Joey from ‘Friends’ Resurfaces at 57 – His New Look Has Everyone Talking

Matt LeBlanc, famous for playing Joey on “Friends,” recently appeared in public again at 57, showing a big change in his look. After staying out of Hollywood for years, his new appearance surprised fans, leading to mixed reactions online.

LeBlanc became very popular for his role as Joey Tribbiani on “Friends,” where people loved him for his humor, good looks, and memorable lines. But after the show ended, LeBlanc started to step away from the spotlight.

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Let’s look at Matt LeBlanc’s journey and changes over the years — from playing the lovable Joey Tribbiani on “Friends,” going through what he described as the hardest time of his life, to his recent public appearance that left some social media users concerned about him.

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1994 – 2000
Matt LeBlanc became a major star in the mid-90s thanks to his role as Joey Tribbiani on the hit sitcom “Friends.” The show, which first aired in 1994, quickly became a global sensation, winning over millions of fans and making LeBlanc a household name.

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LeBlanc’s character, Joey, was a struggling actor with a big heart, known for his great sense of humor, his simple yet lovable personality, and his iconic catchphrase, “How you doin’?” Joey was the ladies’ man of the group, combining his good looks with a childlike charm that instantly made him a fan favorite.

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With his sharp jawline, thick dark hair, and a smile that could brighten any room, LeBlanc’s good looks played a big role in his character’s appeal. Fans were captivated by his natural charm and the boyish innocence that made Joey both relatable and impossible to resist.

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2004 – 2006

After “Friends” ended in 2004, LeBlanc tried to keep Joey Tribbiani’s story going with the spin-off show, “Joey.” While the series aimed to recreate the success of “Friends,” it struggled to connect with audiences.

Running from 2004 to 2006, “Joey” only lasted for two seasons before it was canceled due to low ratings and poor reviews.

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During these years, LeBlanc went through personal struggles that made this time even harder. He was dealing with a painful divorce, and the pressure of trying to save the show added to his stress.

“My marriage was maybe doomed anyway, I don’t know,” LeBlanc admitted. On top of this, his young daughter was diagnosed with a health issue, adding to the emotional weight he was carrying.

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Sadly, the challenges continued. LeBlanc also faced betrayal when a nanny sold a story about his daughter’s health to the media.

He described this time as one of the darkest periods of his life, feeling torn between his responsibilities as a father and his efforts to make “Joey” a success.

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LeBlanc often struggled to be funny on set, with his mind constantly distracted by worries about his daughter’s health and the turmoil in his personal life.

Despite these challenges, he pushed through, later reflecting on how these tough times helped him grow. “But I got through it. Don’t they say, ‘What doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger?’” he shared.

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2007-2011
After “Joey” was canceled in 2006, LeBlanc made the surprising choice to leave the entertainment industry. For five years, he stayed out of the spotlight, taking a break to focus on his personal life.

Looking back on this time, LeBlanc said, “For years and years, I barely left the house. I was burnt out. I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. I was in a position to do that.”

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LeBlanc described this period as a dark chapter in his life, where he nearly faced a nervous breakdown. “My agent was bummed. Most actors call their agents and say, ‘What’s going on?’ I’d call mine and say, ‘Please lose my number for a few years,’” the actor revealed.

In 2011, LeBlanc made a surprising return to television, playing a fictionalized version of himself in the series “Episodes.” “None of it’s me. Even the parts that are me, are not me,” LeBlanc explained cryptically.

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LeBlanc’s comeback in “Episodes” highlighted his natural comedic talent, a key part of his personality. “I like to laugh. I’ve been like this my whole life. I have funny bones. If there’s ever any kind of tension, I’ll always be the one to try and be funny to loosen things up,” he shared.

2017
After eight years of playing his unique character, LeBlanc bid farewell to “Episodes” in 2017. Looking back, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’ve just been so, so lucky to be a part of it.”

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During this period, LeBlanc’s appearance had notably changed. He had a fuller figure and a more rugged look compared to his earlier days as Joey, with his hair now turned a distinguished silver.

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In 2022, LeBlanc made one of his final public appearances before stepping back from the spotlight once more. He showcased a distinguished look, blending his signature casual charm with a touch of mature elegance.

I Had No Doubt My Son Brought His New Girlfriend on Our Family Trip – Until I Accidentally Saw a Text on His Phone

I planned our family vacation, hoping it would be a chance to bond with my husband and son. Instead, it led me to a betrayal that turned our perfect getaway into a nightmare. What happened there was something I’ll never forget.

Family vacations are supposed to bring you closer together, right? At least, that’s what I’d always believed.

But this time, what started as a cherished family tradition became the worst time of my life.

A woman at the beach | Source: Midjourney

A woman at the beach | Source: Midjourney

Being a working mom has never been easy, but I’ve always prided myself on finding the balance between career and family.

My job keeps me so busy that I sometimes arrive home long after dinner has been eaten and the lights have been dimmed.

