David Schwimmer

David Schwimmer is an American actor, director, and producer who achieved worldwide fame as Ross Geller on the iconic NBC sitcom “Friends” (1994-2004). Born in Flushing, Queens, New York, and raised in Los Angeles, Schwimmer studied theater at Northwestern University, where he co-founded the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago. His theater background gave him a strong foundation in dramatic acting that would serve him well throughout his career.

Schwimmer’s portrayal of the lovably neurotic paleontologist Ross Geller on “Friends” made him one of the most recognized actors on television. The role earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award as part of the ensemble cast, and by the final seasons, he was earning $1 million per episode alongside his five co-stars. The show’s enduring popularity through syndication and streaming deals continues to generate significant income for the cast, with each member reportedly earning tens of millions annually from residuals.

Beyond “Friends,” Schwimmer has built a respected career as both an actor and director. He delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Robert Kardashian in the FX miniseries “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” (2016), which brought him back into the awards conversation. He has also done significant voice work, including the role of Melman the giraffe in the “Madagascar” animated film franchise (2005, 2008, 2012), which grossed over $2.2 billion combined worldwide. As a director, he has helmed several stage productions and the films “Run Fatboy Run” (2007) and “Trust” (2010).

Schwimmer has been more selective with his acting roles than some of his “Friends” co-stars, often choosing projects that align with his artistic sensibilities. He appeared in the British sitcom “Intelligence” (2020-2021) and has continued his work with the Lookingglass Theatre Company. His combination of massive ongoing “Friends” residuals, voice acting income, directing work, and smart real estate investments in New York and Los Angeles has brought his estimated net worth to $85 million as of 2026.