As a die-hard fan of sitcoms, I must admit that the guest stars on “Friends” have always left me in awe. Each one brought something unique and unforgettable to the table, adding flavor to the already delicious mix that was this iconic series.
From 1994 to 2004, the hottest guest spot on TV for an A-list actor was “Friends.”
Back in September 1994, when “Friends” first graced our screens on NBC, it wasn’t long before Hollywood heavyweights started flocking to this quirky sitcom. Some dropped by for a single episode, others just for a fleeting scene. Yet, the celeb-packed guest appearances transformed into some of the most iconic moments in “Friends” history that we still reminisce about today.
To commemorate “Friends” reaching its 30-year milestone, EbMaster has compiled a list of the top 30 standout guest appearances that have contributed significantly to the show’s enduring legacy.
Jennifer Coolidge (Season 10)
Despite gaining acclaim for her role in “The White Lotus,” Jennifer Coolidge may not be the first person who comes to mind when thinking about guest stars on “Friends.” She appeared during the final season, a time when subplots were often overshadowed by the show wrapping up a decade’s worth of storylines. Her character, Amanda Buffamonteezi, was a former friend of Monica and Phoebe who wasn’t particularly memorable, except for the dance she performed that left Chandler bewildered. However, her appearance is notable for one reason: Courteney Cox’s excellent delivery of her character’s name.
Ellen Pompeo (Season 10)
A year prior to “Grey’s Anatomy” debuting, Ellen Pompeo portrayed Missy Goldberg, a past classmate and crush of both Chandler and Ross (David Schwimmer). At their college reunion, the rivalry between them was reignited, leading to a cascade of secrets being disclosed. One such secret involved Ross discovering that what he believed was his first kiss with Rachel after a college party was actually with his sister, Monica. Now, isn’t that something the Gellers would keep hidden?
Hugh Laurie (Season 4)
When Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) travels to London to halt Ross’s wedding to Emily (Helen Baxendale), she unwittingly shares their complicated love tale with her seatmate, who happens to be Hugh Laurie before his “House” fame. Unsurprisingly, he displays his usual skepticism and informs her that it’s inappropriate for her to gatecrash the wedding, adding that they had indeed taken a break in their relationship.
Helen Hunt (Season 1)
It’s interesting to note that the popular series “Friends” was actually a spin-off of the ’90s sitcom “Mad About You”. In this show, starring Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt, Lisa Kudrow played Ursula in 24 episodes. Ursula is none other than Phoebe’s twin sister from “Friends”. When “Friends” gained immense popularity, Helen Hunt and her co-star from “Mad About You”, Leila Kenzle, made a brief appearance at Central Perk. In this scene, they mistook Phoebe for Ursula, creating a delightful Easter egg for viewers who recognized the connection between the two shows.
Steve Zahn (Season 2)
Among the many charming aspects of the show “Friends” was the continuous development of Phoebe’s past, which suggested she had already lived multiple lives by the time we met her in Season 1. One of these past lives included marrying a Canadian ice skater who happened to be gay and needed a green card to remain in the U.S. However, Steve Zahn reappears in Phoebe’s life, dressed as a matador, to reveal that he is not, in fact, gay. Instead, he is straight, smitten, and seeking a divorce.
Kathleen Turner (Season 7)
Television humor from 2001 often doesn’t hold up as well when revisited today, and Kathleen Turner’s portrayal of Chandler’s transgender parent is one such example that hasn’t aged gracefully. As Monica and Chandler prepare for their wedding, Turner’s character encourages Chandler to reconcile with his estranged father, who reveals he identifies as a woman following his childhood coming out. In the present day, this character goes by the name Helena Handbasket when performing as a drag artist in Las Vegas. When they visit her show, Turner delivers an entertaining act, but it’s tainted by the series’ insensitive jokes regarding gender identities and pronouns that feel less sensitive 20 years later.
Freddie Prinze Jr. (Season 9)
A different plot point that still feels awkward today is Freddie Prinze Jr.’s character as the male nanny employed by Rachel and Ross for their daughter Emma. Rachel appreciates his hands-on and educational approach with Emma, but Ross struggles with a man being in a nanny role. Eventually, Prinze Jr. manages to change Ross’ perspective, but not without causing offense to everyone involved, which seems to be a specialty of Ross.
