© 1998-2024 Darcy Partridge.
Many additional comments are included from Friends' Season 1 Supervising Producer Jeff Greenstein and Friends' Senior Script Editor Alexa Junge.
Please see question 0.03 for further information about our informants.
During the first season of the show, then-Supervising Producer Jeff Greenstein contacted the original author of this FAQ and began a two-way dialogue about the show. Over time, an arrangement evolved in which the author would collect questions from fans on the internet and send them on to Jeff who would in turn answer them and mail back his responses, which are quoted in this FAQ. At the end of the first season, Jeff left Friends to work on his new sitcom "Partners" for FOX (which aired for the 1995-96 season) and Senior Script Editor Alexa Junge took over as our contact at the show under the same arrangement. (Note: I briefly corresponded with Jeff more recently... he was one of the writers of Desperate Housewives at the time.)
Later, Alexa turned over the role of contact to Mark Kunerth, one of the writers, but also instructed us that we would no longer enjoy the privilege of submitting questions. We occasionally received information in advance about upcoming show titles, air-date, and credits, but this was a one-way flow of data.
Mark has been involved in Friends and other shows (I believe he wrote for Veronica's Closet), and due to his busy schedule, he passed the torch on to another. However, communication with our new contact was sporadic. Eventually, it was rare to hear from him, so we gave up trying to maintain an official contact.
Though the best new release of the episodes is the 4K Blu-rays, amazon carries them at: NEW RELEASE! Friends in 4K UHD!
There is sometimes confusion about friends releases, so I'd like to set some things straight, where I can. This applies mostly to the North American markets, it might be different in other locations.
- Original Prime Time TV episodes on NBC were a certain length.
- When episodes went into "syndication" (i.e. late night re-runs on various local TV stations) they were probably cut down a little shorter than the originals. This is typically done with syndicated episodes, so local TV stations could fit in more commericials.
- The DVD releases (standard definition and 4:3 aspect ratio) of Friends were LONGER than the original TV episodes. Some scenes that were cut before their original TV airing on NBC are present again in the DVDs. Some people really treasure those extra scenes; some agree that it was good to cut them, as a lot of the humor is sub-standard.
- The Blu-ray (HD) release in 2012 was a remastered set based on the orignal NBC episodes. The extended scenes that the DVDs have are not present here.
- The 4K Blu-ray (UHD) released in 2024 are another remastered set based on the original NBC episodes. The extended DVD versions are not present here, either.
- Some people think that the various Blu-ray releases do not have the "original episodes" and are the syndicated versions (shortened, in comparison to the original NBC airings). However, those people often site the evidence that "the DVDs have longer episodes". But that is confusion and misinformation. Remember, the DVDs are LONGER than the originals, the Blu-rays are based on the originals.
- Inevitably, when the new high resolution discs are reviewed, some people mention that the quality (especially of episode 1) is not very good. It's very likely that the earliest episodes were not filmed in the best resolution, so remastering these to HD or UHD has been a challenge. But to my understanding, most episodes were filmed in better resolution and have made excellent source material for the new editions.
- There have been people who have proven that some of the streaming versions of episodes are slightly different from past editions. I think there have been a few examples from the Blu-rays, also. My best guess here is that when remastering the episodes from old TV aspect ratio 4:3 to 16:9 for Blu-ray and streaming, there were some scenes were objects or people are present in the edges of the screen which were not intended to be on screen. In some cases, the editors may have gone back to the original footage and found alternate takes to use, to improve the resulting 16:9 editions. (Most scenes were shot multiple times, in the studio.) There might be a variety of other reasons as well, I'm sure not every "slightly different scene" is different for the same reasons. Someone has said that mentions of certain products are not present in some non-US versions of the streams.
Anyway, I agree, it feels weird that so many releases of the show are a tiny bit different from the others. But I'm definitely glad to have new high (or ultra-high) definition versions of the shows to watch. When I watch my old DVDs on a new high quality TV, they don't look great. Current streaming or Blu-rays look much better. Recently I even got my old VHS tapes out (which I had recorded myself, from the original TV broadcasts) so I could check a few scenes, and wow, those VHS tapes look so bad on a large, modern TV! I have the new 4K versions on the way to me, right now!
In 2020 it has found another streaming home, on HBO MAX!
The company that handled tickets for Friends was "Audiences Unlimited." They had a helpful Web Site at http://tvtickets.com, but I think that is permanently gone now.
