Known for his portrayal of Joey Tribbiani on the popular sitcom “Friends,” Matt LeBlanc has reportedly considerably withdrawn from the acting profession as well as the social scene of Hollywood. Presently, he invests much of his time and resources in an exotic car business.
A source told Star that LeBlanc, now 57, rarely mingles and has become a significant homebody. He shares a child with his former spouse, Melissa McKnight. Despite the onscreen chemistry on “Friends,” Lisa Kudrow revealed that the cast had only reunited once after the series finale in 2004 and before their 2021 HBO reunion. While LeBlanc receives invitations to social events, he mostly declines them, according to the insider. However, a representative for LeBlanc disputed these allegations, asserting that the Star’s report was not factual.
Despite rumors suggesting otherwise, LeBlanc’s former co-star David Schwimmer confirmed on “Good Morning America” that they keep in touch. Schwimmer, based in New York, said they might not communicate for months, but LeBlanc occasionally sends him clips from their show. He recalled a recent surprise message from LeBlanc that included a forgotten scene where LeBlanc unexpectedly tore Schwimmer’s shirt off.
Schwimmer also discussed the enduring impact of “Friends,” recalling fans who learned English from the show or found solace in it during challenging times. He referred to the show as, “the gift that keeps on giving.”
Jennifer Aniston, a fitness enthusiast, has reportedly been encouraging LeBlanc to focus on his health, following concerns about his noticeable weight gain. As a strong supporter of the Pvolve workout routine, Aniston has reportedly offered private, nonjudgmental support to help LeBlanc enhance his fitness.
Aniston is allegedly conscientious about how she broaches the subject, aiming to guide LeBlanc towards a healthier lifestyle without causing him discomfort. However, LeBlanc, who has lately adopted a more private lifestyle, may not be responsive to this unsolicited advice.
LeBlanc’s public appearances have become infrequent, with a recent sighting in Los Angeles, California showing him smoking a cigarette. His withdrawal from the public eye coincides with the first anniversary of the death of Matthew Perry, his co-star on “Friends,” who was found dead in his California home on October 28, 2023, due to an apparent overdose, along with other contributing factors such as drowning and coronary artery disease.
LeBlanc was deeply impacted by Perry’s death and may be re-assessing his own life and priorities. “Matt is still upset over the loss of Matthew,” a source told RadarOnline. “It has made him rethink his life. He wants to focus on other interests.”
Since the 2021 “Friends” reunion, LeBlanc has not accepted any new acting roles. He once hosted the BBC’s “Top Gear” after the original trio left, but he has since distanced himself from television. A report on Marca.com suggested that LeBlanc has essentially retired and doesn’t appear concerned about his physical appearance. His weight gain has reportedly raised health concerns, with some fearing he may be descending into depression following Perry’s death.
The deaths of close friends, including Perry, James Michael Tyler, Sabine Schmitz, and Ken Block, have allegedly led LeBlanc to question the importance of his Hollywood career. A source told RadarOnline, “The loss of so many friends made Matt realize he and his Friends co-stars are just these disposable cult figures.” Despite his significant net worth of $85 million, LeBlanc reportedly struggles to find personal satisfaction.
While some sources claim he has entirely withdrawn from Hollywood, Schwimmer’s comments suggest that LeBlanc maintains connections with close friends. It remains to be seen whether he will re-enter the public eye or continue his private lifestyle.