Noted for playing Joey Tribbiani in “Friends,” Matt LeBlanc has significantly reduced his participation in acting and the Hollywood social circuit. LeBlanc devotes much of his attention to his investment in an exotic car business.
An anonymous source told Star that LeBlanc is now primarily a homebody and seldom socializes. The actor, 57 and a father to a daughter with ex-wife Melissa McKnight, is not as involved with his old co-stars as fans might assume. Lisa Kudrow has previously stated that the “Friends” cast has only reunited once since the show ended in 2004 and their 2021 HBO reunion. “He is often invited to dinner parties and events, but he mostly declines,” the source revealed. However, LeBlanc’s representative has refuted these claims, saying that the Star report is incorrect.
Contrary to rumors of LeBlanc’s seclusion, former co-star David Schwimmer confirmed on “Good Morning America” that they still keep in touch. “Even though I’m based in New York and he’s in L.A., LeBlanc and I are quite close,” Schwimmer disclosed. “We might not communicate for months, but then he’ll randomly send me a clip from the show.” Schwimmer recounted an unexpected message from LeBlanc, describing a scene where he accidentally ripped off Schwimmer’s shirt, which Schwimmer had forgotten about.
Schwimmer also discussed the enduring influence of “Friends,” recalling fans who learned English from the show or found solace in it during challenging times. “It’s kind of the gift that keeps on giving,” he remarked.
Jennifer Aniston, known for her commitment to health and fitness, has reportedly encouraged LeBlanc to pay more attention to his health. His noticeable weight gain has raised concerns among fans and close friends. Aniston, a strong proponent of the Pvolve workout regimen, has reportedly provided private, nonjudgmental support to help LeBlanc improve his fitness.
Public sightings of LeBlanc have been infrequent, with a recent one in Los Angeles, California, showing him smoking a cigarette. His retreat from the public eye coincides with the first anniversary of Matthew Perry’s death.
Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing on “Friends,” was found deceased in his California home on October 28, 2023, from an apparent overdose, with contributing factors such as drowning and coronary artery disease.
LeBlanc was deeply impacted by Perry’s death and may be reassessing his life and priorities. “The loss of Matthew still weighs on Matt,” an insider disclosed to RadarOnline. “It has prompted him to reassess his life. He intends to focus on other interests.”
LeBlanc has not accepted new roles since the 2021 “Friends” reunion. After the original trio left, he used to host BBC’s “Top Gear,” but he has since retreated from television. A feature on Marca.com stated, “Matt has essentially retired and appears indifferent to his unkempt appearance or weight gain.” The actor’s weight gain has allegedly raised health concerns, with some near him fearing he is descending into depression after Perry’s death.
The passing of close friends, including Perry, James Michael Tyler, Sabine Schmitz, and Ken Block, has reportedly made LeBlanc question the importance of his Hollywood career. “The loss of so many friends made Matt realize he and his Friends co-stars are just these disposable cult figures,” a source shared with RadarOnline. Despite his financial success, reportedly worth $85 million, LeBlanc struggles to find personal fulfillment.
While some insiders assert he has entirely retreated from Hollywood, Schwimmer’s comments suggest that LeBlanc maintains connections with close friends. Whether he will reemerge into the public eye or continue his private lifestyle is yet to be seen.