Courteney Cox then and now: from ‘Friends' favourite to Hollywood scream queen
Jules Cobb in 'Cougar Town' (2009 to 2015)
Above Her performance in 'Cougar Town' earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical.
Returning to television as a leading lady, Cox starred as Jules Cobb, a wine-loving single mother navigating the complexities of dating in her 40s. Unlike Monica's need for control, Jules embraced life's beautiful chaos with warmth and hilarious relatability. The sitcom provided Cox with a platform to showcase her comedic charm while exploring themes of friendship, family and self-discovery. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical, proving her ability to lead an ensemble cast with grace and impeccable timing. Lucy Spiller in 'Dirt' (2007 to 2008)
Above This drama was a complete departure from her girl-next-door image, exploring the gritty underside of fame. (Photo: IMDB)
In her darkest and most daring role, Courteney Cox transformed into Lucy Spiller, the manipulative and morally complex editor of a celebrity gossip magazine. This FX drama represented a complete departure from her girl-next-door image, exploring the gritty underside of fame and media manipulation. As both star and executive producer, Cox demonstrated her willingness to tackle adult-oriented material while showcasing her dramatic range. The role allowed her to delve into a character obsessed with power and scandal, proving her versatility in psychological storytelling. Pat Phelps in 'Shining Vale' (2022 to 2023)
Above The Starz series required Cox to balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine psychological terror.
Cox's masterful return to horror-comedy came with Shining Vale, where she portrayed Patricia 'Pat' Phelps, a creatively unfulfilled author grappling with possible demonic possession. This Starz series required her to balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine psychological terror, showcasing her maturity as an actress capable of carrying genre-bending material. Pat's journey from bestselling 'wild child' author to suburban mother questioning her sanity allowed Cox to explore themes of identity and mental health with depth and nuance, earning critical acclaim for her performance. Lauren Miller in 'Family Ties' (1987 to 1989)
Above This role provided Cox with invaluable experience in sitcom rhythms and character development.
Cox's breakthrough role came as Lauren Miller, the intelligent college girlfriend of Alex P Keaton (Michael J Fox) in the beloved 1980s sitcom. This recurring role established her presence in the TV landscape while demonstrating her burgeoning comedic timing and natural chemistry with established stars. Lauren's driven, academic personality left a lasting impression on viewers and provided Cox with invaluable experience in sitcom rhythms and character development. Meryl in 'Seinfeld' (1994)
Above In this memorable role, Cox delivered classic Seinfeld-ian comedy with perfect timing.
In a delightful deep cut for fans of 90s TV, Cox guest-starred as Meryl in the iconic Seinfeld episode 'The Wife'. Playing Jerry's girlfriend who enthusiastically embraces their fake marriage charade for dry-cleaning discounts, Courteney Cox delivered classic Seinfeldian comedy with perfect timing. This memorable one-episode appearance occurred just as Friends was taking off, creating an iconic crossover moment from the golden age of sitcoms. Her performance demonstrated her comedic versatility in a completely different TV universe.
