44 Actors From Friends Who Have Passed Away Since the Show Ended

Friends may have wrapped up its final season over two decades ago, but its legacy as one of the most beloved sitcoms endures. Premiering in 1994, the NBC classic followed the lives of six quirky friends navigating their 20s in New York City. The show catapulted its main cast—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry—to international fame, solidifying their places in television history.

Throughout its 10-season run, Friends featured a plethora of memorable guest stars and cameo appearances from both rising talents and established Hollywood legends. Sadly, since the show’s conclusion, several of these actors have passed away, leaving behind cherished memories of their roles on the beloved series. Here, we honor and remember these remarkable individuals who contributed to the magic of Friends.

1. Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry immortalized Chandler Bing with his quick wit and sarcasm, delivering countless unforgettable lines. Beyond Friends, Perry appeared in projects like The Good Fight. Tragically, Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, at his Los Angeles home due to complications related to ketamine use, with several individuals charged in connection to his death.

2. Teri Garr

Teri Garr portrayed Phoebe Buffay’s birth mother, Phoebe Abbott, in three episodes. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002, Garr continued to inspire others until her passing on October 29, 2024, at age 79. Lisa Kudrow fondly remembered her as a comedic genius and a significant influence.

3. James Michael Tyler

Known for his role as Gunther, the Central Perk manager with an unspoken love for Rachel, James Michael Tyler appeared in 164 episodes. He battled prostate cancer from 2018 until his death on October 24, 2021, at age 59.

4. Robin Williams

The beloved comedian and actor made a surprise cameo with Billy Crystal in “The One With The Ultimate Fighting Champion.” Robin Williams, a fan favorite, tragically died by suicide in 2014 at age 63, leaving a lasting impact on fans and the entertainment industry.

5. Heathcote Williams

Heathcote Williams played a memorable drunken wedding guest at Ross and Emily’s wedding, whose mix-up led to Monica and Chandler’s iconic relationship. He passed away on July 1, 2017, at age 75 due to emphysema.

6. Mike Hagerty

Mike Hagerty brought Mr. Treeger, the quirky building superintendent, to life in five episodes. He died on May 5, 2022, from an adverse reaction to an antibiotic while treating a leg infection.

7. Audra Lindley

Audra Lindley played Frances, Phoebe Buffay’s grandmother, warming hearts with her performances. She passed away in 1997 from leukemia, leaving behind a legacy of heartfelt roles.

8. Ron Leibman

Ron Leibman portrayed Dr. Leonard Green, Rachel’s fiercely blunt father. He passed away in 2019 due to pneumonia complications, remembered for his strong and memorable performances.

9. Ron Glass

Ron Glass appeared as Russel, Ross’ divorce attorney. His versatile acting career was cut short when he died in 2016 from respiratory failure, leaving fans to cherish his contributions.

10. Stan Kirsch

Known for Highlander, Stan Kirsch played Ethan, Monica’s high school-aged boyfriend. His life ended tragically in suicide on January 11, 2020, at age 51.

11. Joel Beeson

Joel Beeson’s portrayal of Todd, Joey’s rival at a department store, was brief but memorable. He succumbed to liver disease on October 17, 2017, at age 51.

12. Fred Willard

Fred Willard appeared as Dean Lipson, a zoo manager, adding humor to the series. He passed away on May 15, 2020, from a sudden heart attack at age 86.

13. Dick Clark

Playing himself as the host of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Dick Clark was a legendary figure in entertainment. He died on April 18, 2012, following a heart attack after a medical procedure.

14. Alice Drummond

Alice Drummond, known for Ghostbusters, played Nana, Ross and Monica’s grandmother. She passed away on November 30, 2016, at age 88 due to complications from a fall.

15. Beverly Garland

Beverly Garland appeared as Aunt Iris, teaching the girls to play poker. She battled a long illness before passing away on December 5, 2008.

16. Phil Leeds

Phil Leeds portrayed Mr. Adelman, the widower who believed his wife’s soul was in Phoebe’s body. He died of pneumonia on August 16, 1998, at age 82.

