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Since its debut in 1994, the sitcom 'Friends' has captivated audiences worldwide. With its relatable characters, hilarious storylines, and iconic catchphrases, the show has become a cultural phenomenon. But even the most dedicated fans may not know some of the fascinating facts behind the scenes. In this article, we'll uncover 17 surprising tidbits about 'Friends' that will make you see the show in a whole new light.
1. The Evolution of the Title
When the show was in its early stages, it went through several name changes. Initially, it was called 'Friends Like Us,' then 'Six of One,' and finally settled on the simple and memorable 'Friends.'
2. Jennifer Aniston's Hair Regrets
One of the most iconic elements of 'Friends' was Jennifer Aniston's hairstyle, aptly named 'The Rachel.' However, Aniston herself admitted that she wasn't a fan of the haircut and considered it one of the ugliest she had ever seen. Despite its popularity, Aniston found the style difficult to maintain and required multiple brushes to achieve the desired look.
3. The Unexpected Color of Central Perk's Sofa
The distinctive orange sofa that graced Central Perk, the friends' favorite coffee shop, was not originally intended to be that color. The creators had initially sought a beige sofa but settled for the vibrant orange one they found in the basement of Warner Bros. Studios, inadvertently creating an iconic piece of furniture.
4. Los Angeles, not New York
Despite being set in New York City, 'Friends' was primarily filmed in Los Angeles. Only the exterior shots of the Friends' apartment building were captured in New York. This was a surprising revelation for many fans who associated the show closely with the bustling streets of the Big Apple.
5. Ellen DeGeneres as Phoebe?
Before Lisa Kudrow was cast as Phoebe Buffay, the role was offered to Ellen DeGeneres. However, DeGeneres turned down the opportunity, and the role ultimately went to Kudrow, who brought her own unique charm to the character.
6. Ross's Age Quirks
One peculiar aspect of Ross's character is his age inconsistency throughout the series. In seasons three, four, and five, Ross claims to be 29 years old. However, despite three years passing during this time, he never seems to reach the milestone of turning 30. Additionally, Ross mentions two different birthdates, adding to the confusion surrounding his age.
7. Two Monkeys Played Marcel
Ross's mischievous pet monkey, Marcel, was portrayed by two capuchin monkeys named Katie and Monkey. Although David Schwimmer, who played Ross, enjoyed working with the animals, he was not allowed to bond with them due to the trainers' strict guidelines.
8. Lisa Kudrow's Real Pregnancy Incorporated into the Show
During the show's run, Lisa Kudrow, who portrayed Phoebe, became pregnant in real life. To accommodate her pregnancy, the writers incorporated it into the storyline, resulting in Phoebe carrying triplets. This creative solution allowed Kudrow to continue working while embracing her real-life experience.
9. Jennifer Aniston's Initial Doubts
Jennifer Aniston almost didn't join 'Friends' as Rachel Green. At the time, she was also working on another sitcom called 'Muddling Through.' Aniston initially intended to leave 'Friends' if 'Muddling Through' was picked up, but fortunately, things worked out differently, and she became an integral part of the beloved cast.
10. Bruce Willis's Wager
Bruce Willis made a guest appearance on 'Friends' for three episodes, playing the father of Ross's girlfriend. Surprisingly, Willis didn't receive any payment for his role. He had made a bet with Matthew Perry, his co-star in the film 'The Whole Nine Yards,' that if the movie topped the box office charts, Willis would appear on 'Friends' for free. Perry lost the bet, and Willis certainly made an unforgettable impression on the show.
11. Gunther's Barista Skills
James Michael Tyler, the actor who portrayed Gunther, the manager of Central Perk, was actually a skilled barista in real life. Before landing the role, he worked in a coffee shop in Hollywood, giving him the expertise needed to convincingly serve coffee to the show's characters.
12. The Cast's Trip to Las Vegas
Before 'Friends' premiered, the entire cast was treated to a trip to Las Vegas by director James Burrows. Burrows had a strong belief in the show's potential success and wanted to give the cast one last taste of anonymity before they became household names. Little did they know that their careers would skyrocket after the show's debut.
Conclusion
These 17 surprising facts offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic of 'Friends.' From the evolution of the show's title to the unexpected color of Central Perk's sofa, these tidbits shed light on the creative decisions and memorable moments that made the sitcom a beloved classic. 'Friends' continues to be cherished by fans around the world, and these facts add an extra layer of appreciation for the show's enduring legacy.