David Schwimmer, known for his role in the popular sitcom “Friends,” shared a memorable and distressing experience from the show’s live taping. The incident involved his co-star, Matt LeBlanc, who suffered a serious shoulder injury during filming.
Recalling the moment, Schwimmer, now 58, explained that LeBlanc was performing a comedic fall when he accidentally dislocated his shoulder. “He stood up and went pale; it was clear he was in a lot of pain,” Schwimmer said. Recognizing the severity of the situation, he quickly called for a halt to the filming, stating, “That was genuinely frightening.” LeBlanc was taken to the hospital, and filming had to be paused for the night.
This incident, which has been discussed in various interviews, first came to light during the “Friends” reunion special on HBO Max. The mishap occurred while filming the episode titled “The One Where No One’s Ready.” In a humorous exchange, LeBlanc’s character Joey was engaged in a playful struggle with Chandler, played by Matthew Perry, over a chair. After successfully capturing the scene several times, the cast opted for one final shot, which led to LeBlanc’s unfortunate trip.
“I jumped over the coffee table but tripped, and that’s when my shoulder popped out,” LeBlanc explained, providing insight into the accidental injury. The situation was serious enough that the injury was eventually woven into the storyline of another episode, “The One With the Jam.” Executive producer Kevin Bright noted that the production team had to wait for LeBlanc’s recovery to finish filming the episode.
The cast of “Friends,” including Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, and the late Matthew Perry, developed a strong bond during the show’s run. Following Perry’s passing on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, the group has continued to show their support for one another.
“Friends,” which debuted in 1994, captured the hearts of audiences and ran for a decade, cementing its place in television history. The show depicted the trials and tribulations of six friends navigating life in New York City, and even today, it remains relevant and beloved by many.
