As a huge fan of “Friends,” I have always been in awe of the brilliant guest stars who graced our screens and added depth to the characters we all know and love. Among these exceptional actors, three stand out to me for their unique and unforgettable appearances.
Friends, the cherished ’90s sitcom, remains one of television’s most watched and lasting shows. This groundbreaking series focused on a tight-knit gang of friends in their 20s and 30s residing in Manhattan. Friends’ popularity is undisputed, with its compelling storylines chronicling the personal and professional growth of the characters. The show catapulted the careers of its talented cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Matthew Perry. During its impressive ten-season span, numerous renowned guest stars graced the screen as distinctive characters.
From Brad Pitt’s unforgettable appearance as Rachel Green’s hostile enemy Will Colbert to Danny DeVito’s side-splitting performance as the seasoned stripper “Officer” Roy Goodbody, Friends has had numerous guest stars leave their mark by popping up and shining in one standalone episode. Let’s take a walk down memory lane and look at the fifteen best Friends characters who were only in one episode of the groundbreaking series.
15 Tommy (Ben Stiller)
“The One with the Screamer” (Season 3, Episode 22)
In “The One with the Screamer,” an amusing installment of the show, Ben Stiller plays the role of Tommy – a fiery and temperamental man whom Rachel goes out on a date with following her heart-wrenching split from Ross.
A temperamental person with a quick temper frequently loses control over himself at the slightest hiccups. Only Ross observes this side of Tommy, marked by angry outbursts and tantrums. But when Ross tries to warn others about Tommy’s instability, they brush him off, assuming he’s just jealous that Rachel is considering moving on.
Tommy Finally Gets Caught in the Act
Concerned that others didn’t witness Tommy’s temper and that he hid his anger issues, Ross became determined to uncover Tommy’s outbursts and grew increasingly anxious in the process.
At the episode’s close, Tommy’s unexpected rage towards the chick and the duck leaves Rachel and the entire group astonished. Consequently, she ends her relationship with him. Despite the volatile nature of their connection, both Tommy and Stiller’s hysterical portrayal left a deep impact on viewers.
14 “Officer” Roy Goodbody (Danny DeVito)
“The One Where The Stripper Cries” (Season 10, Episode 11)
Danny DeVito, renowned actor in films and TV, shines brilliantly in every part he plays. His portrayal of “Officer” Roy Goodbody for Rachel and Monica at Phoebe’s bachelorette party was no exception. However, when this middle-aged, small-statured man attempted to entertain the women with his striptease performance, they were left feeling disappointed and uneasy due to its awkward execution.
Goodbody’s Swan Song
Instead of “Clearly not the stripper they were expecting or hoping for, Roy was disappointed by the audience’s lackluster reaction. He considered quitting the risqué profession forever. But Phoebe urged him to complete his performance and end it with a memorable finale.”
As a dedicated fan and gamer of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” I couldn’t help but be thrilled by DeVito’s fearless performance and signature humor in the latest episode. His unforgettable antics throughout the show had me laughing out loud, and when he finally revealed his glorious stripper alter ego for one last hurrah, it was an absolutely hilarious experience that left me in stitches.
13 The Guy on the Plane (Hugh Laurie)
“The One with Ross’s Wedding, Part 2” (Season 4, Episode 24)
As a big fan of “Friends,” I must share that the episode titled “The One with Ross’s Wedding, Part 2” holds a special place in my heart for numerous reasons. This installment brought us Monica and Chandler’s surprising and delightful one-night stand, Ross’s memorable faux pas at the altar when he called Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s, and let’s not forget about Hugh Laurie’s entertaining portrayal of a frustrated plane passenger. Simply put, this episode is filled with iconic moments that continue to make “Friends” an unforgettable part of television history.
At first, Rachel refused to go to Ross’s wedding in London. However, something changed her mind, and she came to the conclusion that her feelings for Ross hadn’t faded. Excitedly, she booked a flight to inform him of this in person.
Rachel Gets a Dose of Reality
Next to Rachel on the plane sits a man whom she shares the details of her intricate past with Ross. Throughout the flight, Rachel discloses much about their tumultuous relationship.
The man had reached his limit with the ongoing argument and couldn’t take it any longer. He bluntly corrected Rachel for her self-centered actions, warning her that she was ruining Ross’ happiest day, despite professing love for him. Adding to Rachel’s shock, he reminded her and Ross had indeed taken a break in their relationship.
12 Will Colbert (Brad Pitt)
“The One with the Rumor” (Season 8, Episode 9)
People everywhere were thrilled when Brad Pitt made a surprise appearance in “The One with the Rumor,” an episode of “Friends,” as Jennifer Aniston’s ex-husband. Despite widespread belief that they would be portraying romantic interests, their roles turned out to be quite unexpected. In this episode, Pitt played Will Colbert, Monica’s former classmate who had lost weight and transformed into an attractive, successful man. As a result, Rachel couldn’t help but be drawn to him during the Thanksgiving celebration.
