podcast, David proudly described her socially conscientious nature, sharing, “She’s a vegetarian, self-declared vegetarian.”
Touching upon the deeply personal subject of faith, the “Madagascar” star expressed his desire for Cleo to discover and follow her own unique path. Her upbringing is wonderfully far from orthodox, as lovingly evidenced by her mother Zoë’s artful social media posts. From enthusiastically “partying with drag queens to coloring her hair pink,” Cleo is fearlessly embracing her individuality and doing it all with vibrant flair! What an inspiring kid!
3. **Lisa Kudrow’s son Julian grew up to be a Friends fan**Get this: Julian Murray Stern was a core member of “Friends” since *before* he was even born! And, believe it or not, he actually made a regular appearance on the legendary show across multiple episodes – well, in a very special way. The only child of lead star Lisa Kudrow and her husband Michel Stern, Julian was literally in his mom’s belly when the iconic storyline of Phoebe Buffay’s surrogate pregnancy was shot between Season 4 and Season 5. How cool is that for a claim to fame?
Heartwarmingly enough, the entire star cast of the show adopted him into their tight-knit clique from the very beginning. Lisa shared with People, “The six of us would do a huddle backstage … And when I was pregnant, then they would say, ‘Have a great show, love you love you — love you, little Julian!'” It’s clear he was surrounded by love from day one. Julian practically grew up on the bustling sets of the ’90s sitcom, truly part of the “Friends” family.
Interestingly, Julian was particularly taken by Kudrow’s co-star, Jennifer Aniston, whom he adorably confused for his actual mother every single time he saw her on television. Lisa recounted on “Conan,” it naturally led her to wonder: “Is this wishful thinking or do they have some kind of higher soul connection that I don’t have with him?” Talk about a celebrity kid dilemma!
That said, Julian took a little while to officially be inducted into the “Friends” fan club. Per Kudrow, his full appreciation for her iconic, quirky character was little more than an afterthought for a while. Now, as an actor and cinematographer himself, having graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts in May 2021, Julian clearly inherited Lisa’s funny genes and doesn’t shy away from embracing his delightfully goofy side on social media. We love to see it!
4. **Maggie Wheeler has two daughters, Gemma and Juno**”Oh, my god!” Could they *be* any more gorgeous? Yes, in the timeless, iconic words of Janice Litman-Goralnik herself, we’re talking about Maggie Wheeler’s two incredible daughters, Juno Wheeler and Gemma Wheeler! These amazing women were born in the shadow of their mom’s instantly recognizable stardom but have grown up to carve out incredibly independent and impressive careers, often far from the television celebrity glare that follows Maggie.
Let’s talk about Gemma first! Much like her talented mom, Gemma has displayed strong showbiz inclinations, pursuing her passion by obtaining a degree in acting from Chapman University in Orange, California. She’s an aspiring actor and director with several college films already to her name, demonstrating a deep commitment to all forms of art. In her own wise words, she believes art is the only thing that “may be the only thing that brings my life into perfect focus.” How profound is that?
Meanwhile, her sister Juno has found a profoundly different, yet equally impactful, calling in the humanitarian field. She has dedicated herself to helping others as a social worker and trauma therapist, making a real difference in people’s lives. It’s truly inspiring to see sisters pursuing such distinct and meaningful paths, each contributing to the world in their own unique way.
Throughout her own glory days as an actor, Maggie Wheeler always made sure to devote huge chunks of her time to her children, whom she shares with her sculptor husband Daniel Wheeler. In a candid interview with Closely Observed Frames, she recalled a powerful moment where she gave up a choir leadership opportunity just to be with her daughters, who were then very young. She said, “I said at the time thank you but this is the first time I’ve taken a break from my kids in ten years, it will probably be another ten before I do it again.” Now, as adults, both Gemma and Juno are more than cognizant of their mother’s unforgettable legacy; Gemma, who is more active on social media, even once hilariously recreated her mom’s iconic “Friends” catchphrase on TikTok, bringing smiles to countless fans!
