I forgot the actor's name, but only one other actor played the same character for 20 years straight. As I did with Friends, I taped the finale, but have yet to watch it. Although my tape ran out during the last 10 minutes, or so, so I'm going to have to keep an eye out for the reruns.
I too thought the Friends finale could have been skimmed down a bit. It was good, but at the same time a bit much.