Across its 10 seasons, Friends featured plenty of famous guest stars, but one in particular still feels like a missed opportunity — especially after seeing how great he was in another sitcom. The beloved series became a cultural phenomenon, known for its sharp humor, iconic moments, and impressive lineup of celebrity cameos. Some guest stars appeared for just an episode or two, while others had brief romantic arcs or chaotic storylines that added spice to the show.
From Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis to Reese Witherspoon and Jean-Claude Van Damme, Friends had no shortage of big names. Yet, one guest star from season 9 stood out — not because of how well he was used, but because Friends completely underutilized his potential. Watching his later work only highlights how much more his character could have brought to the series.
Friends Completely Wasted Dermot Mulroney’s Gavin in Season 9
Gavin Mitchell, played by Dermot Mulroney, appeared in only three episodes of Friends season 9 — and it still feels like one of the show’s biggest missed opportunities. Introduced as Rachel’s charming and confident coworker who temporarily took over her job during maternity leave, Gavin quickly won over her boss and colleagues, sparking a fun rivalry that eventually turned romantic tension.
Their dynamic culminated in a balcony kiss at Rachel’s birthday party, but that was where the story abruptly ended. Gavin disappeared from the show without closure, serving mainly as a plot device to stir Ross’s jealousy. It was a disappointing use of Mulroney, whose effortless charisma and rom-com background could’ve made Gavin a more memorable recurring character. Friends missed the chance to explore his chemistry with Rachel or give him a meaningful sendoff — leaving Gavin’s story unfinished.
Dermot Mulroney’s New Girl Role Highlights How Friends Underused Him
Nearly a decade after his short stint on Friends, Dermot Mulroney proved his sitcom potential in New Girl. He played Russell Schiller, a charming and successful businessman who becomes romantically involved with Jess (Zooey Deschanel). Unlike his brief, underdeveloped role as Gavin in Friends, Mulroney’s New Girl character was given real depth and emotional range — first as Jess’s mature boyfriend in season 1, then as a returning character who still has feelings for her years later.
His performance in New Girl showed just how effortlessly he blends warmth, humor, and sophistication — qualities Friends barely tapped into. Watching Mulroney shine as Russell only makes his wasted potential in Friends even more frustrating.
