Despite concluding its run two decades ago, Friends remains a cherished comfort show for many. Debuting in 1994, this NBC sitcom chronicled the lives of six quirky young adults in New York City, propelling Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry to stardom.
The series explored a range of themes, from relationships and dating to career pursuits and parenting, endearing its mostly lovable characters (except perhaps for Ross Geller…) to audiences worldwide. It built a devoted fanbase and has maintained its cultural relevance.
However, some actors who appeared on the show have since passed away. Numerous notable figures made memorable guest appearances across its ten-season run. Here, we reflect on their extraordinary lives and the unforgettable characters they brought to the small screen.
Matthew Perry was known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing, the quick-witted member of the Friends ensemble, throughout the show’s decade-long run.
Perry reportedly contributed to several of Chandler’s most memorable lines, including improvising the show’s final line.
When Rachel suggests the Friends group should grab coffee one last time, Perry’s Chandler quips: “Sure, where?”
Post-Friends, Perry appeared in other television projects, such as The Good Fight, a continuation of the CBS series The Good Wife.
On October 28, 2023, Perry was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence by his assistant.
The coroner attributed his death to ‘acute effects of ketamine,’ with drowning and coronary artery disease as contributing factors.
In connection with the case, five individuals have been charged, including Dr. Mark Chavez, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and ‘broker’ Erik Fleming, all of whom have pleaded guilty.
The trial for lead defendants Dr. Salvador Plasencia and alleged drug trafficker Jasveen Sangha, known as ‘The Ketamine Queen,’ is scheduled for March.
Teri Garr, who portrayed Phoebe’s biological mother, Phoebe Abbott, appeared in three episodes, debuting in the season three finale ‘The One at the Beach.’
Garr disclosed her multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2002, an autoimmune disorder impacting nerve signal transmission.
She first noticed symptoms while filming 1982’s Tootsie, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination. Garr passed away from MS complications on October 29, 2024, at 79.
Lisa Kudrow paid homage to Garr, revealing their off-screen connection.
Kudrow told PEOPLE: “Teri Garr was a comedic acting genius who was and is a huge influence on me and I know I’m not alone in that.”
She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Garr, reiterating their shared bond.
James Michael Tyler played the endearing coffee shop manager, Gunther, easily recognizable with his bright blonde hair.
Gunther spent a decade pining for Rachel from across the coffeehouse but remained unlucky in love. He appeared most frequently after the main six characters, featuring in 164 episodes.
In 2021, Tyler publicly shared his prostate cancer diagnosis shortly after the Friends reunion aired. Diagnosed in 2018, he passed away from complications on October 24, 2021, aged 59.
Beloved actor Robin Williams made a guest appearance alongside Billy Crystal in ‘The One With The Ultimate Fighting Champion.’
Williams tragically passed away in 2014 at the age of 63.
His role marked a significant storyline in Friends. As a drunken wedding guest at Ross and Emily’s wedding, he mistook Monica for Ross’s mother.
Disheartened, Monica sought Joey for solace, but instead found Chandler, sparking their iconic relationship.
Williams passed away on July 1, 2017, from emphysema at 75.
Mike Hagerty portrayed Mr. Treeger, the building superintendent, appearing in five episodes.
Hagerty passed away on May 5, 2022, due to an adverse reaction to an antibiotic used for treating a leg infection.
Lindley charmed audiences as Frances, Phoebe Buffay’s grandmother, before passing away in 1997 due to leukemia.
Ron Leibman played Rachel Green’s combative father, Dr. Leonard Green. Tragically, the actor passed away from pneumonia complications in 2019.
Glass portrayed Russel, Ross’s divorce lawyer during the annulment following his Vegas marriage to Rachel. He succumbed to respiratory failure in 2016.
Highlander actor Kirsch portrayed Ethan, Monica’s youthful boyfriend, only to later discover he was lying about his age. Kirsch died by suicide on January 11, 2020, at age 51.
Beeson was cast as Todd the Hombre Man, who feuded with Joey Tribbiani at a department store in ‘The One With The Breast Milk.’ He passed away from liver disease on October 17, 2017, at