Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of Joey Tribbiani in the NBC sitcom Friends, the famous American sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004 is one of the most iconic and beloved characters in television history. For ten seasons, LeBlanc brought Joey to life with his signature humor, charm, and innocence.
In addition to his work on Friends, LeBlanc has also starred in the spin-off series Joey. Matt LeBlanc has occasionally commented on Joey Tribbiani’s intelligence or lack thereof, often in a humorous and self-deprecating manner.
Matt LeBlanc Spoke on Why Friends Spin-Off Got Finished Just After Just Two Seasons
During a 2018 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Matt LeBlanc said that he never played Joey “dumb.” Rather, he saw him as “incorrect.”
While speaking as to why the spin-off was short-lived, LeBlanc said:
“The pressure was huge,” he added to THR. “I can’t lift the weight that six people were lifting. Those were big shoes to fill … I thought it was a good show, I really did. Was it Friends? No, it wasn’t — nothing would have been. But I was proud of it.”
The Emmy nominee went on to say:
“Everybody wanted to be friends with Joey. Joey was the guy everybody wanted to hang out with. Girls liked him. Guys liked him.”
However, LeBlanc said he’ll never play Joey Tribbiani again, although he does feel “very, very, very fortunate” to have had the chance.
Why Joey Was Everyone’s Favorite in Friends?
Joey Tribbiani, a struggling actor in New York City, was a character known for his good looks, charisma, and not-so-great intellectual prowess. Despite his apparent lack of intelligence, Joey had a heart of gold. He was the ultimate loyal friend, always there to support his pals through the ups and downs of life.
His catchphrase, “How you doin’?” became an iconic part of the show, showcasing his unwavering confidence and flirtatious nature. Joey is one of a kind. He is quirky, charming, and full of life. He is the kind of person that everyone wants to be around.
His innocence and gullibility often led to hilarious situations, whether it was misunderstanding complex words, failing to grasp sarcasm, or pursuing numerous women without much success. But it was precisely these quirks that made Joey so endearing and relatable to the audience.
Joey is not afraid to be himself, even if that means being different from everyone else. He is also a reminder that everyone has something special to offer.
Following Friends, Matt LeBlanc continued to play the character of Joey Tribbiani in a spin-off series titled Joey, which, while short-lived, showcased the enduring popularity of the character.
Watch Friends on Netflix.
