Matt LeBlanc, best known as Joey from “Friends,” recently reemerged in the public eye at 57, revealing a dramatic transformation. After years away from Hollywood, his latest appearance left fans stunned, sparking a wave of polarizing reactions online.
Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of Joey Tribbiani on “Friends” made him a household name, beloved for his comedic timing, charming looks, and unforgettable catchphrases. But after the show ended, LeBlanc slowly faded from the public eye.
Matt LeBlanc and his “Friends” cast mates, circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images
Take a look at his journey and transformation over the years — from playing the charming Joey Tribbiani and navigating what he called the darkest period of his life to his recent rare outing that left some social media users worried about him.
Matt LeBlanc, circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images
1994 – 2000
LeBlanc shot to stardom in the mid-90s with his portrayal of Joey Tribbiani on the iconic sitcom “Friends.” The show, which premiered in 1994, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of millions around the world.
Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, circa 1994. | Source: Getty Images
LeBlanc’s character, Joey, was a struggling actor with a lovable personality, known for his comedic timing, dim-witted yet endearing nature, and his famous catchphrase, “How you doin’?” Joey was the ultimate ladies’ man, combining good looks with an innocent charm that made him a fan favorite from the get-go.
Matt LeBlanc and Courteney Cox filming season one of ” Friends,” circa 1995. | Source: Getty Images
With his chiseled jawline, thick dark hair, and a smile that could light up the room, LeBlanc’s good looks became a significant part of his on-screen persona. Fans were drawn to the actor’s effortless charm and the boyish innocence that made Joey both relatable and irresistible.
Matt LeBlanc filming season one of ” Friends,” circa 1995. | Source: Getty Images
2004 – 2006
After “Friends” ended in 2004, LeBlanc attempted to continue the story of Joey Tribbiani with the spin-off series, “Joey.” While the show aimed to capture the same magic that made “Friends” a hit, it struggled to find its footing.
Running from 2004 to 2006, “Joey” only lasted two seasons before being canceled due to disappointing ratings and a lack of critical acclaim.
Matt LeBlanc and Paolo Costanzo filming season one of “Joey,” circa 2004. | Source: Getty Images
During these years, LeBlanc faced personal struggles that made the period even more difficult. He was going through a painful divorce, and the pressure of trying to keep the show afloat amid his personal turmoil added to his stress.
“My marriage was maybe doomed anyway, I don’t know,” the actor shared. Amidst this, his young daughter was diagnosed with a health issue, compounding the emotional burden he carried.
Matt LeBlanc at the 2004 NBC All-Star Party in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, the challenges didn’t end there. The actor also had to deal with betrayal from within his inner circle when a nanny sold a story about his daughter’s condition to the media.
LeBlanc described this period as one of the darkest times of his life, feeling torn between his duties as a father and his commitment to making “Joey” a success.
Matt LeBlanc at the 30th Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 11, 2004, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
The actor often found himself struggling to be funny on set while his mind was preoccupied with concerns about his daughter’s health and the chaos in his personal life.
Despite these challenges, LeBlanc persevered, reflecting later on how these experiences shaped him. “But I got through it. Don’t they say, ‘What doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger?’” he shared.
Matt LeBlanc at the Jeremy McGrath Invitational Media Day on October 4, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
2010
Matt LeBlanc at the Ralph Lauren Wimbledon party on June 17, 2010, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
2007-2011
After the cancellation of “Joey” in 2006, LeBlanc made the unexpected decision to step away from the entertainment industry entirely. For five years, he remained out of the spotlight, taking a much-needed break to focus on his personal life.
Reflecting on this period, LeBlanc admitted, “For years and years, I barely left the house. I was burnt out. I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. I was in a position to do that.”
Matt LeBlanc at the 2011 Showtime Winter TCA Panel on January 14, 2011, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
LeBlanc described this time as a dark chapter in his life, one where he almost reached the brink of a nervous breakdown. “My agent was bummed. Most actors call their agents and say, ‘What’s going on?’ I’d call mine and say, ‘Please lose my number for a few years,’” the actor revealed.