17. Taylor Negron

Taylor Negron played Alessandro, Monica’s fiery restaurant owner boss. He passed away from liver cancer on January 10, 2015, at age 57.

18. Paul Gleason

Paul Gleason took on the role of Jack, Phoebe’s boss, in “The One That Could Have Been.” He died from mesothelioma on May 27, 2006, at age 67.

19. Alaina Reed Hall

Alaina Reed Hall, also known for Sesame Street, played a hospital admissions worker. She passed away in 2009 from breast cancer at age 63.

20. Gary Collins

Gary Collins appeared as himself, hosting a PBS telethon. He died of natural causes on October 13, 2012, at age 74.

21. Richard Roat

Richard Roat played Burt, Ross’s student date. He passed away from a heart attack on August 5, 2022, at age 89.

22. Danny Dayton

Danny Dayton portrayed Buddy Doyle, Mr. Heckles’ attorney. He died of emphysema on February 6, 1999, at age 75.

23. Gretchen Wyler

Gretchen Wyler played Mrs. Burkart, a widow who refused payment for catering services. She passed away from breast cancer on May 27, 2007, at age 75.

24. Max Wright

Max Wright brought Terry, the former Central Perk manager, to life. He battled cancer before passing away on June 26, 2019.

25. Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston made a cameo as himself in “The One With Joey’s Dirty Day.” He died from pneumonia on April 5, 2008, at age 84.

26. Ralph Manza

Ralph Manza, who also starred in Godzilla, played Ross’s old neighbor. He died of a heart attack on January 31, 2000, at age 78.

27. Sandra Gould

Sandra Gould, known for Bewitched, appeared as a cookie-refusing woman. She passed away from a stroke on July 20, 1999, just days before her 83rd birthday.

28. Peter Dennis

Peter Dennis played Sherman Whitfield, who hilariously took Chandler’s seat. He died on April 18, 2009, at age 75.

29. Andre Rosey Brown

Andre Rosey Brown portrayed the Mattress King’s delivery man. He passed away on July 18, 2006, at age 50 after a short illness.

30. Shelley Berman

Shelley Berman took on the role of Mr. Kaplan Jr., Rachel’s boss. He succumbed to Alzheimer’s complications on September 1, 2017, at age 92.

31. Penny Santon

Penny Santon played Nonna Tribbiani, Joey’s beloved grandmother. She passed away on May 12, 1999, at age 82.

32. Lilyan Chauvin

Lilyan Chauvin portrayed Nonnie Tribbiani, Joey’s non-English-speaking grandmother. She battled breast cancer until her death on June 26, 2008, at age 82.

33. Cyndi Martino

Cyndi Martino appeared as Henrietta, competing against Joey on The $100,000 Pyramid. She passed away on October 28, 2015, at age 52.

34. Kellie Waymire

Kellie Waymire played Colleen, assisting Chandler and Monica with adoption. She tragically died from cardiac arrest due to an undiagnosed heart arrhythmia on November 13, 2003, at age 36.

35. Buck Kartalian

Buck Kartalian, known for Planet of the Apes, portrayed Frankie, the tailor who mismeasured Chandler. He passed away from natural causes on May 24, 2016, at age 93.

36. Terry Rhoads

Terry Rhoads played a maître d’ in an episode. He died on October 11, 2013, at age 61 from amyloidosis, a rare protein disorder.

37. Jackie Bright

Jackie Bright appeared twice on Friends as Mr. Weinberg and a janitor. He passed away on August 28, 2006, at age 87.

38. Fritzi Burr

Fritzi Burr played Mrs. Weinberg and Mrs. Tedlock in different episodes. She passed away on January 17, 2003.

39. Steve Susskind

Steve Susskind, known for Monsters, Inc., played the priest ready to marry Chandler and Monica. He tragically died in a car accident on January 21, 2005, at age 62.

40. Jack Riley

Jack Riley appeared as an airline passenger in the season one finale. He passed away from pneumonia on August 19, 2016, at age 80.

41. Alexis Arquette

Alexis Arquette made two appearances on Friends and was known for her versatile acting career. She died at age 47 on September 11, 2016, from a heart attack following a bacterial heart infection.