David Schwimmer remains one of the most recognizable faces in television history thanks to Friends. Although fans know him as the lovable paleontologist Ross Geller, his career extends far beyond that sitcom. Surprisingly, he is a dedicated stage actor who co-founded his own theater company in Chicago. Furthermore, he works tirelessly as an activist to end sexual violence. His skills as a director have also earned him respect in Hollywood. Prepare to pivot to the real life of this talented star.
David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer was the very first actor cast in Friends. In fact, the producers wrote the character of Ross specifically for him. Therefore, he did not even have to audition for the iconic role.
Surprisingly, he turned down the lead role in Men in Black. The studio offered him the part of Agent J, which eventually went to Will Smith. However, he rejected it to direct his first film, Since You’ve Been Gone.
He co-founded the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago. Immediately after college, he helped start this ensemble to produce original plays. Consequently, he remains an active member of the company to this day.
David Schwimmer directed ten episodes of Friends himself. While acting as Ross, he also worked behind the camera to guide his castmates. For example, he directed “The One with the Red Sweater.”
His mother is a famous high-profile divorce lawyer. Arlene Coleman-Schwimmer represented celebrities like Roseanne Barr and Elizabeth Taylor during their legal battles. Thus, he grew up hearing about complex legal cases.
He hated working with the monkey Marcel. Apparently, the animal constantly messed up takes and ate live grubs on his shoulder. Therefore, David Schwimmer felt relieved when the writers wrote the monkey out of the show.
He voiced Melman the Giraffe in the Madagascar movies. Producers cast him because of his distinct voice and comedic timing. Interestingly, he recorded his lines alone in a booth, not with the other actors.
David Schwimmer serves on the board of the Rape Foundation. He has spent decades advocating for victims of sexual assault and harassment. This passion comes from hearing his mother’s stories about representing female clients.
He played a strict military instructor in Band of Brothers. Fans were shocked to see him as the hated Captain Herbert Sobel. Consequently, this serious role proved his range went far beyond comedy.
Uniquely, he encouraged the Friends cast to negotiate salaries together. He convinced the group to form a “mini-union” to demand equal pay. Ultimately, this strategy earned each of them one million dollars per episode.
He played the lawyer Robert Kardashian in American Crime Story. To prepare, he spent hours talking to Kris Jenner about her late husband. Thus, he captured the essence of the man who defended O.J. Simpson.
He appeared in The Wonder Years with long hair. Early in his career, he played Karen’s hippie boyfriend in the classic show. Consequently, footage of him in a tie-dye shirt still circulates online.
David Schwimmer struggled intensely with his sudden fame. The overwhelming celebrity status made him want to hide from the world. Therefore, he often wore a baseball cap pulled down low to avoid recognition.
He directed the British comedy Run Fatboy Run. He traveled to the UK to work with Simon Pegg on the film. Fortunately, the movie became a box office success in England.
Finally, he considers himself a theater geek at heart. Despite his massive television success, he often returns to the stage. He believes that live performance offers a thrill that cameras cannot match.
Bryan Cranston achieved critical and popular acclaim portraying Walter White in Breaking Bad, earning multiple Emmy wins. With a versatile career spanning comedy, drama, film, and stage, Cranston is a celebrated actor and director.
Bryan Cranston
Bryan Lee Cranston was born on March 7, 1956, in Hollywood, California.
He rose to stardom for his iconic portrayal of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin, in the AMC series Breaking Bad (2008–2013).
Cranston won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series four times for Breaking Bad (2008, 2009, 2010, 2014).
Before Breaking Bad, he gained fame as the humorous and quirky Hal on Fox’s Malcolm in the Middle (2000–2006), earning multiple Emmy nominations.
Cranston began acting in commercials and guest-starring TV roles as a child, developing his craft over decades.
His film roles include Saving Private Ryan (1998), Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Drive (2011), Contagion (2011), and Trumbo (2015), where he portrayed screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.
Bryan Cranston received Academy Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG nominations for his role in Trumbo.
On stage, he won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his portrayal of Lyndon B. Johnson in All the Way (2013) and later for Network (2019).
He has directed episodes of TV shows including Breaking Bad, Malcolm in the Middle, and Sneaky Pete.
Bryan Cranston narrated the documentary Apollo 11 and voiced characters in animated films like Isle of Dogs (2018).
He starred in the crime drama series Sneaky Pete (2015–2019) and Your Honor (2020–2023).
Cranston is known for his deep voice, intense character work, and ability to transition between comedy and drama seamlessly.
Despite fame, he remains known for his humility and dedication to craft.
Bryan Cranston was nominated for and won several awards for both his acting and directing work over his career.
Beyond acting, he is active in charity work and mentorship within the industry.
Ryan Gosling’s path to fame includes surprising struggles, creative risks, and heartfelt dedication. From his humble childhood to musical skills and unforgettable roles, discover little-known facts that make him one of Hollywood’s most intriguing actors.
Ryan GoslingRyan Gosling
Ryan Gosling was the only Mickey Mouse Club cast member who lived in a trailer park during filming, far away from other Mouseketeers.
He was home-schooled by his mother after facing constant bullying at elementary school.
Gosling built the kitchen table featured in The Notebook himself to prepare for his role as Noah.
He learned to play the piano in just a few months to authentically perform his La La Land scenes.
Ryan once gained 60 pounds for the film The Lovely Bones by eating melted ice cream, but was ultimately fired over creative differences.
After The Notebook, he briefly worked in a deli, wanting to experience a “real” job outside Hollywood.
He co-founded a Moroccan restaurant called Tagine in Los Angeles, though it later went bankrupt.
Gosling’s breakthrough indie film role was as a Jewish neo-Nazi in The Believer (2001), which challenged early fans’ expectations.
He does not have an entourage and prefers solitude when not working, embracing a rather private lifestyle.
Ryan is a talented musician; besides piano, he also played drums and guitar in his band Dead Man’s Bones.
The viral “Ryan Gosling Won’t Eat His Cereal” videos were tributes by a fan who died young; Gosling honored him with his own video.
He is one of the few actors to receive multiple Academy Award nominations before turning 40.
Gosling originally auditioned for the role of James Kirk in Star Trek but was considered too tall at 6’3”.
Before acting, he worked with his Elvis impersonator uncle, even performing at local events.
Despite fame, Gosling prioritizes family life, balancing acting with being a dedicated husband and father.
