Can you believe it’s been 30 years since Friends first graced our screens? The sitcom that shaped an entire generation of television lovers, fashion trends, and coffee shop hangouts still holds a special place in our hearts. As we celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, we’re diving into some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts that even the biggest Friends fans might not know. From casting secrets to quirky moments on set, here’s what went on behind the iconic coffee shop and Central Perk.
1. Jennifer Aniston Wasn’t the First Choice for Rachel
While Jennifer Aniston is now synonymous with Rachel Green, she wasn’t the first actress the producers had in mind. The role was initially written for a more “sarcastic” character, and actresses like Tea Leoni and Christine Taylor were considered. Aniston was cast after a memorable audition, where she had great chemistry with the rest of the cast.
2. Courteney Cox Almost Played Rachel
Believe it or not, Courteney Cox (Monica Geller) almost landed the role of Rachel instead of Jennifer Aniston. However, Cox was so perfect for the role of Monica that she took on the character who became one of the most beloved on the show.
3. The Cast Got Paid $1 Million Per Episode (Eventually)
By the end of Friends, the six main cast members were each making $1 million per episode. But it didn’t happen overnight. It took several seasons for them to reach this milestone, with the cast members negotiating together to ensure equal pay. This was a groundbreaking move that set a new standard for ensemble casts.
4. The ‘Smelly Cat’ Song Was Created by Lisa Kudrow
The iconic “Smelly Cat” song, sung by Phoebe Buffay, was entirely Lisa Kudrow’s creation. Kudrow came up with the song and the quirky character of Phoebe’s unique musical talents. The song became a fan favorite, and Kudrow’s delivery was perfect in capturing Phoebe’s eccentricity.
5. The Famous Central Perk Set Was Really Just a Stage
The beloved Central Perk coffee shop wasn’t a real New York café; it was a meticulously designed set on the soundstage. The show’s production team wanted to capture the essence of a New York coffee house but had to build it from scratch. It became such an iconic set that visitors to the Warner Bros. Studios still get to experience the famous couch.
6. A Lot of Famous Guest Stars Auditioned for Roles
Over the years, Friends welcomed numerous guest stars, but did you know that many famous actors actually auditioned for roles? A-list stars like Jon Favreau, Hank Azaria, and even Jon Lovitz auditioned for roles on the show. In fact, Jon Lovitz once almost played the character of Phoebe’s love interest, Mike.
7. Matt LeBlanc’s ‘Joey’ Was Supposed to Be the Dumb One
Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of Joey Tribbiani has become iconic, but the character was initially written to be a little more dim-witted and clueless. Over time, Joey’s personality developed into something more lovable and charming, thanks to LeBlanc’s natural comedic timing and likability.
8. The Cast Had to Work Extra Hard to Hide Their Real-Life Chemistry
The chemistry between the cast members was so strong that it was sometimes hard for them to stay “in character.” As friends off-screen, they would often find themselves laughing during scenes, making it difficult to keep a straight face. Directors would sometimes have to intervene to prevent too much giggling!
9. Monica’s Apartment Number Was Originally 5A
Monica’s iconic apartment was originally going to be numbered 5A. But when the writers realized that a neighboring apartment would have a number that conflicted with the show’s storyline, they changed it to 20. Fans never noticed, but it’s a fun little piece of trivia!
10. The Cast Loved Their On-Screen Pets
Did you know that the famous pet chick and duck owned by Joey and Chandler were so beloved by the cast that they became a behind-the-scenes favorite? The animals were well cared for, and they often interacted with the cast, adding a layer of fun to the shooting process.
11. Lisa Kudrow Was Pregnant During Filming
Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay, was actually pregnant in real life during the filming of season 4. The writers incorporated her pregnancy into the show’s storyline, with Phoebe giving birth to triplets. The pregnancy storyline was carefully crafted to fit her real-life situation.
12. Gunther Was Supposed to Be a Minor Character
Gunther, the coffee shop worker with a not-so-secret crush on Rachel, became a fan favorite, but did you know he wasn’t supposed to be a long-term character? Actor James Michael Tyler was originally cast as a background character, but his chemistry with the cast and the fans made the role evolve into a recurring part.
13. The Show Was Almost Called ‘Insomnia Cafe’
The original name for the show was Insomnia Cafe. But as production got underway, the name was changed several times before finally being locked down as Friends. Other potential names included Six of One and Across the Hall.
14. The Fountain in the Opening Credits Is Not Real
The iconic fountain scene in the opening credits of Friends was filmed at a studio lot in California, not in New York. The fountain became an emblem of the show, and the opening sequence is still one of the most recognizable TV intros in history.
15. Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry Almost Didn’t Appear in the Reunion Special
When the Friends reunion special was finally confirmed in 2021, Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry were initially hesitant. Both stars were worried about reliving the past, but once they saw how emotional and meaningful the reunion would be, they signed on to take part.
16. The Cast All Got Tattoos of Their Characters’ Initials
To commemorate the incredible bond the cast shared during the 10-year run of Friends, each of the six main cast members got a tattoo of the initials of their character. These tattoos were a symbol of their friendship and the time they spent together.
17. David Schwimmer Was the Most ‘Method’ Actor
While all the cast members brought their A-game to Friends, David Schwimmer was known for being especially method in his approach to playing Ross. He would often try to stay “in character” between takes and was very focused on ensuring his performance was true to the quirky paleontologist.
18. The Show Was Aired in Over 100 Countries
Friends quickly became a global phenomenon, and by the end of its run, it had been broadcast in over 100 countries. The show’s universal themes of love, friendship, and everyday struggles made it an international favorite, with fans across the globe tuning in to watch the adventures of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe.
19. Monica and Chandler’s Wedding Was Filmed in Two Parts
Monica and Chandler’s wedding was a monumental moment in the series, but did you know it was filmed in two parts? The first half of their wedding scene, including the vows, was shot on one day, and the second half was filmed on a separate day due to the emotional weight and complexity of the scene.
20. The Show’s Impact on Fashion
Friends was a cultural phenomenon, not just for its laughs but also for its fashion. Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel, became a style icon, and the “Rachel haircut” became one of the most requested hairstyles of the 90s. The show’s casual yet chic aesthetic influenced fashion trends and even made items like oversized sweaters and flannel shirts wildly popular.
