Globally recognized sitcom star David Schwimmer, born November 2, 1966, is one of the six cast members of the hit 1990s series “Friends.” We’ll help you celebrate his special day right here!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
David Lawrence Schwimmer
Nickname:
Snaro
Birth date:
November 2, 1966
Age:
58
Zodiac Sign:
Scorpio
Height:
6' 0"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$100 million
Background
David Schwimmer will always be there for his fans — this Friend is a friend indeed.
Born as David Lawrence Schwimmer on November 2, 1966, in Flushing, Queens, the actor is the son of Arthur Schwimmer and Arlene Coleman-Schwimmer. His parents were attorneys. His zodiac sign is Scorpio, and he is Jewish. He was raised in Los Angeles.
Schwimmer’s interest in acting was sparked when he played the fairy godmother in “Cinderella” at age 10. He took a workshop taught by the impressive Ian McKellan when he was 13. With an initial interest in studying medicine, Schwimmer was encouraged by his high school drama teacher to pursue a career in acting. He graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and speech in 1988. From 1989 to 1993, Schwimmer starred in “N.Y.P.D. Blue,” “Monty,” and “Flight of the Intruder.” His breakthrough was as Ross Geller on the television phenomenon “Friends,” a role specifically created for him in 1994.
As one of the six ensemble cast, Schwimmer became a global superstar, beloved worldwide and drawing crowds that rivaled those The Beatles drew at the height of their fame. The show ran until 2004, and a reunion special debuted on H.B.O. Max in 2021. Schwimmer was bitten by the directing bug, having directed 10 episodes of “Friends” and would go on to helm projects including “Run Fatboy Run” and “Trust.”
As a feature film actor, the star has appeared in movies such as “Madagascar,” “Big Nothing” and “Nothing But The Truth.” He is a trained theater actor who has appeared in the Broadway show “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” and the London show “Some Girl(s).” His return to television has included a Primetime Emmy Award-nominated role in “American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J.Simpson” and the lead role in the British series “Intelligence.”
Schwimmer is a divorced father of one daughter.
Career timeline
Schwimmer’s first role is a supporting one in “A Deadly Silence,” a television movie.
Schwimmer is cast in his career-defining role of Ross Geller on the hit sitcom “Friends.”
Schwimmer voices the hypochondriac giraffe in one of 2005’s biggest blockbuster films, “Madagascar,” alongside Ben Stiller.
Taking to the stage in the Big Apple, Schwimmer wows critics and audiences alike in “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.”
Stepping behind the camera, Schwimmer directs the dramedy “Run Fatboy Run,” starring Simon Pegg.
Schwimmer plays Robert Kardashian Sr, lawyer of O.J. Simpson and father of the famous Kardashian clan in Ryan Murphy’s true crime series “American Crime Story.”
Once again stepping into a lead role, Schwimmer is cast as the main character in the British series “Intelligence.”
Why We Love David Schwimmer
He is an activist
Schwimmer has served on the board of directors for the Rape Treatment Centre since 2001. He believes in using his celebrity status to fight the war on date rape drugs.
He fights back
Whether suing Aaron Tonken, a famous fundraiser, for defamation or taking on a British talk show for false allegations about him and his co-stars, Schwimmer fights back against bullies. We love a fighter.
He’s iconic
Schwimmer will always be remembered and loved for his iconic acting abilities. More specifically, who didn’t love his character in “Friends?”
5 Surprising Facts
He wanted to be a doctor
Being initially more interested in saving people’s lives than making them laugh, we have Schwimmer’s drama teacher to thank for nurturing his burgeoning acting talent instead.
The first actor cast for Friends
“Friends” series creator Kevin S. Bright wrote the character of Ross with Schwimmer in mind, having worked with him before, and thus, he was the first actor cast.
He turned down “Men in Black”
No one can imagine anyone else playing the iconic Agent J role now, but Schwimmer was up against Will Smith for the part until he turned it down.
He was his mom’s birthday gift
Schwimmer was born on his mom’s birthday.
Ian McKellen taught him
When he was 13 years old, Schwimmer attended a Shakespeare class taught by “The X-Men” star.
David Schwimmer FAQs
Did David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston ever date?
The co-stars never dated, but they did admit during the 2021 H.B.O. Max “Friends” reunion that they had a mutual crush on each other.
Did the “Friends” cast get along with David Schwimmer?
The cast was inseparable while filming the show and remained a massive part of each other’s lives.
Did David Schwimmer get married?
Yes, Schwimmer was married to Zoë Buckman, the mother of his daughter, from 2010 to 2017.
David Schwimmer’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2024 | November 2 | Saturday |
2025 | November 2 | Sunday |
2026 | November 2 | Monday |
2027 | November 2 | Tuesday |
2028 | November 2 | Thursday |