A Show-Stopping Special Guest
Will feels a strong dislike towards Rachel upon learning she will attend the dinner. Their unpleasant past, marked by Rachel’s bullying during high school, left deep-rooted anger and resentment in Will that he has not been able to shake off. The tension between them was evident, and their presence at the gathering brought some amusing anecdotes about their teenage years, including the revelation of the “I Hate Rachel Green Club,” which included both Will and Ross as members.
I was taken aback when I heard the scandalous gossip spread throughout New York state, alleging that Rachel was a hermaphrodite – a rumor started by that spiteful twosome. The thought of Ross dating my longtime rival and then bringing a child into this world left me baffled. But to my surprise, I found myself secretly amused when I discovered they weren’t planning on tying the knot.
11 Amanda Buffamonteezi (Jennifer Coolidge)
“The One with Ross’ Tan” (Season 10, Episode 3)
In the season 10 episode of “Friends,” titled “The One with Ross’ Tan,”, Jennifer Coolidge made a guest appearance before becoming widely recognized for her role in the “American Pie” films. At that point, she hadn’t yet achieved significant success in Hollywood. She portrayed the boastful and flamboyant character Amanda Buffamonteezi, an old friend of Monica and Phoebe from their building who resurfaced years later after moving to England. Whenever possible, she would shamelessly brag about herself.
Amanda “Accidentally” Spills the Beans
Amanda tries to arrange get-togethers with her female friends. In response, they decide to subtly exclude her by neglecting her phone calls and messages. However, their scheme goes awry when Chandler inadvertently picks up one of her numerous calls.
Amanda’s persistent bragging and amusing yet poor imitation of a British accent irritated Phoebe and Monica. Her unwitting revelation that Phoebe had attempted to exclude her from their former living situation caused issues between them. It was no surprise that Coolidge excelled in portraying the bothersome pretender-Brit and drew attention in the well-received episode.
10 Russ (David Schwimmer)
“The One with Russ” (Season 2, Episode 10)
David Schwimmer imitated Lisa Kudrow’s actions during the episode “The One with Russ” by assuming two roles. In this installment, Schwimmer portrayed Russ, a new love interest for Rachel who bears a striking resemblance to Ross. To move on from her past feelings for Ross and his relationship with Julie, Rachel initiated a romance with Russ, whom she thought looked more like Bob Saget than Ross.
An Uncanny Resemblance
The episode is incredibly amusing as it becomes apparent to everyone except Rachel, Ross, and Russ that the latter is very much like Ross’s look-alike. Despite the friends raising doubts and queries, Rachel remains clueless. However, when she observes Russ and Ross bickering at Central Perk and notices their striking similarities in behavior and idiosyncrasies, she becomes shocked and panics, leading to her sudden departure.
She ultimately decides to end things with Russ due to her unconscious inability to look past their resemblances to the character Ross, a fact that remains oblivious to Russ himself.
9 Celia Monroe (Susan Sarandon)
“The One with Joey’s New Brain” (Season 7, Episode 15)
As a huge fan, I can tell you that Susan Sarandon brought the house down with her hilarious performance as Celia Monroe on “Days of Our Lives.” When this esteemed Academy Award-winner learned that her beloved character Jessica Lockhart was being written off the show and her brain was to be given to Dr. Drake Ramoray played by Joey, she was absolutely flabbergasted! What a shocking twist in the soap opera world!
Celia, known for her quirky habit of splashing drinks and slapping faces, is taken aback when Joey requests her guidance on portraying Jessica authentically.
Celia Teaches Joey the Craft
Although filled with anger and disappointment towards the authors of “Days of Our Lives“, Celia ultimately decides to mentor Joey, sharing her expertise on portraying the deceitful Jessica. She even demonstrates how to maximize the impact of a romantic kissing scene for the cameras, teaching him to command attention.
As a big fan of the show, I can’t help but recall an intriguing turn of events. Joey, known for his womanizing ways, successfully charmed Celia and the two gave in to their desires, leading to a night together. When Monica and Rachel found out their beloved soap star was in our apartment, they were beyond excited yet struggled to keep their cool. In fact, Monica even pleaded with Celia to give her a good slap – something she no longer had the legal right to do.
