David Schwimmer's Full Biography
David Schwimmer is famously known for his role as Ross on the hit sitcom Friends. His portrayal of Ross Geller, a lovable yet neurotic paleontologist, earned him critical acclaim and made him a household name.
Schwimmer's impeccable comedic timing and ability to bring life to his character's quirks and idiosyncrasies made him a fan favorite among viewers of all ages. But beyond his success on Friends, Schwimmer's talent extends far beyond the small screen.
Early Life/Education
Schwimmer's rise to fame came with his iconic portrayal of Ross Geller on the beloved television sitcom Friends (1994–2004). Growing up in Los Angeles, he was fortunate to have parents who were established attorneys.
Pursuing his passion for acting, Schwimmer decided to join Northwestern University's prestigious theater department in Evanston, Illinois, where he discovered his true calling.
After immersing himself in Chicago's vibrant theater scene, he co-founded the Lookingglass Theatre Company alongside seven other talented Northwestern alumni. This endeavor began taking shape during his junior year, when they successfully produced an off-campus rendition of Alice in Wonderland.
Career
Schwimmer persevered in pursuing his dream even after graduating, securing recurring roles on popular TV shows like L.A. Law, The Wonder Years, and NYPD Blue, along with small film projects like Crossing the Bridge, Twenty Bucks, and The Waiter. Additionally, he had the opportunity to star alongside Henry Winkler in the promising sitcom Monty.
Despite high hopes for success, the show unfortunately got axed after just a few episodes. Determined to move forward, Schwimmer made a firm decision that it would mark his last venture into the comedy series genre.
Schwimmer got his big break in 1994 when he was cast in the role of Ross Geller on the new television series Friends.
Schwimmer was the first actor to be cast on the ensemble show, and he immediately embodied the nerdy and neurotic character that was written for him. He received a nomination for an Emmy Award during the first season of the program, and Schwimmer and the cast then received additional accolades. Friends was such a huge success that it became the centerpiece of NBC's comedic Thursday night lineup and launched the careers of the entire cast almost immediately.
During his time on Friends, David Schwimmer actively pursued opportunities in film, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In 1996, he took on his first leading role in the feature film The Pallbearer and followed it with appearances in Breast Men (TV-1997), Kissing a Fool (1998), and Six Days Seven Nights. Although these films did not achieve commercial success, Schwimmer remained dedicated to the hit TV show Friends until its final season in 2004.
In 2005, he provided the voice for the beloved character of Melman the giraffe in the animated blockbuster Madagascar and its subsequent sequels. Not limited to acting, Schwimmer expanded his horizons by directing two feature films: the 2007 comedy Run Fatboy Run, starring Simon Pegg, and the 2010 drama Trust.
Schwimmer continued to pursue his passion for theater, remaining a dedicated member of the Lookingglass Company. Additionally, he continued to thrive in the realms of TV and film. Notably, he made his debut in London with the play Some Girl(s) by Neil LaBute. Furthermore, in 2006, Schwimmer achieved another milestone as he performed in his first Broadway play, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.
Schwimmer also directed Sex with Strangers (2014), Dry Ice (2012), Big Lake Big City (2013), and Plantation! (2018), showcasing his diverse repertoire. He directed Sex with Strangers, Dry Ice, Big Lake Big City, and Plantation!, showcasing his talent in directing, writing, and producing.
Personal Life
In 2010, David Schwimmer married Zoe Buckman. They had Cleo Buckman Schwimmer the next year. In 2017, the couple divorced.
Net Worth
After Friends was all said and done, David Schwimmer had earned $90 million. While the entire gang gets paid royalties, you can bet that the original show is what helped him establish his $120 million net worth.
Activism
David Schwimmer has been actively involved in campaigns to end violence against women for 14 years. It started when he was encouraged by Gail Abarbanel, the president of the Rape Treatment Center in Los Angeles, to make use of his celebrity status in order to show men why it is important to address the issue of violence against women.
Controversy
Schwimmer won a $400,000 defamation lawsuit against former charity fundraiser Aaron Tonken in June 2006. Tonken claimed Schwimmer demanded Rolex watches to appear at his own charity event, which Schwimmer denied.
