15 Actors Who Were Almost Cast in ‘Friends’
Tiffani Thiessen
Believe it or not, age made all the difference. Tiffani Thiessen auditioned for Rachel Green and came surprisingly close to landing the role. Years later, she revealed that producers felt she was simply a little too young compared to the rest of the cast. Instead of hanging out at Central Perk, she joined 'Beverly Hills, 90210' as Valerie Malone.
Jon Cryer
Talk about the worst travel delay ever! Jon Cryer actually auditioned for Chandler Bing, and producer Marta Kauffman wanted to see his tape. The problem? It never arrived. The audition tape got stuck in customs before reaching Los Angeles, so his performance was never even watched.
Jane Krakowski
If you were auditioning in the '90s, chances are you tried out for Friends. Jane Krakowski was one of many actresses who read for Rachel Green before Jennifer Aniston landed the part. Although she missed out, comedy fans know she didn't stay on the sidelines for long.
Leah Remini
Ever had a feeling before hearing the result? Leah Remini certainly did. She made it to the final auditions for Monica Geller but instantly believed she'd lost the role after seeing Courteney Cox in the parking lot. Her instincts were right. Still, Remini returned later as Lydia, the pregnant woman Joey comforts in the hospital.
Louis Mandylor
This might be the funniest casting coincidence on the list. Louis Mandylor auditioned for Joey years before 'Friends' began. Although he didn't get the role, the show later invited him back to play Joey's "identical twin" during the hilarious medical study storyline. Fans loved the clever callback, even if they didn't know the real story behind it.
Vince Vaughn
Can you picture Vince Vaughn saying, "How you doin'?" The future comedy star auditioned for Joey Tribbiani, but casting director Ellie Kanner felt he simply wasn't the right fit. Vaughn had the looks and talent, but Matt LeBlanc brought the easygoing charm producers wanted. Vaughn eventually became one of Hollywood's biggest comedy names through films like 'Wedding Crashers'.
Jon Favreau
Funny how things work out. Jon Favreau said no to playing Chandler Bing, but he still ended up becoming part of Friends. Instead of joining the main cast, he later appeared as Pete Becker, Monica's millionaire boyfriend with dreams of becoming an Ultimate Fighting Champion.
Kathy Griffin
Instead of Lisa Kudrow's sweet and quirky Phoebe, Kathy Griffin nearly stepped into the role. With her bold stand-up comedy style, Phoebe could have been much sharper and far more sarcastic. Griffin didn't get the part, but she soon landed another hit sitcom, 'Suddenly Susan'. Still, it's hard not to wonder how "Smelly Cat" would have sounded coming from one of comedy's most outspoken stars.
Craig Bierko
Craig Bierko almost became Chandler Bing because Matthew Perry believed he wasn't available. Perry was busy with another pilot and even helped Bierko prepare for the audition. Producers liked Bierko enough to offer him the role, but he turned it down. Then Perry's other show fell apart, freeing him to join 'Friends'.
Jami Gertz
Not every talented actor is the perfect match. Jami Gertz was seriously considered for Rachel Green and even had support from NBC executives. However, co-creator David Crane felt something wasn't clicking. She was talented, but simply wasn't the Rachel they had imagined.
Nancy McKeon
It all came down to one final choice. Nancy McKeon was one of the last actresses standing in the race to play Monica Geller. She impressed the producers with a strong audition, but Courteney Cox ultimately won because they felt she brought a warmer, more nurturing energy to the role.
Mitchell Whitfield
Ironically, he still helped launch the show. Mitchell Whitfield reached the final auditions for Ross Geller but lost out to David Schwimmer. Instead, he played Barry, Rachel's dentist fiancé whom she famously leaves at the altar in the very first episode. Without Barry, Rachel never runs into Central Perk in her wedding dress, meaning the whole story never begins.
Eric McCormack
Imagine Will Truman swapping places with Ross Geller. Before becoming the star of Will & Grace, Eric McCormack auditioned for Ross. Years later, he discovered the role had always been written with David Schwimmer in mind, making his chances pretty slim from the start. Even so, McCormack's mix of charm and humor would have suited Ross nicely.
Hank Azaria
One audition wasn't enough for Hank Azaria. He actually tried twice to become Joey Tribbiani before Matt LeBlanc won the role. Even though he missed out, Friends still found a place for him as David, Phoebe's lovable scientist boyfriend. Fans ended up loving him anyway!
Elizabeth Berkley
Elizabeth Berkley also had her eyes on Rachel Green. Best known as Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell, she brought confidence and emotional depth that could have worked well for the role. Jennifer Aniston ultimately won the part, but Berkley went on to star in projects ranging from Showgirls to CSI: Miami.
