At the time, the cast of Friends turned into mega stars in Hollywood during the '90s and into the 2000s. Handling this type of fame wasn't easy for the cast, that especially held true for David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry.
In the following, we'll take a closer look with the things Matt LeBlanc was dealing with at the time, and how David Schwimmer came to his aid during an interview on The Howard Stern Show.
Schwimmer received praise for his demeanor throughout the interview, despite some iffy questions asked by the host. We'll take a look back at how Schwimmer handled it all, and how it wasn't the first time he was looking out for the best interests of the main cast.
Matt LeBlanc Admitted That Finding Privacy Wasn't Easy During His Friends Fame
During the height of Friends, it wasn't easy for the main cast to find privacy. David Schwimmer admitted in various interviews that his personal life suffered because of it. As for Matt LeBlanc, well he was typically on the wrong side of rumors spread by the paparazzi.
LeBlanc would also reveal just how bad things got in terms of his personal privacy. He recalls turning on the television and seeing a live feed of his own home.
LeBlanc revealed during his interview with Kelly Clarkson, "I remember one time, it was during the week, I had been flipping channels and watching the news and for some reason, they had a split-screen on the TV, six quadrants."
“Each was a live shot of each one of our houses, like a helicopter shot,” he explained. “I was watching it and there was no information or news, it was just showing houses.”
LeBlanc would go on to reveal that the popularity at the time was enhanced due to the fact that Netflix wasn't around at the time, so it made the series that much more special.
However, it also brought along more gossip, especially from a media standpoint. David Schwimmer made it clear that what the media said wasn't always true, especially in regard to his fellow co-stars.
David Schwimmer Defended Matt LeBlanc After Howard Stern Called His Co-Star "Out Of Control"
Robin Quivers and Howard Stern brought up a story ran by the National Enquirer, suggesting that Matt LeBlanc was acting out of control with a driver or bodyguard. Schwimmer was quick to dismiss the story, claiming that the story was completely fabricated and that the person who created the scenario actually called LeBlanc before it was released as a way of sticking in to him.
Stern then asks Schwimmer if LeBlanc is as dumb as his character on the show, Joey. Schwimmer once again has his back, calling him a great guy.
The moment on The Howard Stern Show can be seen in the video below at the 15:00 mark.
Fans had a lot to say about the moment, and most were praising Schwimmer for sticking up towards his fellow castmates throughout the interview.
The most liked comment reads, "David was very classy, I love how he defended his whole Friends cast. Especially how he defended Matthew Perry, and then Matt LeBlanc. He also tried not to come across as wooden so he laughed a few times & poked fun but you can see he didn't like Howard's style overall. Seriously David should get the medal for how he even went through this stupid interview. Stern clearly only wanted to shock the audience and kept asking stupid questions about sex, typical Stern 25 yrs ago."
Most of the comments continued on by praising Schwimmer and how humble he was throughout the interview.
It Wasn't The Only Time David Schwimmer Was Looking Out For His Fellow Castmates
Not only was David Schwimmer a class act during interviews, but the same held true off-camera as well behind the scenes. When Friends started to pick up serious heat, the actor was adamant about everyone getting paid the same, despite the fact that he was in line to make the most, and receiving the most offers outside of the show at the time as well.
Matthew Perry did not forget about Schwimmer's generosity. He recalls Schwimmer sticking up for the rest of the cast and ensuring everyone got what they deserved.
"When we renegotiate our contracts, we should do it as a team. We should all get paid the same amount."
"He was by far the one in the best position to negotiate," Perry wrote in his memoir. "I could not believe what he was saying. Needless to say, I was thrilled. I was perfectly happy to take advantage of his generosity of spirit."
The chemistry between the main six stars was very clear and everyone was on the same page throughout the show's iconic decade long run.
Sources - The Howard Stern Show & People
