As a die-hard “Friends” fan, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the hilarious antics and heartwarming moments of each secondary character in this iconic sitcom. However, one character truly stands out for me, not just because she’s played by the talented Lisa Kudrow, but also due to her sheer unpredictability and zany personality – Ursula Buffay!
Friends” is centered around the primary cast of characters that give the popular sitcom its name: Ross (David Schwimmer), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courteney Cox), Chandler (Matthew Perry), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow). These six individuals are the main focus of the show, and their interpersonal relationships serve as the key themes that are developed throughout the series. Interestingly, it’s frequently the secondary characters who capture viewers’ hearts in television shows, and “Friends” boasts a number of such unforgettable ones.
In this analysis, we’ve carefully examined each recurring character in “Friends” who made an appearance in four or more episodes. We’ve singled out those whose storylines were pivotal to the main group, spanning multiple seasons and contributing significantly to the plotline. To create our definitive list, we considered characters who brought humor or contributed to the development of our six central characters. After evaluating their performances in these crucial aspects, we ranked them from least significant to most impactful for all “Friends” enthusiasts who appreciate the role secondary characters often play in making the show shine.
17. Tag Jones
In Season 7, Eddie Cahill portrays the role of Tag, an assistant that Rachel hires following her promotion at Ralph Lauren. However, watching this dynamic today can be awkward due to the fact that Rachel initially hires him based on his looks and later starts secretly dating him. This power dynamic isn’t as problematic as Ross’s relationship with a 20-year-old student in Season 6, but it still leaves a sour taste. Eddie Cahill is not exceptionally skilled in comedic acting, and Rachel’s involvement with Tag seems to set her character back somewhat. Essentially, Tag appears to be more of a temporary focus for Rachel while the show centers on Monica and Chandler as they prepare for their wedding.
16. Emily Waltham
In the aftermath of his split from Rachel, Ross finds solace by crossing paths with Emily, who is Rachel’s boss’s English niece at Bloomingdale’s. Emily seems ideal for Ross to start anew, but her character development is somewhat limited. Helen Baxendale delivers decent performances, yet the script doesn’t offer many chances for her to truly stand out. All in all, Emily brings more sorrow than happiness to Ross’s life. Despite this, she appears in some of the most memorable “Friends” episodes like “The One with All the Rugby,” “The One with the Fake Party,” and the climactic “The One with Ross’s Wedding,” one of the most shocking sitcom endings ever aired on television.
15. Mr. Heckles
In the TV series “Friends,” Monica and Rachel’s neighbor below, known as Mr. Heckles (played by Larry Hankin), isn’t a frequent character, but when he appears, especially during the initial seasons, he leaves a significant impact. From abducting Marcel the monkey to feigning being Chandler’s new roommate in a flashback episode of Season 3, Mr. Heckles caused quite a bit of uproariously funny trouble for the “Friends” group. Hankin delivers some terrific dialogue on the show and, similar to Ugly Naked Guy, serves as an ongoing source of humor for both the characters and viewers. The episode titled “The One Where Heckles Dies” is a pivotal one for Chandler in terms of character development, but it’s unfortunate that we lose Mr. Heckles early on in the series.
14. Leonard Green
For the first time on screen, Dr. Green (portrayed by the late Ron Leibman) makes an appearance during Rachel’s birthday party in Season 2. At this point, the group is managing two parties – one at Joey and Chandler’s apartment, the other at Monica and Rachel’s – to avoid a confrontation between Dr. Green (Rachel’s mother’s soon-to-be ex-husband) and Rachel’s mother. Throughout the series, Dr. Green often provides amusing contrast to Ross, a pattern that continues. While he may not be the most memorable side character on the show, Dr. Green plays an important role in enhancing the overall comedic feel of the sitcom, particularly within Rachel’s life. He is significant in the development of Ross and Rachel’s relationship, but one of his funniest episodes occurs in “The One with the Stripper,” when Rachel takes Phoebe to a dinner with her father to share the news that she is pregnant.
13. Carol Willick
In the popular sitcom “Friends,” the character portrayed by Anita Barone initially (and later by Jane Sibbett) named Carol, figures prominently in one of the series’ most intriguing storylines. It’s fascinating that a show from the 1990s, which is usually associated with light-hearted comedy, tackled such a complex and multifaceted relationship as Ross’s with Carol and Susan (played by Jessica Hecht). The plotline requires Ross to quickly grapple with Carol’s sexuality and pregnancy following their divorce, creating an emotionally intense narrative that offers some of the show’s most rewarding moments.
In the series, Carol does provide some significant and touching moments, especially when offering comfort to Ross – like when she steps up to care for him during his breakup with Rachel in Season 3. However, unlike her partner Susan, who often brings humor and depth to the show through her interactions with Ross and other main characters, Carol’s character doesn’t reveal much about herself or her personality, making her somewhat less engaging compared to others.