A newer company that handles audience tickets for a lot of shows is: https://1iota.com/
All "Friends" episodes all begin with "The One with...", "The One Where...", "The One At..." ("TOW" or "TOA"). As to why, Jeff Greenstein had this to say:
Jeff Greenstein: "When Marta & David & Jeff & I did 'Dream On', we used to spend a lot of time thinking about titles, because they were on-screen at the top of each episode. On "Friends", we decided that was a waste of time. We figured, why not name each episode after the thing that people will ostensibly be talking about around the water-cooler the next day?"
"To answer your initial question, then... it varies. "
Jeff Greenstein: "We only accept script submissions through agents. Sorry. That's the standard deal."
On acquiring scripts:
Alexa Junge: "If you are interested in plot synopses and the like, the best thing would be getting the 'Friends Companion' or to read the Episode Guide. If you are looking for script format because you're interested in writing for TV, there are loads of books that can fill you in. You might also try contacting the Writers' Guild (though I don't know if they'll be much help if you're not a member) or the Museum of Broadcasting in New York."
There's an old website which has most of the scripts transcribed, and even notes which lines are from the extended DVD editions as compared to the original TV versions:
https://uncutfriendsepisodes.tripod.com/.
Jeff Greenstein: "There are two standing sets -- Monica and Rachel's apartment, which occupies the center of our stage, and the coffee house, which is stage right. Those stay up all the time, 'cause they're in every show.
"Stage left is a space where we put our larger 'swing sets' (sets that are only needed for one episode). In any given week, that could be Chandler and Joey's apartment, Carol and Susan's apartment, or the fancy restaurant in 'Candy Hearts' [1.14].
"Those three sets face the audience. There's additional space for sets off to the side and behind -- if we have to build sets there, we feed the scene live to the audience on overhead monitors."
Second, here's a rough drawing (not totally accurate or to scale) and description based on a visit to the set during season 9. Specifically, it was on October 11, 2002, for the taping of episode 907, The One With Ross's Inappropriate Song.
Monica's apartment and Central Perk are still as described above by Jeff Greenstein, with the apartment being central in front of the audience, and Central Perk being stage right. Joey and Chandler's apartment is still stage left, with the hallway separating the apartments. I believe Joey's apartment is mostly left up all the time now, rather than being a "swing set" because that set was still up during the recent filming of an episode, even though the set wasn't used at all for that episode. But I suppose it still depends on how much space might be needed for temporary sets.
The space wrapping around to the sides of the audience is used as well. At the October 11 visit, the side on the audience's right was occupied by Ross's apartment, and by the living room of Richard's apartment. I think they had to move some of Ross's apartment, between scenes, to have Richard's living room fully set up. The space on the audience's left was used for Mike's (Phoebe's boyfriend) parent's apartment. I believe that space is often used for Phoebe's apartment, because I saw a set-dresser touching up the paint on the floor with a can labelled, "Phoebe's Apt." Mike's parents set was quite large, with several rooms, hallways, etc. In fact, it was so large that I'm sure it slightly encroached on the space normally used for Joey and Chandler's apartment, although we could still see most of their apartment back there. Incidentally, between almost every scene, several crew members would hang out at Joey's and play foosball. I have a feeling the crew leaves Joey's apartment in place as much as possible, at least for this reason.
Incidentally, Monica's "secret closet" is usually a door to the backstage area. The shelves of junk that were in it for episode [8.14] (The One With The Secret Closet) was just a one-time arrangement.
Other interesting set facts:
The purpose of the big poster behind Monica's TV is to hide a large rectangular hole, through which the crew sometimes films. Similarly, there is a rectangular section of wall next to Monica's front door which detaches to leave a "window" for cameras to shoot through. When not filming from that angle, that section is put back and a poster is mounted over it to hide the seams.
The street outside of Central perk is indeed part of the set (not filmed outdoors). The street, apartments across the street, cars, and live pedestrians were visible during shooting.
Monica's guest bedroom (formerly Rachel's room) is usually not set up. A fake entry to it is there, and at times a camera films action in the living room from "inside" that entry way. Monica's room is not normally set up, either. Most likely, when those rooms are needed, they are actually set up elsewhere. Otherwise, part of Central Perk would have to be taken down to make room.