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Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Tatler Asia
Courteney Cox then and now: from ‘Friends' favourite to Hollywood scream queen
Jules Cobb in 'Cougar Town' (2009 to 2015) Above Her performance in 'Cougar Town' earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical. Returning to television as a leading lady, Cox starred as Jules Cobb, a wine-loving single mother navigating the complexities of dating in her 40s. Unlike Monica's need for control, Jules embraced life's beautiful chaos with warmth and hilarious relatability. The sitcom provided Cox with a platform to showcase her comedic charm while exploring themes of friendship, family and self-discovery. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical, proving her ability to lead an ensemble cast with grace and impeccable timing. Lucy Spiller in 'Dirt' (2007 to 2008) Above This drama was a complete departure from her girl-next-door image, exploring the gritty underside of fame. (Photo: IMDB) In her darkest and most daring role, Courteney Cox transformed into Lucy Spiller, the manipulative and morally complex editor of a celebrity gossip magazine. This FX drama represented a complete departure from her girl-next-door image, exploring the gritty underside of fame and media manipulation. As both star and executive producer, Cox demonstrated her willingness to tackle adult-oriented material while showcasing her dramatic range. The role allowed her to delve into a character obsessed with power and scandal, proving her versatility in psychological storytelling. Pat Phelps in 'Shining Vale' (2022 to 2023) Above The Starz series required Cox to balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine psychological terror. Cox's masterful return to horror-comedy came with Shining Vale, where she portrayed Patricia 'Pat' Phelps, a creatively unfulfilled author grappling with possible demonic possession. This Starz series required her to balance laugh-out-loud moments with genuine psychological terror, showcasing her maturity as an actress capable of carrying genre-bending material. Pat's journey from bestselling 'wild child' author to suburban mother questioning her sanity allowed Cox to explore themes of identity and mental health with depth and nuance, earning critical acclaim for her performance. Lauren Miller in 'Family Ties' (1987 to 1989) Above This role provided Cox with invaluable experience in sitcom rhythms and character development. Cox's breakthrough role came as Lauren Miller, the intelligent college girlfriend of Alex P Keaton (Michael J Fox) in the beloved 1980s sitcom. This recurring role established her presence in the TV landscape while demonstrating her burgeoning comedic timing and natural chemistry with established stars. Lauren's driven, academic personality left a lasting impression on viewers and provided Cox with invaluable experience in sitcom rhythms and character development. Meryl in 'Seinfeld' (1994) Above In this memorable role, Cox delivered classic Seinfeld-ian comedy with perfect timing. In a delightful deep cut for fans of 90s TV, Cox guest-starred as Meryl in the iconic Seinfeld episode 'The Wife'. Playing Jerry's girlfriend who enthusiastically embraces their fake marriage charade for dry-cleaning discounts, Courteney Cox delivered classic Seinfeldian comedy with perfect timing. This memorable one-episode appearance occurred just as Friends was taking off, creating an iconic crossover moment from the golden age of sitcoms. Her performance demonstrated her comedic versatility in a completely different TV universe. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Tatler Asia
6 most inspiring K-drama fathers
2. Nam Do-san's Dad in 'Start-Up' (2020) Above 'Start-Up' (Photo: IMDB) Nam Seong-hwan (Kim Won-hae), the father of boy genius Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk), is equal parts geeky and devoted. He's the type who would silently mortgage the family home if it meant giving his son a second chance. His support is steadfast and unconditional, and his occasional goofiness makes him even more lovable. Bonus points for that adorable robot scene. 3. Hong Dae-young in '18 Again' (2020) Technically also a fantasy storyline, 18 Again gives us a two-for-one: Yoon Sang-hyun as the 37-year-old version of Hong Dae-young and Lee Do-hyun as his teenage self. A dad who gets to re-experience high school through the eyes of his children, Hong Dae-young's emotional journey is both hilarious and deeply touching. It's a heartfelt meditation on fatherhood, regret and redemption. 4. Park Sung-yeol in 'Itaewon Class' (2020) Park Sae-ro-yi's father, Park Sung-yeol (Son Hyun-joo)—one of the most impactful K-drama dads—doesn't always get a lot of airtime. His influence, however, is immense and lasts throughout the series. A paragon of moral integrity, Sung-yeol instils in his son the unshakeable values that become the drama's north star. His death is a catalyst for the story, and his presence echoes in every decision Park Sae-ro-yi makes. Gentle, hardworking and unwavering in his belief in doing the right thing, he's the father we all wish we had. 5. Yang Gwan-sik in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2025) Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum/Park Hae-joon) made husbands and fathers everywhere feel bad about themselves. Even other K-drama dads seem inadequate. Where else will you find a devoted person who would steal his parents' fish wares for his childhood crush? Where else will you find a man who would swim the ocean to get to his one true love? Where else will you find a father who would turn his back on traditions to give peas to his daughter? He works 12 hours a day, waking up at the crack of dawn to provide for his family. He's always there to save the day—whether to save his wife from his domineering grandma or to buy his struggling son's rice cakes in secret. See more: 5 life lessons from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' 6. Ha Yi-chan in 'Twinkling Watermelon' (2023) Above 'Twinkling Watermelon' (Photo: IMDB) As both a teen (Ryeoun) and later a deaf father (Choi Won-young), Ha Yi-chan is an extraordinary depiction of fatherhood across time. The show handles his disability with dignity and strength, showing how love can transcend spoken words. His connection with his son Eun-gyeol is musically magical—and emotionally resonant. Future K-drama dads better look at this depiction for lessons.