12. Estelle Leonard
Estelle, portrayed by June Gable, is a frequently returning character from “Friends.” In the first season, she acts as Joey’s talent agent and continues to appear in his stories throughout the entire series. Her timing is impeccable, adding a touch of humor during scenes requiring industry-related expositions for Joey’s storyline. Estelle appears to be the kind of agent one might expect an actor like Joey to have – somewhat inept yet still feisty. The main reason she isn’t higher on this list is due to her selling four out of six tickets to Joey’s film premiere, despite being his agent! It turns out that one of the movie stars couldn’t bring friends to his own premiere because his agent scalped them. Quite unprofessional – but very Estelle-like.
11. Charlie Wheeler
Charlie, portrayed by Aisha Tyler, is unfortunately one of few characters of color with names on this show during its entire 10-season run. She’s a captivating and intelligent paleontology professor who quickly catches the eyes of both Ross and Joey. Charlie significantly influences the personal growth of several main characters, and Tyler delivers a delightful performance every time she appears on screen. However, it’s challenging not to feel slightly frustrated with Charlie as her presence seems to contribute significantly to the unpopular storyline involving Rachel and Joey’s relationship, which is often criticized among “Friends” fans.
10. Judy Geller
A recurring joke throughout the series is the strained dynamic between Monica and her mother, Judy Geller (Christina Pickles). No matter how hard Monica tries, Judy never seems satisfied with her, yet she always admires Ross. This portrayal of Judy offers viewers a glimpse into why Monica strives for perfection so relentlessly. One of the most humorous instances featuring Judy is in “The One with the Sonogram at the End.
In this first season episode, Judy and her spouse Jack are having dinner with Monica and Ross in the city, and all evening, Monica has been urging Ross to disclose the end of his marriage and Carol’s pregnancy to their parents. Finally, Ross reveals it, hoping to lessen some of the criticism Monica is facing for her mistakes (which, to a reasonable person, would pale in comparison to Ross’s predicament). Upon Ross’s confession, the Gellers are momentarily speechless before Judy looks at Monica and asks, “And you were aware of this?
9. Richard Burke
Despite Dr. Richard Burke (Tom Selleck) and Monica ending their romantic relationship permanently at the close of Season 2, he remains a significant presence in her storyline for years to come, making frequent returns on the show. Given his unique connection to her – being the closest friend of her parents and her dating someone so much older that she graduated high school with his daughter – it’s no surprise that Richard would continue to play an important role.
Not only does Richard add an entertaining element to the show, but his role as Monica’s foil significantly contributes to her character development. Given that he is portrayed by Tom Selleck, a captivating actor who could read a phone book and still hold audience appeal, it’s clear why Richard stands out among secondary characters in “Friends” history.
8. David the Scientist Guy
In the sitcom “Friends,” Hank Azaria’s character David, also known as David the Scientist Guy, holds a near legendary status. For Phoebe, he represents her unfulfilled opportunity, serving as an integral part of her romantic narrative though appearing infrequently across episodes. Despite their brief encounter in a single Season 1 episode, where David departs for scientific research in Minsk, their relationship has deep significance for Phoebe. Over the years, David serves as Phoebe’s “what if” scenario, and it’s believed that his influence may explain Phoebe’s hesitancy to commit to long-term relationships throughout the series. Hank Azaria delivers another round of comedic brilliance portraying the clumsy physicist, and although David is not Phoebe’s ultimate match, it offers closure when their relationship is resolved before the show’s end, with Phoebe ultimately choosing to be with Mike (Paul Rudd).
7. Susan Bunch
Initially, Susan (Jessica Hecht) appears to be a character who is difficult to like due to her strained relationship with Ross, a significant character in “Friends,” whom she was responsible for Carol leaving him. However, as viewers delve deeper into Ross’s flaws and the narrative becomes more complex, Susan’s character gains empathy. Over time, both the audience and Ross come to understand Susan better. A defining moment that demonstrates this shift is when Susan asks Ross to dance after her wedding with Carol in “The One with the Lesbian Wedding,” a scene that carries great emotional weight throughout the series. Susan recognizes Ross’s efforts to make Carol happy, and they share a common goal of ensuring the happiness of Carol (and Ben).
6. Gunther
In simpler terms, Gunther, the manager of Central Perk, portrayed by James Michael Tyler, is a significant character in the show “Friends,” although not one of the main six (Ross, Rachel, Monica, Joey, Chandler, or Phoebe). He appears frequently and stands out visually due to his bright blonde hair and vibrant coffee shop vests. Over time, Gunther’s character becomes more developed, leading him to be included in the gang’s parties and even hiring Joey as a waiter at Central Perk.
One way to rephrase the given sentence could be: Gunther’s unrequited love for Rachel, especially her blissful ignorance of his feelings, frequently serves as a source of humor that seems like an inside joke between viewers and the creators; even their friends are left in the dark about it. In another light, one could say — Gunther often functions as a stand-in for the audience, whether he’s rolling his eyes at Joey attempting to persuade a woman that he doesn’t usually approach strangers or having the courage to advise Phoebe’s shorts-wearing date to “return the mouse to its home.