8 Erika Ford (Brooke Shields)
“The One After the Superbowl: Part 1” (Season 2, Episode 12)
In the initial segment of the extended episode titled “The One After the Superbowl“, Brooke Shields brought an energetic and eccentric portrayal to life as Erika Ford, a die-hard fan of “Days of Our Lives” who holds the belief that the show and its characters are authentic rather than mere television creations. Upon receiving his very first piece of fan mail from this captivating yet unstable woman, Joey is elated and makes the decision to pursue a relationship with her, disregarding her obvious mental instability.
Stranger Than Fiction
Joey brings his overzealous fan along, who persistently calls him by the name of his acting persona, Drake. She becomes enraged when she believes he’s been unfaithful to her with another woman, who in reality is just a co-star on “Days of Our Lives.”
I’ve been deeply captivated by her enchanting beauty, but unfortunately, Joey’s heart refuses to be won over due to Erika’s mental instability and immersion in a dreamlike reality. When he bravely confessed his true identity as an actor portraying Dr. Drake Ramoray, she remained skeptical. It wasn’t until the friends intervened subtly, sharing the secret that Joey was actually Dr. Drake’s sinister twin brother “Hans,” that Erika finally distanced herself from him and began her journey towards healing.
7 Sandy (Freddie Prinze Jr.)
“The One with the Male Nanny” (Season 9, Episode 6)
It’s undeniable that certain Friends episodes, including “The One with the Male Nanny” from Season 9, have not held up as well since the show first aired 30 years ago. In this installment, Ross is portrayed less favorably.
When Ross and Rachel set out to find a nanny for their baby Emma, Rachel becomes deeply attracted to the gentle and soothing Sandy (Freddie Prinze Jr.), whom they interview. Despite Ross’s initial disapproval upon learning that Sandy is a man, Rachel insists on hiring him.
A Progressive & Gender-Defying Character
Although Sandy faced an indifferent response from Ross, he demonstrated his exceptional skills in his job, leaving Emma and the rest of the team deeply impressed. When Ross discovered that Sandy defied traditional gender roles and enjoyed baking, puppetry, and playing the recorder, he chose to let him go. Unfazed by this turn of events, Sandy accepted Ross’ decision with grace.
As a gamer, I once encountered a character named Sandy in a game, who was incredibly in tune with her emotions. At first, I, the player controlling Ross, felt uneasy about this sensitivity. But as the story unfolded, Sandy became more than just a character – she turned out to be a male nanny who helped me, Ross, delve into my own past and confront painful childhood memories related to my father. Through her gentle guidance and comforting words, I was able to open up and process emotions that I had long kept hidden.
6 Earl (Jason Alexander)
“The One Where Rosita Dies” (Season 7, Episode 13)
In the seventh season of Seinfeld, I was captivated by Jason Alexander’s heartfelt performance as a despondent office worker considering suicide in the episode titled “The One Where Rosita Dies.” This storyline unfolds alongside Phoebe’s new telemarketing gig selling printer toner. As she connects with her very first prospect, Earl, she becomes incredibly engaged and invested in their interaction.
While trying to grasp the skills of telephone sales and making her first call, Phoebe is taken aback when the recipient unexpectedly reveals his intention to take his own life and consequently expresses no interest in purchasing toner.
Phoebe to the Rescue
When Phoebe speaks with Earl, the distressed and discontented supply manager, over the phone, she becomes determined to prevent him from giving up on life. Sharing deep concern when he reveals suicidal thoughts, Phoebe abruptly leaves her new position and hurries to his office, aiming to persuade him that there are numerous reasons to keep living.
Alexander’s heartfelt portrayal of the despairing Earl, who feels overlooked by all, added depth to the episode. Meanwhile, Phoebe’s determination to help him brought a touch of humor and warmth, making it an enjoyable experience for viewers.
5 Zach (John Stamos)
“The One with the Donor” (Season 9, Episode 22)
In season 9 of the captivating series, Monica and Chandler decided they wanted to start a family. Sadly, they discovered that they couldn’t conceive naturally together. They then considered alternative ways to have a child. The suggestion of using a sperm donor came up, and Chandler proposed his good-looking colleague Zach (John Stamos) as a possibility. Monica was hesitant about the idea until she met Zach in person and found him to be a nice and ordinary man.
An Awkward & Intimate Dinner Chat
Monica shows increased enthusiasm for Zach as a prospective donor after he requests a coaster for his beer. For Monica, the simple act is a perfect match for her meticulous personality. During their meal together, Chandler and Monica delve deeply into Zach’s personal history, probing questions about his health and family background. Zach feels uneasy as they press on with such intimate queries.
Stamos excelled in his role as the seemingly ordinary Zach. Though he appeared to be an ideal candidate, his presence made Monica come to terms with her true desire: Chandler’s sperm alone. Ultimately, they opted for adoption rather than pursuing other options.
