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 Looking glass Theatre Company.


Born on his mother's birthday. Along with best friend & fellow actor Joey Slotnick, he helped found the Looking Glass Theater Company, based in Chicago, Illinois. 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] Is on the board of directors of the Rape Foundation for the Rape Treatment Center of Santa Monica Split up from Mili Avital in November 2001 January 2003 - Premiered his play "Turnaround" at the 99-seat West Hollywood Coast theater. All of his "Friends" were in attendance. 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. David once said in an interview, he would like to become a public school teacher after Friends ended. 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. Ate only lox and bagels from Cassels Market in Margate, during the filming of Duane Hopwood (2005). Was so busy filming The Pallbearer (1996) that he missed Lisa Kudrow's wedding. Turned down Will Smith's role in Men in Black (1997). Revealed that he had conflict with writers and cast members of "Friends" (1994). He was awarded the 1991 Joseph Jefferson Award Citation for New Stage Adaptation of "The Jungle" at the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois. Has been in a relationship with British photographer Zoe Buckman since 2007. Engaged to girlfriend of three years, Zoe Buckman.