Hit American sitcom Friends had its fair share of guests, some lovable and some not.
Previously, we have seen Friends actors complain about their time on the show, such as Quinta Brunson calling out the show for lacking black characters.
Adam Goldberg was another complainer, calling out the show for having a “lack of diversity.”
One of the many directors has described a star who was on the show for just 14 episodes as “not particularly funny.”
Helen Baxendale’s portrayal of Emily Waltham, one of Ross’s Fiancées, was short-lived because Ross called out his ex-girlfriend’s name during their wedding.
Director James Burrows revealed in his 2022 memoir that he looked back on one episode in particular, talking of Baxendale.
“She was nice but not particularly funny.”
“Schwimmer had no one to bounce off.”
“It was like clapping with one hand.”
“In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy, the funny is just as important as the chemistry.”
“We discovered that any new girlfriend for Ross needed to be as funny as Rachel.”
“Often, you can’t recast because of tight shooting deadlines or other logistical considerations.”
“You don’t cast anyone to be a straw man unless it’s for one episode.”
He continued, “Sometimes you start an arc, and it ain’t working out, so you have to get rid of that person.”
“If it’s a day player, it’s a quick goodbye.”
“The reverse is also true.”
“If there’s chemistry, the writers go to work to figure out some way of keeping the actor.”
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