Matt LeBlanc Steps Away from the Spotlight: Shopping Trip Highlights a New Career Chapter
Matt LeBlanc, the beloved Friends star, was recently spotted enjoying a low-key shopping trip in Encino, Los Angeles, amidst reports of a major career shift. On Wednesday, the 57-year-old actor took a break from his luxury car business to stock up on groceries at Ralph’s, leaving the store with two bags filled to the brim.
A Casual Day Out
LeBlanc kept it casual during his errand run, wearing a maroon hoodie, jeans, gray sneakers, and a branded Mercedes-Benz cap. It’s a stark contrast to the flashy Hollywood life he once led, but it reflects his more private and laid-back lifestyle these days.
From Friends to Cars: A Career Transformation
It’s been nearly 30 years since Matt LeBlanc shot to fame as Joey Tribbiani in the iconic sitcom Friends. The show ran from 1994 to 2004, earning him global recognition. However, in recent years, LeBlanc has shifted gears—literally—steering his career in a completely new direction.
LeBlanc is now the co-owner of RPM Motorcars, a luxury and exotic car dealership based in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. The company specializes in “high-quality, unique, luxury, and sports vehicles” and caters to a wealthy clientele, often sourcing rare models upon request. Business filings in Delaware reveal that LeBlanc has held a stake in the company since October 2020.
A Family Affair
LeBlanc’s business has also become a family endeavour. His daughter, Marina, 20, has been spotted at the dealership multiple times in recent weeks, sometimes sporting a grey RPM-branded t-shirt. Marina is LeBlanc’s only child, whom he shares with ex-wife Melissa McKnight. The couple was married from 2003 to 2006.
Exclusive photos show LeBlanc hard at work at the dealership, with his sleek black Mercedes G-Wagon—valued at $149,000—parked prominently outside.
A Break from Acting
LeBlanc’s venture into the car business coincides with a noticeable pause in his acting career. He hasn’t appeared in any film or television projects since the highly anticipated Friends reunion on HBO Max in 2021. Before that, his last role was as Adam Burns in the CBS sitcom Man with a Plan, which ran from 2016 to 2020.
LeBlanc has previously mentioned taking a step back, stating that he was “on a break” after years in the industry. Despite his absence from the screen, his enduring popularity ensures fans are eager to see what he does next.
The Friends Legacy and Reunion
LeBlanc’s departure from acting has also brought renewed focus to
the legacy of Friends. Fellow cast member Lisa Kudrow recently revealed on the Dinner’s on Me podcast, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson, that the six core actors only reunited once in the 17 years between the show’s finale in 2004 and their HBO Max reunion in 2021.
“We just had dinner, the six of us, one time before the reunion,” Kudrow shared. “We met at someone’s house and didn’t miss a beat.”
The cast’s enduring bond reflects the success of Friends, which remains a cultural phenomenon. The series garnered 62 Emmy nominations over its 10-season run, winning six, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002. Both Jennifer Aniston and Kudrow earned individual acting accolades for their roles as Rachel Green and Phoebe Buffay, respectively.
As Matt LeBlanc transitions into this quieter phase of life, his foray into the luxury car business marks a fascinating turn. While fans may miss his on-screen charm, LeBlanc seems content blending his love for automobiles with family life. Whether he returns to acting or continues to build his business empire, one thing is certain: the Friends star continues to captivate fans, even off the screen