5. **Tom Selleck’s kids Hannah and Kevin took up interesting careers**Contrary to his “Friends” character of Dr. Richard Burke who was hesitant about fatherhood, actor Tom Selleck is the ultimate proud father of two amazing children! In fact, so resolute was he about the idea of becoming a parent that he bowed out of the stage at the peak of his ’80s reign over television screens (and hearts) as the popular star of “Magnum, P.I.” That’s dedication!
Just a year into his marriage with Jillie Mack, Tom welcomed his daughter, Hannah Selleck. “I quit ‘Magnum’ to have a family. It took a long time to get off the train, but I try very hard to have balance,” he told People. Hannah grew up on a sprawling California ranch, as her parents firmly believed that a life on the farm would be absolutely optimal for her growth. And she totally embraced those country roots, growing into a phenomenal professional equestrian!
Before Hannah came into his life, Tom had already undergone a first-hand experience of fatherhood with Kevin Selleck, his adopted son from his first marriage to model Jacqueline Ray. While the marriage didn’t last far beyond a decade, Tom remained a steadfast father figure to Kevin. According to Radar, he’s supported his son through a number of hardships throughout his life, showing unwavering commitment.
Though his children are off on their own journeys now, Tom is committed to them through and through. As he beautifully put it to Parade, “You never stop being a dad even though your kids are grown.” A true family man, whose dedication to his kids is truly inspiring!
6. **Helen Baxendale has three children with very unique names**With shows like “An Unsuitable Job for a Woman” and “Cold Feet” under her belt, Helen Baxendale was already an established actor in England. But it was her cross-continental stint on “Friends” as the popular love-hate character of Emily Waltham that gave her a real teaser of what unbridled mass fame could look like – and that was her cue to relinquish all that impending glory!
She told the Daily Mail that she “had a little glimpse of what fame holds, and I decided it held a load of nothing. It contained nothing that mattered,” describing that lifestyle as a “gilded prison.” She had bigger, more meaningful things waiting for her anyway. Not long after “Friends,” Baxendale welcomed her first child with her longtime partner David L. Williams.
Prepare yourself for this wonderfully unique name: Nell Marmalade Baxendale-Williams! Isn’t that just delightful and distinctive? She was even given her middle name, Marmalade, after a beloved fictional character from the books of Marmalade Atkins, a character who held a special place in Baxendale’s own childhood. And it appears Nell is following her mother’s creative path, blossoming into an actress herself with impressive credits such as “Game of Thrones” and “The Good Liar” already under her belt. What a truly gifted talent!
Believe it or not, Baxendale and Williams’ other two children share equally (if not more!) wonderfully distinctive names: Eric Mustard Williams and Vincent Mash Williams. These names are absolutely fantastic! Although she made a conscious decision to step away from Hollywood without any regrets, Baxendale has spoken in interviews about how stereotypes surrounding working mothers in the entertainment industry persisted. “It was so ist. All they went on about was: ‘How do you manage as a mother?'” she recalled to Independent, describing the experience as quite off-putting. She truly was a trailblazer, making choices that were genuinely important to *her*!
7. **Giovanni Ribisi has twins and a super artistic older daughter**Much like Frank Buffay Jr., his memorable character on “Friends,” Giovanni Ribisi has three children in real life. (Spoiler alert: None of them are named Chandler.) With his ex-wife Mariah O’Brien, Giovanni welcomed Lucia Ribisi. The actor couple’s daughter was blessed with their incredible creative genes – a fact that became increasingly evident as she grew up to become an accomplished artist.
She was even rubbing shoulders with fashion honchos the likes of Saint Laurent and Hedi Slimane when she was only a teenager! “A lot of the people around me are trying to get me to slow down. … But my work is my priority,” she sagely declared to W magazine. You go, girl! Her dedication to her craft is truly inspiring.
Like any young contemporary creator, Lucia isn’t afraid to dig into her past and present it in her work. “A lot of my work has been about growing up in a tumultuous situation,” she said, while admitting that she didn’t have much recollection of her parents’ time together. Lucia is seemingly super close to her mom, even jet setting across continents with her. “It felt really dreamy to be able to take her on a trip like this that was like my first entry into adulthood,” she gushed to Vogue about the duo’s trip to Paris for a fashion show. How sweet is that bond?
