David Schwimmer Is Appearing on “The Great British Baking Show” for One Really Special Reason

Cheryl Fenton
Cheryl Fenton
An editor once called her “the kitchen sink writer." Translation - Boston-based freelancer Cheryl Fenton can write about anything, including the kitchen sink (peep her interior design pieces). Her bylines run the gamut from dailies like USAToday and the Boston Globe to monthly pubs including Whole Foods, Women's Health & Fitness, and Cooking Light to book covers (there's a travel guide for Fodor's with her name on it and a fitness read she wrote with Tamilee Webb of Buns of Steel fame).
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published Mar 15, 2023
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David Schwimmer attends the Sky Up Next 2020 at Tate Modern on February 12, 2020 in London, England.
Credit: Eamonn M. McCormack / Stringer / Getty Images

Dealing with illness is never a piece of cake. But actor David Schwimmer is trying to raise awareness for cancer — and, yes, it’s with baking. 

The Friends star, 56, recently revealed that he will join the celebrity installment of the reality competition Great British Baking Show for its annual Stand Up to Cancer special to bring awareness to the disease. His inspiration? Several family members and friends who have been affected by cancer.

“I lost a grandmother to cancer, my daughter lost a grandmother to cancer, and my sister is a cancer survivor, so it’s important to me,” Schwimmer said in an interview with The Mirror. “I am just grateful I can help in any small way to raise more awareness.” Schwimmer’s fellow Friends costar James Michael Tyler (lovable and Rachel-obsessed coffee shop worker Gunther) also passed away in 2021 at 59 after his battle with stage 4 prostate cancer.

“I am here to have fun. I am here to raise money for a great charity. It’s a great cause and I happen to be a massive fan of the show,” Schwimmer continued, adding that his involvement has support from daughter Cleo, 11.

The fangirl feeling was clearly mutual, as legendary Baking Show judge with the piercing blue eyes, Paul Hollywood, had to stop himself from having his own moment upon seeing the Band of Brothers actor. “I was like, ‘It’s David Schwimmer, he’s here, he’s here!’ I was like, ‘Wow!'” Hollywood, 57, told The Mirror.

To give a sneak peek of the charity special (which also includes Olympic diver Tom Daley, former Little Mix singer Jesy Nelson, and Bridget Jones actress Jessica Hynes), a video clip was posted on the show’s Twitter account. Schwimmer was certainly in character, with his navy blue polo shirt and beige apron covered in flour.

“Say hello to our baking friends. Meet the stars hitting the [Baking Show] tent to raise some dough for a very special cause!” the post read.

The Great Stand Up to Cancer Bake Off airs on Sunday, March 19, in the U.K.

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