David Schwimmer reassesses Friends after daughter discovers the show

In a recent podcast appearance, David Schwimmer, the actor known for his role as Ross Geller in the iconic sitcom Friends, discussed his complex relationship with the show following its conclusion in 2004. He revealed that after the series wrapped, he never revisited the episodes and developed a negative response to its theme song, 'I’ll Be There For You' by The Rembrandts, which he heard repeatedly during the show's ten-season run. Schwimmer recounted how the theme song would often be played as an intro at interviews and talk shows, intensifying his aversion to it after being associated with it for so long. However, a significant turning point occurred when his daughter Cleo, who is now 11, began watching Friends around the age of nine. This discovery brought a fresh perspective for Schwimmer, who found joy in witnessing his daughter's excitement as she enjoyed the show. It allowed him to reassess his previous sentiments and reconnect with both the theme song and the series itself, stating that his whole relationship changed when he heard her laughter while watching it. Schwimmer expressed how he was initially ready to move on from Friends, stating he felt the series had reached its natural end and possibly overstayed its welcome. Reflecting on his experience, Schwimmer noted that his time on Friends was an 'incredible life-changing chapter' in his career, but the sudden shift to fame was overwhelming. He shared an anecdote about when the cast was warned by the show's director, James Burrows, that they would soon lose their anonymity after achieving stardom. Schwimmer recounted a particular instance when he was at Los Angeles International Airport and was accosted by a group of fans, illustrating the dramatic change in his life post-Friends. His comments highlighted the lack of privacy that often accompanies fame, which he now appreciates is no longer the case for him. Schwimmer's candid reflections reveal the nuanced feelings that can accompany a role as iconic as Ross Geller, showing that even beloved characters can create complicated experiences for the actors who portray them. The shift in perspective due to his daughter’s newfound appreciation for Friends demonstrates how personal experiences can shape public figures' connections to their work.