Meanwhile, Giovanni Ribisi has established a beautiful second family with his partner, Emily Ward, and their charming twins, Enzo and Maude. This happy foursome resides together in a stunning Los Angeles home that Ward, a talented designer, created herself. It’s evident that creativity and family values are central to their fulfilling lives!
8. **Elliott Gould has three children – including one with a music legend**Jack Geller was easily one of the best, most supportive father figures on “Friends” – and Elliott Gould, his real-life alter ego, has been no different to his own kids! This veteran actor is a proud father of three. The first of whom he welcomed with none other than Hollywood legend Barbra Streisand back when the two were married during the 1960s. Talk about a true power couple!
Their son, Jason Gould, inherited a remarkable combination of his parents’ talents, growing up to gain recognition as both an actor and a musician. He even had an early introduction to the industry, appearing alongside his accomplished mother in the 1972 film “Up the Sandbox.” However, much like many celebrity children who become familiar with the pressures of fame at a young age, Jason developed a notable aversion to the spotlight.
He candidly told SFGate, “When I was a kid I couldn’t go anywhere without photographers in our face … I don’t like cameras snapping in my face.” Elliott’s other two children, Samuel Gould and Molly Gould, whom he shares with his ex-wife Jennifer Bogart, have also largely stayed out of the public eye. It’s totally understandable when you grow up with such famous parents! They’ve clearly chosen their own paths away from constant scrutiny.
Elliott Gould’s youthful energy seems to have stayed with him, much like his character Jack Geller’s spirit! He’s gained invaluable life lessons from his children, with whom he shares an incredibly close bond. In a touching interview with The Washington Post back in 1978, he shared a profound insight from his daughter: “[Molly] said to me when she was five, ‘It doesn’t matter how long you live as long as you know you’re living, right, Dad?'” What an incredibly wise and beautiful perspective from a five-year-old! This family’s connection is truly heartwarming!
9. **Elle Macpherson’s sons Flynn and Cy are as glam as their supermodel mom**Elle Macpherson established an absolutely dazzling career as one of the world’s most famous catwalk stars; so famous, in fact, that her sensational sobriquet “The Body” is enough to identify her even today! And it looks like she’s gracefully passing that legendary baton to the next generation: her fantastic sons, Flynn Busson and Cy Busson.
Elle welcomed her boys with her former partner Arpad Busson, a super well-known French financier who, fun fact, was later engaged to Hollywood icon Uma Thurman! Even though Arpad moved on from his relationship with Macpherson, the ex-pair have totally nailed the co-parenting game, raising their boys into fine young men who are now absolutely living up to their mom’s incredible legacy. Their strong family bond shines through.
In recent years, Flynn and Cy have been spotted out and about as Elle’s stylish plus-ones at major fashion events. Given their strong genes, it was always considered to be only a matter of time before Flynn and Cy dipped their toes into the modeling world, just like their mom, who captivated a wide fanbase as the charming Janine Lacroix on “Friends.” The modeling world was practically calling their names!
And in 2019, it finally transpired in a big way with a stunning family cover shoot for Vogue Australia! Elle explained that this moment had been a long time coming. “We kept the children out of the public eye,” she said, adding, “Now, with Instagram, the boys are public and they make their own choices.” It’s fantastic to see them stepping into their own light!
Both of Elle’s sons share a great mutual love for the great outdoors – which is pretty cool – and, of course, they absolutely adore their supermodel mom. What an inspiring and dynamic family, proving that true style and strength run deep!
And there you have it! From aspiring authors and talented cinematographers to dedicated equestrians and compassionate trauma therapists, not to mention a rising generation of actors and artists, the children of the “Friends” universe are undoubtedly a captivating group. They are navigating their unique journeys, often influenced by their famous parents yet ultimately defining their own destinies. Whether they’re stepping into the limelight or building careers far from the glitz of Hollywood, it’s clear that the warmth, creativity, and individuality that made their parents so beloved on screen have been beautifully passed down. It serves as a wonderful reminder that even after the final curtain fell, the “Friends” family continues to grow, evolve, and inspire us all. How inspiring is that?
