When Friends premiered in 1994, few could have predicted the global phenomenon it would become.
Much of that success is owed to the perfect blend of personalities that made up the core cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer. However, the journey that brought these actors together was far from straightforward. Behind each casting decision were surprising twists, near misses, and some downright lucky breaks. Here’s the fascinating story of how the Friends cast actually came to be—and how the series almost had a completely different face.
David Schwimmer: The Only “Sure Thing” David Schwimmer, cast as the sweet and nerdy paleontologist Ross Geller, was the first actor the creators had in mind for Friends. In fact, the role of Ross was written with him in mind after the show’s co-creator, Marta Kauffman, had worked with Schwimmer on a previous project. Schwimmer initially declined, feeling disillusioned with television, but after some coaxing from Kauffman and the show’s producers, he agreed to audition. His chemistry with the other characters ultimately set the tone for the entire ensemble.
Matt LeBlanc: The Joey That No One Expected Matt LeBlanc’s path to the role of Joey Tribbiani is a true “rags to riches” story. With only $11 to his name, LeBlanc had been struggling as an actor and was almost turned away from the role. His audition, however, brought a unique charm and authenticity to Joey that no other actor could replicate. LeBlanc’s portrayal of the lovable, dim-witted, aspiring actor was exactly what the show needed to balance the other characters. In the end, his lack of polish was what made him the perfect Joey.
Lisa Kudrow: Almost Passed Over for Phoebe Lisa Kudrow originally auditioned for Friends after her role in Mad About You. She nearly missed the chance to play the delightfully eccentric Phoebe Buffay, as producers felt her quirky persona might not mesh well with the rest of the cast. Yet, once Kudrow entered the room and delivered her lines, her comedic style resonated with everyone. Her unique take on Phoebe brought an irreplaceable level of comedy and warmth, cementing her place in the show.
Matthew Perry: A Real-Life Chandler Matthew Perry’s journey to Friends might be the most ironic. Before joining the show, Perry had co-written a pilot about a group of friends, which was strikingly similar to Friends. However, when Friends was casting, he was stuck in another sitcom commitment. Fate intervened when the other project fell through, leaving him free to audition. As it turned out, Perry’s own personality aligned closely with Chandler’s sarcastic and witty traits, making him a perfect fit for the role.
Chemistry That Made History When these six actors finally came together, the chemistry was undeniable. Producers marveled at how naturally they bonded, and it wasn’t long before the cast themselves realized they had something special. This natural camaraderie wasn’t just limited to the screen; they supported each other off-camera, too. Their tight-knit friendship played a crucial role in their collective decision-making, famously leading them to negotiate salaries together and always present a united front.