Danny DeVito (Season 10)
In a less-than-ideal setting for typical bachelorette parties – a weary, emotional stripper struggling with the toll of time and knee issues, and an actor like Danny DeVito who brings his characteristic quirkiness to life – proved surprisingly fitting for Phoebe Buffay. As the evening progressed, Danny’s attempt at clumsy dancing was evident, until he could no longer suppress his emotions and tears flowed. However, it was exhilarating to witness him give an all-out performance once Phoebe managed to convince him to dry his eyes and continue.
Dakota Fanning (Season 10)
In the storyline, Joey (Matt LeBlanc) grapples with the news that Monica and Chandler are relocating to the suburbs to start their family life. During this time, he shares an emotional moment with the mature-beyond-her-times girl residing in the house they wish to purchase. This scene was from Dakota Fanning’s early acting days, where she acted alongside Joey. The intriguing aspect is that her character might or might not have been a ghost, but what truly mattered was the message she conveyed – Joey won’t lose his friends even if they move away.
Isabella Rossellini (Season 3)
In the initial stages of their relationship, Rachel and Ross were jokingly criticized by their friends about their “celebrity exemption lists,” or the famous individuals they could potentially date if the chance arose. However, Ross took it more literally than he should have. When Isabella Rossellini, someone who wasn’t included on his official list that was kept on a laminated card, entered Central Perk, she chided him for leaving her off his list.
Marlo Thomas (Season 2 and 8)
Marlo Thomas made only a handful of appearances as Rachel’s snobbish mother Sandra, yet her most amusing performance occurred in Season 8 at Rachel’s baby shower. As party organizer Monica invites everyone except the expectant grandmother, she comically spends the entire event attempting to flatter a disinterested Sandra, only to continually fail in her efforts to gain forgiveness.
Morgan Fairchild (Seasons 1, 5, 7, 8)
Chandler’s well-known romance novelist mother, Nora, visits town following a busy book tour, eager to reconnect with her distant son. However, things become even more complicated when she shows romantic interest in Ross, his best friend, leading to a frosty welcome. Her debut in Season 1 was entertaining, but subsequent appearances focused mainly on her tumultuous relationship with Chandler’s father, who has transitioned and is now identified as a woman.
Mae Whitman (Season 3)
As a movie enthusiast, I found myself in an unusual predicament when my errant tennis backhand sent a Brown Bird Scout tumbling down a staircase. To make amends, I decided to take on the task of selling enough cookies to send this young girl to space camp. Despite her broken leg, Mae Whitman’s performances were nothing short of charming and hilarious. Her scenes, especially when I failed to get her to space camp, were particularly endearing, with a beaming smile that lit up the screen. The moment when Ross, Chandler, and Joey created an at-home rocket simulation to cheer her up was the cherry on top. It’s no surprise that Whitman was one of the most sought-after child actors of her generation.
George Clooney and Noah Wyle (Season 1)
On an ingenious coordination for NBC’s highly anticipated television schedule, titled “Must-See TV,” the attractive physicians from “ER,” George Clooney and Noah Wyle, portrayed distinct doctors who invited Rachel and Monica on a double date following Rachel’s leg injury. However, a problem with insurance necessitated a swap of identities, compelling them to maintain this disguise during their outing. As a disagreement over which lady would be matched with which doctor intensified, they began disclosing each other’s personal secrets in front of their ever-more-uneasy dates who had hoped for an ordinary evening away from the bustling hospital environment.
Winona Ryder (Season 7)
In the seventh season’s episode, it turns out that the woman who shared a romantic moment with Rachel in college, and who is usually known for her Goth roles like in “Beetlejuice”, walks into Central Perk. To everyone’s surprise, Winona Ryder portrays Melissa, a vibrant party planner drenched in pink. It was a delight to watch her comedic skills unfold, particularly when she mistook Rachel’s attempts to remind her of their kiss for friendly gestures, only to express her affection for her sorority sister instead.
