Matt LeBlanc made a rare public appearance this week, just days ahead of the two-year anniversary of his Friends co-star Matthew Perry’s passing. The 58-year-old actor, known for his role as Joey Tribbiani, was spotted enjoying a casual outing with his 21-year-old daughter, Marina, in Sherman Oaks, California.
Dressed in a red shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap, LeBlanc exuded a laid-back vibe, with greying hair and a beard adding to his low-key demeanor. This outing marks LeBlanc’s first public sighting in 10 months. He was particularly nostalgic, as it comes closely before the October 28 anniversary of Perry’s death at the age of 54, following a tragic accident exacerbated by a ketamine overdose.
The two actors shared a strong bond both on and off the screen, with Perry famously portraying Chandler Bing, Joey’s best friend, on the iconic television series Friends. The show, which aired for ten seasons, has been celebrated for its significant impact on pop culture and its numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards.
In recent years, LeBlanc has stepped away from Hollywood to focus on his new venture as a part-owner of RPM Motorcars, a dealership specializing in high-quality and exotic vehicles. He has been involved with the business since October 2020, and recent photos captured him working diligently at the dealership, with his impressive $149,000 black Mercedes G-Wagon visible on the lot.
LeBlanc’s transition from acting to entrepreneurship highlights a personal choice to take a break from the spotlight, with no new film or television projects since the Friends reunion special in 2021. His last acting role was in the CBS series Man with a Plan, which ended in 2020.
Despite his absence from the entertainment scene, the warmth of his long-standing friendships from Friends remains evident. Recently, co-star Lisa Kudrow disclosed that the cast had only met once in the 17 years since the series concluded, illustrating the enduring nature of their connections. Their reunion for dinner prior to the HBO special was a testament to the bond they share, allowing them to seamlessly reconnect.
As we remember the legacy of Matthew Perry this anniversary, LeBlanc’s continued presence in the business world serves as a reminder of the evolution of former stars and the new paths they create beyond their original fame.