Wait, what? Jennifer Aniston almost quit 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S'
What's the story
The television show F.R.I.E.N.D.S has been a much-loved staple for fans across the globe since its 1994 debut. While a lot of viewers can quote lines and remember episodes by heart, there are still some surprising facts about the series that even the most dedicated fans might not know. From casting decisions to behind-the-scenes secrets, these lesser-known tidbits give a fresh perspective on this iconic sitcom.
Character insight
Ross's subtle foreshadowing
Ross Geller is all about dinosaurs and being awkward sometimes, but there are cases where his dialogue subtly hints at what's to come later in his life. Early mentions of marriage woes hint at later relationship troubles with Emily and Rachel. This is the kind of clever writing that rewards an attentive viewer.
Animal antics
Marcel's trainer had challenges
Marcel, Ross's pet monkey in early seasons, added a unique challenge to filming with his unpredictable behavior on set. Trainers toiled behind the scenes to keep Marcel's antics in check, while also making sure safety protocols are followed during shoots with live animals—a task that required a lot of patience from both crew members as well as actors alike.
Contract negotiations
Jennifer Aniston almost didn't return after Season 1
When F.R.I.E.N.D.S first premiered, Jennifer Aniston was battling scheduling conflicts due to her commitment to another show. Luckily for Rachel Green fans, her other project did not make it past the first few episodes. This allowed Aniston to continue with F.R.I.E.N.D.S, eventually becoming the most iconic character of all ten seasons.
Casting surprises
Aniston almost didn't play Rachel
Did you know Aniston almost lost out on playing Rachel Green? She was already committed to another show when casting began. But the producers were adamant she was perfect for this role, and waited for her schedule to free up before officially casting her—an investment that paid off, considering how integral she became to the series' overall success!
Animal antics
Marcel's trainer had unique challenges
Marcel, the monkey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S, was played by two capuchins, Katie and Monkey. Their personalities were so different that it made them difficult to train on the busy set. Not only did they have to adapt to the studio environment, which was full of distractions, but they also had to be patient to get smooth scenes with the animals. This complexity made Ross's relationship with his wacky pet even more interesting.