David Schwimmer

Early Life

David Lawrence Schwimmer was born on November 2, 1966, in Queens, New York. His parents, Arthur and Arlene Coleman-Schwimmer, were both lawyers. Schwimmer's interest in acting began at a young age, and he attended the Beverly Hills High School, where he participated in the school's drama department.

A young man in his early twenties, with a serious expression on his face.

A young man in his early twenties, with a serious expression on his face.

Education

Schwimmer attended the Northwestern University, where he studied theater. He was an active participant in the university's theater scene, performing in various productions. He graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and speech.

Career

Schwimmer's acting career began in the late 1980s, with minor roles in television shows and films. His breakthrough came in 1994, when he was cast as Ross Geller in the hit television sitcom Friends. Schwimmer's portrayal of Ross, a paleontologist dealing with failed relationships and sibling rivalry, was well received by audiences and critics alike.

A man in his thirties, dressed in a suit, standing in front of a film set.

A man in his thirties, dressed in a suit, standing in front of a film set.

During his time on Friends, Schwimmer also pursued other acting opportunities. He starred in films such as Six Days, Seven Nights and Picking Up the Pieces. He also lent his voice to the character Melman the Giraffe in the animated film series Madagascar.

In addition to his acting career, Schwimmer has also directed several episodes of Friends and other television shows. He made his feature film directorial debut with the 2007 comedy Run Fatboy Run.

Personal Life

Schwimmer has been married twice. His first marriage, to British artist Zoe Buckman, lasted from 2010 to 2017. The couple has one child together. In 2020, Schwimmer announced his engagement to Katie Markowitz.

A man in his forties, with a smile on his face, standing next to a woman.

A man in his forties, with a smile on his face, standing next to a woman.

Schwimmer is also known for his philanthropic work. He is a director of the Rape Treatment Center in Santa Monica, which specializes in helping victims of date rape and child rape.

Legacy

Schwimmer's portrayal of Ross Geller in Friends has left a lasting impact on popular culture. His character's catchphrases, such as "We were on a break!", have become iconic. Schwimmer's performance on the show earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 1995.

A man in his fifties, holding an award in his hand.

A man in his fifties, holding an award in his hand.

See Also

• Friends (TV series)
• Northwestern University
• Madagascar (film series)