5. Frank Buffay Jr.
Among the “Friends” cast members, Giovanni Ribisi, portraying Frank Jr., stands out as one of the funniest characters, whether primary or secondary. Interestingly, before his main appearance, Ribisi had already made an unrelated cameo in Season 2 (he’s the man who accidentally tips Phoebe with a condom in “The One with the Baby on the Bus”). However, fans predominantly remember him as Phoebe’s half-brother. Their reunion is bittersweet: It’s sad because, like Phoebe, Frank was abandoned by their father; but it’s joyful because they now have a sibling connection.
When Frank goes to see Phoebe in the city, it’s apparent that he’s not the sharpest tool in the shed. He has a peculiar fixation on melting objects and jumps to conclusions about Phoebe’s massage parlor, assuming it’s involved in sex work due to its location in Manhattan. However, despite his quirks, Frank shows a heart of gold throughout the series, and Ribisi’s comedic talents truly shine when he reappears at Phoebe’s apartment. It turns out that Frank has been trying to court Alice Knight, his older home economics teacher (played by Debra Jo Rupp), which provides plenty of laughs as Phoebe navigates this unique predicament, given her own unconventional nature.
4. Mike Hannigan
Mike Hannigan charms audiences in much the same way as Paul Rudd does on screen. Rudd possesses an uncanny knack for making every role he takes on feel like home, and from the moment his character, Mike, answers Joey’s plea for help in Central Perk, he becomes a cherished addition to the series. With a captivating backstory – having recently divorced from his job as a lawyer to chase his dream of being a professional pianist – Mike adds a touch of realism and emotional depth to his relationship with Phoebe. Rudd leaves an indelible impression on the show, delivering standout performances not only alongside Lisa Kudrow but also David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Courteney Cox. When he’s present, Mike effortlessly blends into their dynamic group, making for a delightful viewing experience.
3. Janice Litman
In simpler terms, if the Friends were ranking their favorite characters, they might place Janice (Maggie Wheeler) quite low due to her tendency to be rather bothersome. Her most significant flaw is that her laugh can be quite grating, and she tends to react dramatically to surprises with an exaggerated “Oh… My… God!” She debuted in Season 1, Episode 5, titled “The One with the East German Laundry Detergent,” where Chandler spends the entire episode trying to end their relationship. Over several seasons, Chandler and Janice had a strange on-and-off dynamic, with Chandler often regretting their relationship while Janice continued to offer him chances. Her best episode is arguably “The One with All the Rugby,” where Chandler deceives Janice by pretending he needs to relocate to Yemen for work instead of once again rejecting her advances.
2. Jack Geller
Jack Geller (Elliott Gould) is the dad that makes everyone laugh, even when he’s not trying to be funny. As the father of Ross and Monica, Jack is often present for big moments in their lives in addition to those episodes that surround the Geller family dynamic itself. In “The One After Ross Says Rachel,” Jack’s line “Boy, bad time to say the wrong name, huh Ross?” became an instant classic, and his refusal to help Ross find Chandler in “The One with Monica and Chandler’s Wedding” when he thinks it’s for a game of hide and seek is even funnier.
Though Jack may be renowned for his humor as a secondary character on “Friends,” some of his finest moments come when he demonstrates his excellent fatherly skills. In Season 1, he comforts Ross about his impending fatherhood when Carol gives birth, and it’s his soothing, comforting presence that ultimately enables Monica to rest after her breakup with Richard. Jack certainly isn’t a flawless father, but he proves himself to be supportive when his children need him the most.
1. Ursula Buffay
It almost feels like cheating to name Ursula Buffay as the best secondary character in “Friends” given that she’s played by one of the main cast members (Lisa Kudrow), but she deserves the top spot. As only hardcore “Friends” fans know about Ursula, she’s actually a character that existed before Phoebe; she started as a side character (an erratic waiter) on another NBC show called “Mad About You.” Kudrow kept her role as Ursula on “Mad About You” after being cast on “Friends,” and the creators of “Friends” asked to do a crossover, deciding that Phoebe could actually be Ursula’s twin.
In Friends, Kudrow’s character Phoebe was pivotal and her performance was outstanding, but there seemed to be difficulties during scenes involving Ursula. It was reported that she had her real sister standing by as a stand-in, which apparently made filming those specific scenes challenging for her. As Kevin S. Bright, the executive producer, explained to Entertainment Weekly, the stress of having her sister act as a double may have been psychological at the time, making those particular takes somewhat tricky to capture. However, when edited together, it turned out to be an enjoyable and fun part of the show.
Although Ursula’s introduction initially seemed challenging for Kudrow, there’s no denying that she significantly shaped Phoebe’s storyline. Phoebe needed to be relatable as a main character in a popular sitcom, but the writers had the freedom to explore Ursula’s character in unpredictable ways, and they certainly did. Who could ever forget about Ursula’s adult film titled “Buffay, the Vampire Layer,” or her selling Phoebe’s birth certificate to a Swedish runaway? She was a catalyst for chaos and morally ambiguous, which is precisely what makes her so unforgettable.
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2024-11-06 15:30