4 Ryan (Charlie Sheen)
“The One with the Chicken Pox” (Season 2, Episode 23)
When Ryan (Charlie Sheen), Phoebe’s former charismatic beau and now a Navy lieutenant commander, unexpectedly returns to New York City on leave, both he and Phoebe, the quirky blonde, are in for a shock when they both come down with chicken pox.
During his two-week hiatus, Ryan makes a surprise appearance to win Phoebe’s heart. Sadly, she contracts the virus from Ross’ son Ben instead, putting their budding relationship on hold. Eager to be near Phoebe, Ryan eventually catches the chicken pox as well. They then spend their time in isolation, supporting each other through their shared illness.
Ryan Proves His Devotion to Phoebe
In the episode, Sheen’s magnetic charm shone through, leaving viewers in stitches as Phoebe and Ryan desperately attempted to shield their skin from harm by laughing and donning oven gloves.
In this scene, Monica’s gloves added humor as the characters scratched each other. Fans enjoyed Phoebe’s romantic interest who bravely got chicken pox to be near her. Sheen and Kudrow’s chemistry shone, making the entire episode charming and heartwarming.
3 Parker (Alec Baldwin)
“The One in Massapequa” (Season 8, Episode 18)
In the eighth season of the beloved sitcom, renowned guest stars such as Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Trudie Styler (who is married to Sting in real life) graced our screens with memorable appearances. A notable episode, titled “The One in Massapequa, saw Alec Baldwin join the cast, bringing endless optimism as he pursued a romantic connection with Phoebe.
In the next episode, Parker, played by Baldwin, became the focus as Phoebe’s date to a notable event, despite making a brief appearance at the end of the last one.
Parker’s Intense Appreciation for Everyone and Everything
On my parents, Jack and Judy’s special 35th wedding anniversary, I, Monica, have decided to step up and deliver a speech in their honor rather than leaving it to Ross this time. My determination is to ensure that every word I speak comes from the depths of my heart, making it as heartfelt and meaningful as possible for them.
At the party, Phoebe asks Parker to be her plus one. With his overly bright and incessantly cheerful demeanor, Parker soon becomes a nuisance to everyone around them, making excessive positive comments about people and situations. Initially defensive of Parker, Phoebe’s friends eventually wear her down with their criticisms. By the end of the episode, even Phoebe can no longer tolerate Parker’s sunny disposition and asks him to leave.
2 Leonard Hayes (Jeff Goldblum)
“The One with the Mugging” (Season 9, Episode 15)
Jeff Goldblum, an exceptional actor known for playing versions of himself, brilliantly appeared as Leonard Hayes in “The One with the Mugging” (season 9 episode). Joey underwent rigorous auditions for a Broadway production featuring Hayes. To prepare for the role after being told he wasn’t acting intensely enough, Joey adopted an unusual strategy: enduring hours of holding in his urine to portray the character authentically.
Joey Embraces Method Acting
While attempting to help Joey convey the sense of urgency required for the role he’s auditioning for, Hayes encourages him to act more fidgety and restless. In response, Joey downs a large amount of liquid, making him appear even more nervous and uncomfortable after receiving praise for his previous performance, during which he had been unable to hide his strong need to use the bathroom.
Observing their humorous interaction and audition brought joy to spectators. Due to Hayes’ comments, Joey realized that needing to use the restroom significantly enhances his acting abilities. Unfortunately, Joey’s unconventional acting technique proved costly when he accidentally wet himself while embracing Hayes after securing the role.
1 Susie Moss (Julia Roberts)
“The One After the Superbowl: Part 2” (Season 2, Episode 13)
Julia Roberts, a renowned actress from Hollywood, captivated “Friends” viewers in the second part of season 2’s double-episode named “The One After the Superbowl.” In this episode, she played the role of Susie Moss, an old friend of Chandler’s from childhood. Chandler had once publicly humiliated Susie by lifting her skirt in front of their entire school. Contrary to Chandler’s belief that she was interested in rekindling a romance, Susie harbored a desire for revenge. She devised a cunning plan to exact it upon him.
Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Cold
After setting up a meeting, Susie persuades Chandler to put on her underwear before they go to a restaurant. They then discreetly slip away to the restroom for a clandestine encounter. Chandler anticipates an intimate experience, but instead finds himself in an embarrassing situation when Susie takes off his clothes and abandons him in the bathroom, dressed only in her underwear.
During that hilarious incident, Roberts was in a relationship with Matthew Perry. She described her experience on the show as the most anxiety-inducing event she’s had since trying out for “Pretty Woman.”
I aspired to reach my full potential, drawing inspiration from Perry’s infectious humor that brings so much joy. However, at one point during lunch, I came to terms with the fact that I may never match his greatness. Instead, I decided to focus on being as endearing and charming as possible.
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2024-07-21 01:33