Anna Faris (Season 10)
After completing three “Scary Movie” films, Anna Faris made a significant shift in her role, portraying Erica – a typically virtuous Christian girl who decides to place her unborn child with Monica and Chandler as adoptive parents. This is a stark contrast to the crude humor of the “Scary Movie” series. Faris was the last prominent guest star during the show’s run, and she left on a high note. Erica’s innocent perspective offered a new dimension for Monica and Chandler to nurture before they encounter an unforeseen twist when she suddenly gives birth to twins.
Brooke Shields (Season 2)
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited about the big celebrity appearance in the first episode of the blockbuster series airing post-Super Bowl. In this installment, Brooke Shields portrays an ardent fan of “Days of Our Lives,” convinced that Joey is none other than his character, Dr. Drake Ramoray. Despite sleeping with her, it becomes increasingly challenging to extricate himself from the relationship when she suspects he’s being unfaithful with one of the on-screen characters. Fortunately, his friends step in to pour cold water on the situation and concoct an intricate plot that Joey is actually Drake’s wicked twin brother, Hans, to drive her away.
Susan Sarandon (Season 7)
Joey makes his comeback on “Days of Our Lives” as Dr. Drake Ramoray, but this time it’s due to a surprise brain transplant, with the donor unaware of the change. Unfortunately, Joey inadvertently tells veteran actress Cecilia Monroe that her character is being written off the show in an abrupt manner. To honor Cecilia’s acting skills, he persuades her to teach him the elaborate quirks of her character and even shares a brief romantic storyline. Sarandon seemed to enjoy the role, delivering impressive slaps both to Joey and his real-life daughter Eva Amurri during scenes.
Giovanni Ribisi and Debra Jo Rupp (Seasons 2, 3, 4, 5, 10)
Frank Jr., played by Giovanni Ribisi, and Alice, portrayed by Debra Jo Rupp, are often depicted together in the show to such an extent that they might as well be considered a single character due to their frequent co-appearances. Initially, Phoebe expresses reservations about her younger brother’s unusual relationship with his former teacher, but their deep affection for each other, which was both unmistakable and at times uncomfortable to watch, becomes increasingly apparent. The fact that Phoebe carries triplets for them adds an even more touching dimension to their romantic storyline.
Jon Favreau (Seasons 3)
In a quaint 1950s-themed diner, I found myself slinging pancakes after a brief setback in my culinary career. A regular patron, Pete – played by the charismatic Jon Favreau – persistently courted me, and I initially resisted his advances. However, there was something about him that was irresistible, and soon enough, we were on a date. But as our relationship blossomed, a significant obstacle reared its head: Pete was a tech millionaire with an unusual ambition – to become a mixed-martial-arts fighter, a feat he seemed woefully unprepared for.
Gary Oldman (Season 7)
Joey lands an incredible job acting alongside the meticulous stage actor Richard Crosby, played by Gary Oldman, in a World War II film. However, his enthusiasm soon fades when he discovers that Crosby has a bad habit of spitting excessively during dialogue delivery. To add to his troubles, Crosby appears drunk beyond belief on the day of Monica and Chandler’s wedding, causing chaos on set and making it difficult for Joey to arrive on time to officiate their ceremony. While it may seem unbelievable, Oldman is remarkably skilled at portraying this over-the-top, zany drunk character.
Billy Crystal and Robin Williams (Season 3)
Among the standout scenes in the series were those that were brief yet impactful. For instance, there was this scene featuring two renowned comedians, Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, who dropped by Central Perk on a particularly hectic day. They politely requested to join the group on their famous orange couch, but as soon as they sat down, they unexpectedly began discussing Williams’ wife’s infidelity with a man, unbeknownst to them, played by Crystal. The sudden turn of events, unfolding in a single scene, was both hilarious and perfectly executed.
Reese Witherspoon (Season 6)
The first sibling of Rachel to arrive at her house was Jill, a self-centered intruder who had come to town with the intention of emulating her sister after being disowned by their father. However, she struggled with cost-saving methods as much as Rachel did, and further complicated matters by challenging Rachel’s authority by trying to date Ross. Revisiting this guest role is all the more enjoyable now that Reese Witherspoon is working alongside Aniston on “The Morning Show.
