Biography for
David Schwimmer (I) More at IMDb Pro »

Date of Birth

2 November 1966, Astoria, New York, USA

Birth Name

David Larry Schwimmer

Nickname

Schwimmer

Height

6' 1" (1.85 m)

Mini Biography

Born in New York and raised in Los Angeles, Schwimmer was encouraged by a high school instructor to attend a summer program in acting at Northwestern University. Inspired by that experience, he returned to Northwestern where he received a bachelor's degree in speech/theater. In 1988, along with seven other Northwestern graduates, he co-founded Chicago's Lookingglass Theatre Company.

IMDb Mini Biography By: Grace Z

Trivia

Born on his mother's birthday.

Graduated from Northwestern University.

Along with best friend & fellow actor Joey Slotnick, he helped found the Looking Glass Theater Company, based in Chicago, Illinois.

Before "Friends" (1994) Schwimmer competed against high-school friend Jonathan Silverman and actor Jon Cryer for a role in the TV pilot Couples (1994) (TV). Silverman won the role opposite Helen Slater, but ABC passed on the show. The producers later reconceived the show for singles and sold it to NBC as "Friends" (1994) in which Schwimmer was the first actor to be cast.

Called up a London talk show to deny false claims that cast members of "Friends" (1994) were demanding $1,000,000 each per episode. [April 2000]

Has worked extensively on the stage both as actor and director

Is on the board of directors of the Rape Foundation for the Rape Treatment Center of Santa Monica

Dated Australian singer/actress Natalie Imbruglia.

Split up from Mili Avital in November 2001

Member of Delta Tau Delta International Fraternity

January 2003 - Premiered his play "Turnaround" at the 99-seat West Hollywood Coast theater. All of his "Friends" were in attendance.

He graduated Beverly Hills High School in 1984 and performed in stage productions there under the direction of John Ingle.

Went to the same High School as Angelina Jolie, Michael Klesic, Nicolas Cage, Lenny Kravitz, Jonathan Silverman, Gina Gershon, Rhonda Fleming, Jackie Cooper, Rob Reiner, Antonio Sabato Jr., Pauly Shore, Michael Tolkin, Betty White, Corbin Bernsen, Elizabeth Daily, Albert Brooks and Crispin Glover.

Both his parents, Arlene Coleman-Schwimmer and Authur Schwimmer, had small parts in Since You've Been Gone (1998) (TV), which he directed.

David once said in an interview, he would like to become a public school teacher after Friends ended.

Has an older sister, Ellie Schwimmer [b. 1965].

Playing Michael in The Wonder Years, he rides a 500cc Triumph Daytona motorcycle. The same motorcycle, also seen in other episodes, is also seen mounted on the back of his character's Volkswagen van.

He is related to "So You Think You Can Dance" (2005) contestants Benji Schwimmer, Lacey Schwimmer & Heidi Groskreutz.

Ate only locks and bagels from Cassels Market in Margate, during the filming of Duane Hopwood (2005).

Was originally going to direct _Persuaders, The (2009_ with George Clooney and Hugh Grant in the lead roles but the movie got scrapped.

Personal Quotes

I've made a good amount of money. I'm very happy that I can now support my theatre company and support friends and family, and I'm ready to maybe go back to school and change careers.

To be perfectly honest, I feel I have a duty to use my celebrity status in a positive way. Most rape victims are women, so the bulk of the discussion is loaded towards women. I thought I could find a way to approach the subject of rape in such a way that men are going to respond to it. My most devastating moment was when a 13-year-old girl told me her story. At that moment, I realized just how important this center really is. Nothing else had ever made me connect with reality like that.

[On his post-'Friends' activity in live theatre] The best thing about going back to drama was discovering how good I feel as a leader. I feel I'm a natural collaborator, but I'm also good at bringing people together..People really have to know their opinion matters. And I can remember the days when I was happiest as an actor were those days when my opinion seemed to make a difference.

Where Are They Now

(April 2005) Starring in a London West End play, 'Some Girl(s)' at the Gielgud Theatre

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