David Schwimmer is best known as Ross Geller from the beloved sitcom Friends, a show that cemented his place as one of the most iconic actors of the 1990s and early 2000s.
While his character’s “we-were-on-a-break” saga with Rachel (played by Jennifer Aniston) remains etched in pop culture history, there’s more to Schwimmer than just his on-screen persona. Fans often wonder, what is David Schwimmer really like? And more specifically—just how tall is he?
This blog uncovers everything you need to know about David Schwimmer, from his height and career to lesser-known facts and anecdotes.
Who Is David Schwimmer?
Born on November 2, 1966, in Queens, New York, David Lawrence Schwimmer grew up in Los Angeles. Acting captured his interest early on, notably after attending a Shakespeare workshop led by Sir Ian McKellen. Schwimmer further honed his craft while studying theater at Northwestern University, where he also co-founded the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago.
Though Schwimmer initially struggled to find his footing after graduating, everything changed in 1994 when he was cast as Ross Geller on Friends. The show, revolving around a tight-knit group of six friends navigating life in Manhattan, quickly became a global phenomenon.
While Ross remains Schwimmer’s defining role, his career stretches far beyond Friends. He starred in Band of Brothers, voiced Melman the Giraffe in the Madagascar film series, and portrayed Robert Kardashian in The People v. O.J. Simpson. Schwimmer has also directed films like Run Fatboy Run and actively campaigns for social causes like anti-sexual harassment through projects like the #ThatsHarassment campaign.
How Tall Is David Schwimmer?
David Schwimmer is 6 feet 1 inch tall (185 cm).
This height makes him taller than the average American man, who stands at around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm). His tall frame has been a noticeable feature across his career, particularly during his time on Friends.
Height Comparisons
David Schwimmer’s height has led fans to compare him to his fellow Friends cast members. Here’s how they match up in height:
- Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing) – 5’11.25” (181 cm)
- Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani) – 5’9.5” (176 cm)
- Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green) – 5’4.75” (164 cm)
- Courteney Cox (Monica Geller) – 5’5” (165 cm)
- Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay) – 5’8” (173 cm)
Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow were often among the tallest in group pictures, with Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox being significantly shorter in comparison.
On-Screen Tricks
Interestingly, Schwimmer’s height caused occasional challenges on Friends. For example, when Ross went on dates with taller actresses, like Aisha Tyler (who played Charlie), on-screen tricks were sometimes employed to make Ross appear a little taller. This included wearing shoes with slightly thicker soles—a strategy not uncommon in Hollywood.
Fun Trivia and Anecdotes About David Schwimmer
- A Ross-Like Growth Spurt
Much like his Friends character, Schwimmer experienced a significant growth spurt during his teenage years, quickly reaching his 6’1” stature.
- Borrowing a Hollywood Trick
During scenes with Aisha Tyler (6’0″), David Schwimmer reportedly borrowed a classic trick from Tom Cruise’s playbook to appear taller by subtlety enhancing his footwear—a quirky anecdote many fans might not expect from such a naturally tall actor.
- Height and Comedy
His height often added an extra layer of humor to physical comedy scenes. For example, Ross was often clumsy, whether it was shouting “Pivot!” while awkwardly carrying a couch up a staircase or struggling with hilarious mishaps. His towering stature accentuated these moments perfectly.
Other Interesting Facts About David Schwimmer
Ethnicity and Early Life
Schwimmer’s family is Jewish, and his parents, both lawyers, heavily emphasized education growing up. Their influence undoubtedly shaped his disciplined approach to his craft.
Personal Life
David Schwimmer married British artist Zoë Buckman in 2010. The couple shares a daughter, Cleo Buckman Schwimmer, born in 2011. Although they separated in 2017, Schwimmer remains devoted to co-parenting and maintains a low-profile personal life.
Advocacy Work
Beyond acting, Schwimmer is an outspoken advocate for social justice. His #ThatsHarassment campaign shed light on workplace harassment and pushed for behavioral and policy changes in industries worldwide. Schwimmer also serves on the board of directors for the Rape Foundation in California.
What’s David Schwimmer Doing Now?
David Schwimmer continues to engage audiences with his talents and advocacy. Here’s a look at some of his recent and upcoming projects:
- Television Work – Schwimmer co-starred in Intelligence, a British sitcom, from 2020 to 2023. He also appeared in Extrapolations on Apple TV+ in 2023 and is set to star in Goosebumps in 2025.
- Voice Acting – His role as Melman in the Madagascar franchise has become iconic among animated film enthusiasts.
- Advocacy and Charity Work – Schwimmer continues to fight for systemic change and raise awareness for various social causes.
Why Fans Love Schwimmer
David Schwimmer’s height may have first drawn attention, but it’s a combination of his talent, advocacy, and humor that has kept him relevant for decades. Whether it’s his unforgettable “Pivot!” scene or his heartfelt contributions offscreen, Schwimmer proves there’s so much more to him than Ross Geller.
What’s your favorite David Schwimmer moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
FAQs
What ethnicity is David Schwimmer?
David Schwimmer is of Jewish descent. His family has roots in New York and Los Angeles, where Schwimmer was raised.
How tall is Ross from Friends?
While Ross Geller’s exact height was not mentioned in Friends, David Schwimmer, who played him, stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall.
Does David Schwimmer have kids?
Yes, Schwimmer has one daughter, Cleo Buckman Schwimmer, born in 2011.
What’s David Schwimmer’s current project?
Schwimmer is set to appear in the upcoming Goosebumps series in 2025 while remaining involved in philanthropy and advocacy.