Matt LeBlanc on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on February 9, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
However, in 2011, LeBlanc made a surprising comeback, as a fictionalized version of himself in the series “Episodes.” “None of it’s me. Even the parts that are me, are not me,” LeBlanc cryptically explained.
Matt LeBlanc appears on “The Graham Norton Show” on January 12, 2011, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
LeBlanc’s return in “Episodes” showcased his natural comedic talent, something that had always been a core part of his personality. “I like to laugh. I’ve been like this my whole life. I have funny bones. If there’s ever any kind of tension, I’ll always be the one to try and be funny to loosen things up,” he shared.
Matt LeBlanc at the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards on September 18, 2011. | Source: Getty Images
2013
Andrea Anders and Matt LeBlanc at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards red carpet on January 13, 2013, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc ahead of the TV BAFTA’s on May 11, 2013, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
2015 – 2016
By 2015, LeBlanc had stepped back significantly from the hustle of Hollywood. After his initial return with “Episodes,” the actor found himself grappling with the toll that years of fame and constant work had taken on him.
Matt LeBlanc at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and InStyle’s celebration of the 2016 Golden Globe Award season on November 17, 2015, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
During this time, LeBlanc’s appearance had also noticeably changed. The actor sported a fuller figure and a more rugged look than his earlier days as Joey, his hair turning a distinguished silver.
Matt LeBlanc seen filming “Top Gear” on February 19, 2016, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
2017
After eight years of embodying his unique character, it was time for LeBlanc to say goodbye to “Episodes” in 2017. Reflecting on his time with the show, LeBlanc expressed gratitude, saying, “I’ve just been so, so lucky to be a part of it.”
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Man With a Plan” on January 6, 2017. | Source: Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc at the screening of “Episodes” during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival on April 30 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
2020
As “Episodes” came to an end, LeBlanc quickly transitioned into another major role in the sitcom “Man with a Plan.” However, in 2020, the series was canceled, marking the end of another chapter in LeBlanc’s varied television career.
Matt LeBlanc on season 1 of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on September 10, 2020. | Source: Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc on season 1 of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” on September 10, 2020. | Source: Getty Images
2022
In 2022, LeBlanc made one of his last public appearances before retreating from the spotlight once again. The actor sported a distinguished look that combined his signature casual charm with a touch of mature elegance.
Matt LeBlanc at the 7th Annual Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Make March Matter Kick-Off event on March 1, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
He had salt-and-pepper hair styled neatly and a well-kept beard, highlighting his transition from the boyish Joey Tribbiani to a man embracing his age.
Matt LeBlanc at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2022 CHLA Gala on October 8, 2022, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
2023
In 2023, the entertainment world was rocked by the unexpected passing of Matthew Perry, LeBlanc’s close friend and former co-star from “Friends.” Although LeBlanc had remained out of the public eye throughout the year, he took to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to Perry.
“It was tough when Matthew [Perry] was battling his addiction. And there were certain times that we didn’t all agree on things, but the good times far outweighed those times,” LeBlanc revealed during an interview.
2024
In 2024, LeBlanc was spotted out and about, marking his first public appearance after a long absence from the spotlight. However, the actor appeared noticeably different.
LeBlanc’s hair, now significantly more silver, reflected the natural progression of time, and his beard also carried the distinguished look of age.
The actor was seen with a fuller figure, a stark contrast to his leaner days as Joey Tribbiani. LeBlanc’s recent appearance quickly sparked a flurry of reactions online, with fans and commenters divided in their opinions.
“🥶🤔 what did he [go] through. Death of his friend might have affected him,”one person shared. Another typed, “Not looking good for being 57 yr old. Needs to change his diet.”
However, others defended LeBlanc, with one person commenting, “He is just heavier.” Another added, “I think he looks awesome!” A third shared, “He looks great still!”
“Why, cause he has gained weight and has grey hair!!! Guess what, these celebrities are human, and they age just like the rest of us,” another social media user said in response to claims that LeBlanc looked “unrecognizable.”
Matt LeBlanc’s journey from the charming Joey Tribbiani to his recent return to the public eye reflects a life marked by immense highs, personal struggles, and a desire for privacy. While his recent appearance sparked mixed reactions, it serves as a reminder of the natural passage of time and the enduring impact of his work.