Despite that, I’ve always ensured my family had everything they needed.

A woman standing in the hallway | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing in the hallway | Source: Midjourney

My husband, Mark, also used to have a steady job, but things changed when he got laid off a couple of years ago. He picked up odd jobs here and there, contributing what he could, but the bulk of our household expenses landed squarely on my shoulders.

Honestly, I didn’t mind. That’s what you do for your family, right?

But lately, I’d started noticing the cracks.

A woman looking at her husband | Source: Midjourney

A woman looking at her husband | Source: Midjourney

My job left me with less time to connect with Mark because he’d already be asleep by the time I got home, making me feel we were growing apart.

However, I didn’t think much about it. I thought we’d reconnect on our annual vacation.

Our annual vacation is a tradition we’ve kept alive through the years. No matter how tough things got financially, we always set aside time to escape for a few days together.

A couple holding their bags | Source: Pexels

A couple holding their bags | Source: Pexels

It was something I cherished because I saw it as a chance to reconnect as a family and make memories that would last a lifetime.

This year, I wanted the trip to be extra special. Especially because lately, Mark had been struggling to find a decent job. I thought this would cheer him up.

“We need this,” I told Mark one evening after a particularly grueling day at work. “A few days away from everything, just the three of us.”

“But I don’t have a job, and—”

“No buts,” I said. “I’ll take care of everything. And I’m sure you’ll land a job when you return from the trip with a fresh mind. Don’t worry, okay?”

“Okay,” he smiled. “Thank you for all that you do for us. I’m sure Eric will love the trip too.”

A man sitting in his house | Source: Midjourney

A man sitting in his house | Source: Midjourney

Our son, Eric, is 20 and in college. Like most kids his age, he’s absorbed in his world of parties, friends, and social media. But when I called him to share our vacation plans, he sounded genuinely excited.

“Yeah, Mom, I’m in!” he exclaimed. “Can’t wait to spend time with you guys.”

It warmed my heart to hear that.

A day later, though, Eric called me back with a request. “Mom, would it be okay if I brought my girlfriend along?”

His girlfriend? That was news to me.

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

“Uh, I guess so,” I said hesitantly. “What’s her name?”

“Jessica,” he said. “She’s great. You’ll love her.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt about the idea. Our vacations had always been just the three of us, and adding a new person, someone I’d never met, felt strange. But Eric seemed so excited, and I didn’t want to dampen his enthusiasm. He told me he’d been seeing her for three months now.

“Alright,” I said finally. “She’s welcome to join us.”

As the trip approached, I threw myself into planning. I wanted everything to be perfect.

A woman writing in her diary | Source: Pexels

A woman writing in her diary | Source: Pexels

Little did I know, this vacation wouldn’t be about bonding or relaxation. It would turn out to be one of my worst nightmares.

Jessica joined us at the airport, looking like she had just stepped out of a magazine. Her sleek outfit, perfectly styled hair, and radiant smile immediately caught everyone’s attention, including Mark’s.

He seemed particularly charmed by her, pulling her suitcase and even complimenting her choice of shoes. I brushed it off as politeness.

After all, she was Eric’s girlfriend. What was there to worry about?

A young woman | Source: Midjourney

A young woman | Source: Midjourney

At first, Jessica seemed nice, but soon, little things started to feel weird.

Over dinner on our first night, I thought I’d try bonding with her.

“Jessica, have you had a chance to see Eric play basketball yet?” I asked.

Her eyes widened, and she hesitated before replying, “Basketball? We’ve never talked about that.”

My eyebrows shot up. Basketball had been Eric’s passion for years. His social media was plastered with team photos and game highlights. How could his girlfriend of three months not know that?

I glanced at Eric, who was busy texting and didn’t notice.

A man using his phone | Source: Pexels

A man using his phone | Source: Pexels

The next day, Eric suggested we all try jet-skiing. His face lit up as he described how much fun it would be, but Jessica frowned.

“I’m not really into water sports,” she said.

Wait… did Eric not know that already? I thought. That’s strange.

At that point, Eric’s excitement dimmed, but he quickly recovered and suggested we should go sightseeing instead.

Later, while everyone relaxed by the pool, I overheard Jessica asking Eric about his major.

“Biology, right?” she said with a giggle. “I can’t believe I keep forgetting that!”

A young woman smiling | Source: Midjourney

A young woman smiling | Source: Midjourney

My heart skipped a beat. What was going on here?

This young woman who claimed to be my son’s girlfriend had no idea about his passion for basketball. She didn’t know his major. And she didn’t even seem particularly interested in learning. And Eric? He was doting on her constantly, getting her drinks, carrying her bag, and even taking over the sun lounger she didn’t like.

Calm down, Colleen, I told myself. Don’t overthink. Relationships are complicated, and maybe Jessica just needed more time to connect with Eric.

Still, something didn’t sit right.