Bruce Willis (Season 6)
In an unexpected turn of events, Rachel finds herself dealing with more than she anticipated when she begins dating Bruce Willis’ character Paul, who is the father of Ross’ college-aged daughter. At first, he appears as a charming and successful lawyer who causes a bit of friction between him and Ross. However, during their weekend getaway, Rachel’s push for greater openness from Paul triggers a floodgate of suppressed feelings, causing him to cry incessantly. Even John McClane himself couldn’t help but find it amusing seeing him curled up in a ball on her lap. Interestingly, Willis is one of only two guest actors to win an Emmy for the show.
Hank Azaria (Seasons 1, 7 and 9)
If Hank Azaria’s character David, the timid chemist, hadn’t left for Minsk, what an interesting turn events might have taken! The moment they crossed paths at Central Perk, Phoebe was captivated by David’s unique blend of sheltered innocence and nerdy charm. He admired her boldness and found comfort in her presence. However, a research opportunity overseas interrupted their connection before it even started. When he reappeared later in the series, their schedules never seemed to align properly.
Julia Roberts (Season 2)
Landing rom-com queen Julia Roberts was a huge get for “Friends” in its second season, and they didn’t waste her starpower. As a makeup artist on the set of “Outbreak,” she is thrown headfirst into a steamy hookup with Chandler, with whom she went to elementary school. Beguiled by her attention, Chandler obliges her every request, including wearing women’s underwear to dinner. When she lures him into the bathroom under the pretense of sex, she leaves him with nothing but the underwear to humiliate him. Turns out, America’s Sweetheart was out for revenge after Chandler pulled up her skirt in school and showed the school her own underwear. As they say, revenge is best served cold — and 20 years later.
Brad Pitt (Season 8)
The intense media attention surrounding Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt’s fictional marriage likely peaked with an uproariously funny episode where they portray old high school rivals reconnecting during a tense Thanksgiving gathering. In this storyline, Pitt takes on the role of Will, a former classmate of Rachel, Ross, and Monica who resented Rachel’s popularity in school to such an extent that he established the “I Hate Rachel Green Club” with Ross, who harbored secret feelings for her. The tension between the then-married duo made for captivating viewing. Their on-screen chemistry and good looks were so intense, it was almost blinding, like gazing directly into the sun.
Tom Selleck (Seasons 2, 3 and 6)
In the early stages of the show, Monica’s romantic situation wasn’t particularly favorable, yet much like Phoebe and David, there was a certain individual who left us pondering “What if?” Tom Selleck’s character, Dr. Richard Burke, was older than her, even sharing a pastime with her father – golf. However, few could match his understanding and acceptance of Monica. Selleck’s compassionate and attractive demeanor had an undeniable appeal. Although we wouldn’t swap Monica and Chandler for any other pair, the enigmatic Richard cast a significant shadow over their storyline.
Paul Rudd (Seasons 9 and 10)
Including Paul Rudd on this list might seem a bit biased towards him compared to other “Friends” celebrities who appeared sparingly. However, who wouldn’t adore the lovable antics of Mike, the goofy piano player? In the final seasons, his romantic journey with Phoebe was one of the most satisfying developments the show offered. Phoebe’s quirky character might not have appealed to everyone, but it suited Mike perfectly. Despite Rudd’s flamboyant roles throughout his career, his subtly brilliant portrayal of Mike remains one of his finest performances.
Christina Applegate (Seasons 9 and 10)
Despite being in only two episodes at the tail end of the series, Christina Applegate stands as the epitome of what a great “Friends” guest star could be. As Rachel’s other vapid sister Amy, she is appropriately narcissistic and incredibly funny in her narrow view of the world. But wanting more purpose in life, she lobbies to be the guardian of her Rachel and Ross’ daughter Emma should anything happen to them. When she realizes she is far down the list of responsible adults who would take over parenting duties, she and Rachel spiral into a childish fit (featuring some incredible physical comedy!) that shatters her chances at guardianship and Monica’s precious wedding China. Both of her episodes are among the best in the show’s later years, and Applegate is a riot from start to finish. An Emmy-winner for the role, she is one of our greatest comedic actors — and “Friends” knew exactly how to showcase it.
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2024-09-23 22:19