The cast of Friends seems to have nothing but fond memories of the show 12 years after its series finale, but the immediate aftermath proved to be a particularly troubling time for one actor.

Matt LeBlanc, who played the sitcom's lovable buffoon, Joey, told The Mirror that his anxiety spiked when the show ended, and he was desperate to recede into the shadows of Hollywood.

"For years and years, I barely left the house," he said. "I was burnt out. I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. I was in a position to do that. My agent was bummed. Most actors call their agents and say, ‘What’s going on?’. I’d call mine and say, ‘Please lose my number for a few years’. It was a very dark time. I almost had a nervous breakdown."

LeBlanc, who's taking over the Top Gear reigns as the BBC show's new host, says love for his daughter, 11-year-old Marina, has since given his life purpose, and noted he spends nearly all of his free time with her, virtually ignoring red carpets and star-studded parties.

"We make breakfast, go horseback riding, hiking, I really try to offset this computer age kid thing that’s going on now with as much time outside," he said. “Spending time with her is the best thing I’ve ever done. We have a great bond and it’s the best thing in my life."

The cast of Friends — save for Matthew Perry — reunited in January to film a tribute to veteran director James Burrows. Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows will air February 21 on NBC.

Surprised to hear about LeBlanc's post-Friends isolation? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Look back at a collection of TV and movie cast reunions!

 

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