Matt LeBlanc, the actor best known for his role as Joey Tribbiani in the hit TV show “Friends,” has recently been making waves on TikTok with a compilation of two old interviews. In these interviews, LeBlanc opens up about why his once-promising acting career seemed to stagnate after “Friends” and its spin-off series “Joey.” The reason, he explains, is quite simple: he chose to take a step back and embrace a life of doing nothing. The video has resonated with many, sparking conversations about the joys of slowing down and the pressures of modern life.
In the first interview, which appears to be from a 2018 appearance on the Scandinavian TV show “Skavlan,” LeBlanc reflects on his post-“Friends” career. After a decade of playing Joey Tribbiani, he decided he needed a break. “My plan was, it was 10 years of ‘Friends,’ and then I did two years of ‘Joey,’ and then I said, ‘Right, I’m gonna take a year off, I wanna take a year off and just relax,'” he shares. However, that single year of relaxation turned into five or six years of doing, well, nothing. LeBlanc jokes about how much he enjoyed the freedom and comfort of not having any responsibilities, saying, “I had such a good time, I said, ‘I’m gonna take another one,’ right? And then that one was even better. So I said, ‘Maybe one more!’ And then it turned into five or six years.” He candidly admits that his favorite thing in the world is to do nothing, and he’s remarkably good at it.
The TikTok video then cuts to a 2017 interview LeBlanc did on “Conan,” where he elaborates on his love for doing nothing. “I should be a professional nothing. Because I think I would like to do not a fucking thing. That’s what I would like to do. Just nothing. Nothing. Zero,” he tells Conan O’Brien. When O’Brien humorously challenges the idea of doing absolutely nothing, LeBlanc paints a picture of his ideal day: “Sleep as long as you want, or get up early — if you want. It’s just not having to go somewhere or someone else telling you what you have to do. Maybe you go to the gym, or not go to the gym. Maybe you have nine cups of coffee, or none.” His philosophy is simple: freedom from structure and the absence of obligations.
The video ends with LeBlanc’s final thoughts from his “Skavlan” appearance, where he sums up his love for doing nothing with a smile: “Because it’s so easy. There’s no rules! ‘What are you gonna do today?’ I’ll tell you — nothing. Pretty simple.” This carefree attitude has struck a chord with many viewers, especially in a world where productivity and busyness are often glorified.
Over on TikTok, users are completely relating to LeBlanc’s philosophy. Many have praised his honesty and found comfort in his words. One commenter wrote, “I hate when people say doing nothing is lazy! I love being in my own house, snacks, a blanket, watching a film, taking a nap, being quiet, not talking to anyone, just chilling. Staring out the window!” Another commenter described LeBlanc’s approach as “freedom,” while others laughed at how quintessentially “Joey” his attitude is. One TikToker even joked, “He is describing freedom,” while another shared, “My favorite thing to do is nothing! AT LAST SOMEONE TELLING THE TRUTH!! 😂😂😂”
However, not everyone was entirely on board with LeBlanc’s carefree lifestyle. Many users pointed out that his ability to do nothing is made possible by his wealth and the royalties he continues to earn from “Friends” and other projects. One commenter noted, “If I had his money, I would do exactly the same,” while another added, “So refreshing seeing someone really not caring about chasing more and more fame. Just chilling with his friend’s cheques rolling in.” Another user humorously remarked, “made enough money and still makes plenty of money from royalties from friends and other shows. he can afford to do nothing. I want to be like that.” While some acknowledged that LeBlanc’s lifestyle is a privilege few can afford, they also appreciated his candor and the refreshing departure from the constant pursuit of more.
The reaction to LeBlanc’s comments speaks to a larger cultural phenomenon: burnout. In recent years, there has been growing conversation about the exhaustion and overwhelm people feel from constant work, responsibilities, and societal pressures. The pandemic has only exacerbated this, as millions of people have been forced to work from home, juggle childcare, and manage their mental health. Add to that the political tension and social unrest, and it’s no wonder many people are feeling drained. A 2020 article by HuffPost explored the difference between stress and burnout, with experts explaining that while stress is temporary, burnout is a prolonged state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Lee Chambers, an environmental psychologist, explained that burnout can lead to feelings of emptiness, lack of motivation, and a general indifference to life. LeBlanc’s philosophy of embracing nothingness seems to be the antithesis of this burnout culture, and it’s something many people can only dream of.
