Before Hank Azaria became known to Friends fans as David, Phoebe’s lovable scientist boyfriend, he was almost cast in a very different role.
In fact, Azaria originally auditioned for the part of Joey Tribbiani, the charming and goofy character that would later be brought to life by Matt LeBlanc. When Friends was in its early casting stages, Azaria was eager to land the role of Joey. He gave it his all during the audition but was unfortunately rejected. However, his passion for the role didn’t wane. Determined, Azaria begged the producers for another chance, convinced that he could bring something special to the character. He auditioned for Joey a second time but, despite his best efforts, he was turned down once again.
While Azaria didn’t land the part of Joey, his persistence and talent weren’t forgotten by the Friends creators. A few seasons into the show, he was cast in the memorable role of David, the sweet, introverted scientist who falls in love with Lisa Kudrow’s character, Phoebe Buffay. Though David’s time on the show was limited, his relationship with Phoebe left a lasting impression on fans.
In hindsight, it’s hard to imagine anyone other than Matt LeBlanc as Joey. LeBlanc’s portrayal of the character became iconic, with his lovable, goofy charm defining much of Friends’ humor. At the same time, Azaria’s David brought a unique depth and warmth to Phoebe’s love story, proving that sometimes a rejection can lead to an even better fit down the road.
Azaria’s journey on Friends is a reminder of how casting can take unexpected turns. Though he didn’t become one of the six main characters, his role as David added an important layer to Phoebe’s story arc and remains a beloved part of the show’s legacy.