Tatler Asia
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Romantic K-drama male leads who were created by female screenwriters
Yang Gwan-sik and Park Chung-seob from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Above Gwan-sik would swim across the ocean for Ae-sun. (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When the Camellia Blooms ) Lim Sang-choon gave us not one, but two of K-drama's best husbands in a single series. Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) is peak husband material—steadfast and supportive. He was in Oh Ae-sun's (IU) corner from the very beginning, holding her up, cheering her on and never once getting in her way. With zero ego, he found joy in simply watching her shine, devoted almost solely to her happiness. Like his father-in-law, Park Chung-seob (Kim Seon-ho) loved Yang Geum-myeong (IU) with the same quiet, unwavering loyalty. He was never showy in his affections, but was also not above a grand gesture or two. He respected her choices, gave her space and made her feel safe to be all that she was and could be. See also: 5 life lessons from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' Hwang Yong-sik from 'When the Camellia Blooms' Above The tenderhearted small-town police officer who falls for Dong-baek (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lim Sang-choon ( Fight for My Way , When Life Gives You Tangerines ) The moment Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul) set eyes on Dong-baek (Gong Hyo-jin), it was game over for the tenderhearted small-town police officer. Unapologetically earnest and unshakably devoted, he falls for single mum and bar owner Dong-baek and never once wavers—not when the neighbourhood gossips, not when her ex reappears and not even when a serial killer enters the picture. In a K-drama landscape full of alpha males and cold chaebols, Yong-sik is a breath of fresh air: he wears his heart on his sleeve, is not afraid to be vulnerable and is disarmingly sincere—someone you'd feel safe leaving your drink with. Screenwriter Lim Sang-choon reminds viewers that what women really want are emotionally available men who are true allies. Lee Jun-ho from 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' Above Attorney Woo's closest ally and most ardent admirer (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Moon Ji-won Screenwriter Moon Ji-won definitely wrote Lee Jun-ho (Kang Tae-oh) with women in mind. Compassionate and empathetic, he treats Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin), a brilliant attorney on the autism spectrum, with dignity and respect. He sees her as an equal, neither diminishing nor underestimating her, but uplifting and empowering her instead. Whether helping her navigate office politics or cheering her on from the sidelines, he is always ready to help her overcome challenges, without being condescending or over-solicitous. Choi Taek from 'Reply 1988' Above There's no doubt about how Taek feels about Deok-sun. (Photo: IMDb) Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series, Hospital Playlist Seasons 1 and 2) In the K-drama, Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum) eventually wins the heart of Sung Deok-sun (Lee Hye-ri)—and the audience—with his consistency and patience. He never plays it cool or keeps her guessing; instead, he expresses his affection honestly and openly, leaving no room for doubt. There's something attractive about a man who knows what he wants and goes after it confidently. Thoughtful, gentle and deeply attuned to Deok-sun's emotions, he proves that love is in the details, in the little things he notices and remembers. Lee Ik-joon from 'Hospital Playlist' Above Ik-joon navigates the transition from best friend to boyfriend with grace. (Photo: tvN) Screenwriter: Lee Woo-jung ( Reply series) He's smart, playful, funny and completely unproblematic. In Hospital Playlist , Lee Ik-joon (Jo Jung-suk) and Seong-hwa (Jeon Mi-do) start as best friends until feelings begin to surface that neither can ignore. Ik-joon's warmth and genuine care shine through as he navigates this delicate transition with humour, sincerity and grace. He leads with honesty but isn't pushy, making sure to respect Seong-hwa's feelings and give her the space she needs. His ability to balance friendship and budding romance shows emotional maturity, making him a refreshingly relatable and endearing male lead.
