Matt LeBlanc

Matthew Steven LeBlanc was born on July 25, 1967, in Newton, Massachusetts, USA. He is the son of Patricia, an office manager, and Paul LeBlanc, a mechanic. LeBlanc's family was of mixed heritage with French-Canadian, Italian, Dutch, English, and Irish ancestry. Growing up, LeBlanc attended Newton North High School and developed an interest in acting. After graduating, he moved to New York to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Before finding success, LeBlanc worked various jobs and appeared in television commercials.

On September 22, 1994, the television sitcom 'Friends' premiered on NBC. Matt LeBlanc starred as Joey Tribbiani, an aspiring actor and food-loving bachelor. 'Friends' quickly became one of the most popular TV shows in America and worldwide. LeBlanc's character was known for his charming, albeit dim-witted persona, his famous catchphrase 'How you doin'?', and his close friendship with Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry. The role of Joey brought LeBlanc international fame and several award nominations.

The television show 'Friends' concluded on May 6, 2004, after a successful 10-season run. The series finale attracted over 52 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television episodes in history. Matt LeBlanc's portrayal of Joey Tribbiani had endeared him to millions of fans, earning him critical acclaim. By the end of the show, Joey remained single but closer than ever with his friends. Following the finale, LeBlanc reprised his role in the spin-off series 'Joey', which focused on his character's new adventures.

After the conclusion of 'Friends', Matt LeBlanc starred in the spin-off series 'Joey', which premiered on NBC on September 9, 2004. The series followed Joey Tribbiani as he moved to Los Angeles to further his acting career, exploring new relationships and comedic experiences. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the show, 'Joey' struggled with ratings and mixed reviews, resulting in its cancellation after two seasons and 46 episodes. LeBlanc's performance, however, was praised and earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

On January 9, 2011, the television comedy series 'Episodes' premiered on Showtime. Matt LeBlanc played a fictionalized, exaggerated version of himself in this show, which was a satire about Hollywood and the American television industry. 'Episodes' followed a British couple trying to remake their successful TV show for American audiences, only to face cultural and industry challenges. LeBlanc's performance was widely praised, earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2012.

On January 15, 2012, Matt LeBlanc won a Golden Globe Award for his role in 'Episodes'. LeBlanc played a fictionalized version of himself, adding humor and satire to a story about a British couple adapting their TV show for an American audience. His performance was praised for its wit, charm, and self-awareness, highlighting LeBlanc's ability to transition from the iconic role of Joey Tribbiani to a character that poked fun at his own celebrity status. This recognition was a significant milestone in LeBlanc's career.

In May 2016, Matt LeBlanc became one of the hosts of 'Top Gear', a popular British motoring television show that reviews cars and features various motoring-related topics. LeBlanc was the first non-British host in the show's history and brought his passion for cars and humor to the role. His appointment was part of a revamped lineup. LeBlanc's debut season was well-received, and he continued to host until 2019. His involvement attracted new viewers and helped maintain the show's popularity.

Matt LeBlanc announced his departure from 'Top Gear' in June 2019, after appearing as a co-host for several seasons. LeBlanc cited the extensive travel and time commitments as reasons for leaving, as he wanted to spend more time at home with his family. During his tenure, LeBlanc was praised for his presenting style and for revitalizing the show's format alongside his co-hosts. Fans appreciated his genuine enthusiasm for cars and his knack for engaging stories and humor, marking a memorable era for 'Top Gear'.

The much-anticipated 'Friends' reunion special was released on May 27, 2021, on HBO Max. Matt LeBlanc reunited with his co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The special featured interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and a walk through the iconic sets. LeBlanc shared fond memories and anecdotes from the show's original run, providing fans with additional insights into the beloved series. The reunion was well-received by audiences worldwide.