A woman standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

A woman standing outdoors | Source: Midjourney

Midway through the trip, I was looking for sunscreen in Eric’s suitcase when I stumbled upon a small velvet box. Curious, I opened it to find a stunning diamond necklace.

It looked SUPER EXPENSIVE, and I couldn’t believe my son had bought something so elegant for his girlfriend.

How did Eric manage to save up for it? I thought.

Later that evening, I brought it up casually.

“Eric, I found the necklace in your suitcase,” I smiled. “It’s beautiful, and I’m sure Jessica’s going to love it.”

A woman talking to her son | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking to her son | Source: Midjourney

He looked at me with wide eyes as if I’d said something I wasn’t supposed to say.

“Yeah, I-I,” he stammered. “I’ve been saving for a while. I, uh, I really liked it and I thought I’d get it for her. After all, she deserves it.”

“That’s amazing!” I faked a smile. “I’m so proud of you!”

I wasn’t ready to believe that my son, a college student on a tight budget, could afford something so extravagant. I decided not to press him, but my gut told me there was more to this necklace than he was letting on.

A silver pendant with diamonds | Source: Pexels

A silver pendant with diamonds | Source: Pexels

Jessica’s indifference to Eric’s life, her lack of genuine interest, and now this mystery necklace? Things weren’t adding up.

On the final morning of our trip, the hotel was quiet. Mark was having breakfast downstairs, and Eric and Jessica were lounging by the pool.

I stayed in the suite, sipping coffee and trying not to overanalyze the situation.

That’s when Eric’s phone, left charging on the counter, buzzed with a notification.

It was a text. I glanced at it absentmindedly, but my eyes widened when I read it.

A phone on a table | Source: Pexels

A phone on a table | Source: Pexels

It read, +$500 to our deal. Thanks for covering up for me with the necklace.

The sender? Mark. My husband.

My stomach dropped as my mind tried to connect the dots. I immediately grabbed Eric’s phone and entered the passcode (I knew it because I’d watched him unlock his phone once).

I knew it wasn’t right to invade his privacy, but something told me I had to see more.

The message thread unraveled a web of betrayal I couldn’t have imagined.

A woman reading messages on her son's phone | Source: Pexels

A woman reading messages on her son’s phone | Source: Pexels

Mark and Eric had been plotting for weeks, and Jessica wasn’t Eric’s girlfriend. She was Mark’s mistress.

Eric had been pretending to date her as a cover so Mark could bring her on the trip without arousing my suspicion. The “deal” they had struck involved money Mark had promised Eric in exchange for his silence. And the necklace? Mark had paid for it with my money.

I stared at the screen as dozens of questions popped into my mind.

A woman looking at her son's phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman looking at her son’s phone | Source: Midjourney

How could Mark do this to me? And Eric? Why did he go along with it? They thought they could betray me like this?

I was angry. I was heartbroken.

But I knew I couldn’t let this slide.

That evening, I called everyone to dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. I dressed carefully, choosing a nice dress and pairing it with the diamond necklace my husband had bought for his mistress.

I wanted to look composed and strong, even if I felt like falling apart inside.

A woman wearing a necklace | Source: Midjourney

A woman wearing a necklace | Source: Midjourney

When I walked into the restaurant, they turned to look at me. Jessica’s eyes lit up, but her smile faded when she realized I was wearing her necklace.

“Mom, why are you wearing Jessica’s necklace?” Eric asked. “That’s her gift.”

“Oh, really?” I chuckled. “That’s odd. Because your dad bought it with MY MONEY.”

Mark’s face turned pale.

“Wh-what are you talking about?” he stammered. “What—”

A man sitting in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

A man sitting in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

“Stop pretending, Mark,” I said, rolling my eyes.

Then, I turned to Jessica. “I don’t know what my husband has told you, but he’s currently unemployed. He got laid off years ago, and since then, he’s been struggling to find a decent job.”

“But, I—”

“Shh!” I cut her off. “Let me finish. You see, I’ve been paying for everything ever since he lost his job. Everything including this trip, the necklace, and even the money he promised Eric to play along with this charade.”

“Mom, I didn’t mean to… I mean—” Eric began.

A young man in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

A young man in a restaurant | Source: Midjourney

“I never thought my son could do something like this,” I glanced at Eric as tears streamed down my cheeks. “I had no idea I was paying my own son to lie to me.”

That was the last thing I said to the three of them. I stood up and walked back to my room.

The next day, I flew home alone. Eric and Mark kept calling me, but I refused to answer any of their calls.

A woman using her phone | Source: Pexels

A woman using her phone | Source: Pexels

A week later, I filed for divorce. Jessica vanished when she realized Mark had no money, leaving him humiliated and alone.

As for Eric, we’re working on rebuilding our relationship. He made a mistake, but he’s still my son, and I’m hoping he won’t do anything like this again. I guess he just wanted some money and didn’t really care what his father wanted him to do. I pray he grows up and understands what Mark did that day was totally unacceptable.

I hope Eric never follows in his father’s footsteps.

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