Though it concluded two decades ago, Friends remains a beloved comfort show for many.
The NBC sitcom premiered in 1994, chronicling the adventures of six quirky New Yorkers in their twenties. This launch pad propelled Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry to fame.
Covering themes from relationships to careers and parenthood, the series featured a cast that charmed audiences worldwide, resulting in a devoted fanbase.
Unfortunately, several actors who appeared on Friends have passed away since the series ended.
Most recently, fans mourned the loss of Nicky Katt, known for portraying Arthur, one of the bullies who tormented Ross and Chandler in “The One With The Bullies”.
Katt passed away at 54 on April 8, as confirmed by his family.
Let’s revisit their remarkable lives and the characters that brought so much happiness to us.
Matthew Perry played Chandler Bing, the sarcastic member of the core cast throughout the show’s ten-year run.
Perry was influential in crafting some of Chandler’s most memorable lines, even improvising the final line of the series.
When Rachel suggests grabbing coffee to the group, Perry quips, “Sure, where?”
After Friends concluded, Perry continued to act, including a role in The Good Fight, a spin-off of The Good Wife.
On October 28, 2023, Perry was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home’s hot tub.
The coroner reported he died from ‘acute effects of ketamine,’ with drowning and coronary artery disease as contributing factors.
Five individuals have been charged in this case, including Dr. Mark Chavez, assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, and ‘broker’ Erik Fleming, all of whom have pleaded guilty.
Lead suspects, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and alleged drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, known as ‘The Ketamine Queen’, maintain their innocence and are set to face trial in March.
Teri Garr portrayed Phoebe’s birth mother, Phoebe Abbott, on Friends, appearing in three episodes including her debut in the season three finale ‘The One at the Beach.’
In 2002, Garr publicly announced her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects brain-to-body electrical signal transmission.
Garr first noticed symptoms while filming Tootsie in 1982, a role that garnered her an Oscar nomination. She succumbed to MS-related complications on October 29, 2024, at 79.
Lisa Kudrow paid homage to Garr, disclosing their personal off-screen connection.
She shared with 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.”
Kudrow expressed feeling ‘so lucky and grateful’ for the chance to work with Garr. Lisa Kudrow paid tribute to the star, revealing they also shared a connection offscreen.
James Michael Tyler played Gunther, the coffee shop manager with unmistakably bright blonde hair.
Gunther harbored a decade-long crush on Rachel but never found romance. After the main six, Gunther appeared most frequently on the show, featuring in 164 episodes.
Tyler publicly revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2021, following the Friends reunion. He was diagnosed in 2018 and died due to complications on October 24, 2021, at 59.
Robin Williams made a guest appearance with Billy Crystal in ‘The One With The Ultimate Fighting Champion.’
The beloved actor died by suicide in 2014, aged 63.
His role on Friends was significant, as he played a wedding guest mistakenly thinking Monica was Ross’ mother, leading to a pivotal moment in Monica and Chandler’s relationship.
Williams passed away on July 1, 2017, from emphysema at 75.
Mike Hagerty portrayed Mr. Treeger, the super of Monica and Rachel’s building.
Appearing in five episodes, Hagerty passed on May 5, 2022, from a reaction to an antibiotic for a leg infection.
Lindley endeared audiences as Frances, Phoebe Buffay’s grandmother, before passing from leukemia in 1997.
Ron Leibman took on the role of Rachel Green’s blunt father, Dr. Leonard Green. He passed away due to pneumonia complications in 2019.
Glass played Russel, Ross’ divorce attorney during his annulment after marrying Rachel in Vegas. He passed away in 2016 from respiratory failure.
Highlander actor Kirsch played Ethan, Monica’s young boyfriend who concealed his high school status. Kirsch died on January 11, 2020, at 51, with the cause ruled as suicide.
Beeson, who played Todd the Hombre Man, clashed with Joey in a department store in ‘The One With The Breast Milk’. He died from liver disease on October 17