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David Schwimmer attends a conversation with James Burrows at The 92nd Street Y, New York on June 08, 2022© Dominik Bindl,Getty

All you need to know about David Schwimmer's love life

The actor is also a proud father-of-one

Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
Updated: October 30, 2023
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David Schwimmer might be best-known as loveable Ross Geller from Friends but the actor has built up an impressive career since appearing in the hit 90s sitcom. 

He's also known and adored for his part as the hapless giraffe Melman in the Madagascar films, as well as the films Band of Brothers and The Pallbearer. 

In 2016, he played late defense lawyer Robert Kardashian in The People vs. O.J. Simpson; and he's also built up many credits as a director.

WATCH: David Schwimmer talks about his family in heartwarming clip from Bake Off

Away from his busy career, here's more about his personal life and romance history from his previous marriage, children, and his feelings for on-screen love interest Jennifer Aniston.

Marriage history

David Schwimmer was previously married to English artist, photographer and writer Zoë Buckman. The couple met in 2007 and soon started dating – three years later they were married. However, the relationship wasn't to last and the couple called it quits in April 2017. Shortly after, the couple's divorce was finalised.

At the time, the couple put out a statement reading: "It is with great love, respect and friendship that we have decided to take some time apart while we determine the future of our relationship.

"Our priority is, of course, our daughter's happiness and well-being during this challenging time, and so we ask for your support and respect for our privacy as we continue to raise her together and navigate this new chapter for our family."

MORE: Friends star David Schwimmer supported by ex-wife following emotional TV appearance 

David Schwimmer was previously married to Zoe Buckman© Variety
David Schwimmer was previously married to Zoe Buckman

Did David and his wife Zoë have children?

Yes. While they were married, Zoë and David welcomed a daughter together, Cleo, in 2011. Although David and Zoë prefer to keep their private lives out of the spotlight, Zoë shares the occasional photo of her 12 year old daughter on her Instagram page, @zoebuckman.

MORE: David Schwimmer's daughter Cleo looks so grown up in rare photo 

View post on Instagram
 

Did David Schwimmer ever date Jennifer Aniston?

David and the rest of the Friends cast got together in 2021 for a reunion in which they visited the iconic set and looked back at their time on the hit show.

In a sit-down interview with James Corden, David and co-star Jennifer Aniston, who played Ross' on-off girlfriend Rachel Green in the show, finally addressed the age-old question of whether they ever dated in real life.

The actors admitted the chemistry between them was electric but despite the chemistry seeping into real life away from set, and admitting they had feelings for each other, they never pursued a relationship.

David told the host: "We were both crushing hard on each other, but it was like two ships passing. One of us was always in a relationship and we never crossed that boundary."

Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller© NBC
Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller

Jennifer added: "I remember saying one time to David, 'It's going to be such a bummer if the first time you and I actually kiss is on national television.' And sure enough, it was. We just channelled all of our adoration and love for each other into Ross and Rachel."

What is David's current relationship status?

According to reports, David was dating someone back in 2019, however, this was never confirmed by the Friends star. It is thought that, at present, the actor is single.

12th Annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit© Getty Images
David and Zoë prefer to keep their daughter out of the spotlight - pictured in 2015

It seems that although his previous marriage didn't work out, he and Zoë remain on great terms. In the summer of 2020, he shared an image of himself and his ex at the Black Lives Matter march, expressing their mutual desire for change. 

"We're no longer a couple, but @zoebuckman and I are parents of a nine-year-old, and fellow advocates for social justice and reform. We marched in honor of the countless black lives lost to racial violence."

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