There was a great deal of debate on the internet over whether the first line was "So no one told you life was gonna be this way" or "So no one told you that was gonna be this way." Alexa Junge put the argument to rest with the following:
Alexa Junge: "the lyric question is 'No one told you LIFE was going to be this way...' But it's not a dumb [question] - there was momentary debate even between Marta [Kauffman] and David [Crane] who didn't want to believe they wrote two consecutive lines with the word 'Life' in them. But they did."
Also: There are only four claps; and D.O.A. stands for "dead on arrival."
The Theme song is sung by the Rembrandts. An extended version can be found on their 1995 album, "L.P." The music is by Michael Skloff and the lyrics by Allee Willis
So no one told you life was gonna be this way [four claps]
Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year
But...
I'll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)
Then, the extended version continues with:
You're still in bed at ten and work began at eight
You've burned your breakfast; so far, things are going great
Your mother warned you there'd be days like these
But she didn't tell you, when the world has brought you down to your knees,
that...
I'll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)
BRIDGE:
No one could ever know me, no one could ever see me
Seems you're the only one who knows what it's like to be me
Someone to face the day with, make it through all the rest with
Someone I'll always laugh with
Even at my worst, I'm best with you, yeah!
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year!
I'll be there for you
(When the rain starts to pour)
I'll be there for you
(Like I've been there before)
I'll be there for you
('Cause you're there for me too)
Carl Sobeski figured out the following guitar chords:
Fret Fret Fret
A G C#m
+---------+ +---------+ +---------+
1 | | | 1 1 5th 1 | | | 1 1 3rd | 1 | | | 1 4th
+---------+ +---------+ +---------+
| | | 2 | | | | | 2 | | | | | | 2 |
+---------+ +---------+ +---------+
| 3 4 | | | | 3 4 | | | | | 3 4 | |
Bm D E
+---------+ +---------+ +---------+
| 1 | | | 1 2nd | 1 | | | | 5th | | | 1 | | 1st
+---------+ +---------+ +---------+
| | | | 2 | | | | | | | | 2 3 | | |
+---------+ +---------+ +---------+
| | 3 4 | | | | 3 3 3 | | | | | | |
A G
So no one told you life was gonna be this way
A C#m
Your job's a joke, you're broke, your love life's D.O.A.
G Bm A
It's like you're always stuck in second gear
G D E
And it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year
A D E
But, I'll be there for you (When the rain starts to pour)
A D E
I'll be there for you (Like I've been there before)
A D E G A
I'll be there for you ('Cause you're there for me too)
Then a whole new phase begins: Production.
Jeff Greenstein: "It's a tape loop. Monkey's a very talented monkey, but she ain't no dancer."
Alexa Junge: "The pillow falling thing evolved on the stage. It may have come from the director, James Burrows or the actors or as a result of all their comic heads working together. I don't know for sure. All I know is we came by to see a run-through and were surprised by the wonderful bit and it stuck.
"Actual flubs are rare, but every so often something unexpected will happen at a taping that's too precious to pass up. In a recent episode (TOW 5 Steaks & an Eggplant) [2.05] Matt was supposed to go to the phone and say 'Bob, here' but he fell so fantastically, that's the take that ended up on the air."
Note: An * means more than one group worked on it, usually meaning one did the "story" and the other the "teleplay".
https://www.friends-tv.org/WBTourReview.html
At the time when the famous credits scenes were filmed for the show, the fountain was located at another WB lot, Warner Bros. Studio Facilities, 4000 Warner Blvd, Burbank, California, 91522. That exterior set was known as Park Blvd, but a WB tour guide recently informed me that most of that other lot is being torn down and having new sound stages built.
Well, it's not completely gone. The vertical section next to the refrigerator is still there, as is about 2 feet of the horizontal section. But the rest of the horizontal section was removed, as was the vertical post nearer the audience.
The framework was interfering with production. It cast odd shadows, it interfered with the boom mike, and it was often blocking certain camera shots and angles.
Todd: Over time various cast members and crew have contributed to the drawings on JOEY's apartment door. Two of our crew artists are Greg Bruza who is a set dresser and another is Paul Swain in our electrical dept. Sometimes the drawings do represent some inside information that even I am not aware of. The actual piece of set dressing is a "TYCO MAGNA-DOODLE".
Greg Grande: Yes, the Magna Doodle, most weeks, is done by our resident electrician Paul Swain. He seems to be the cartoonist on the crew. However, over the past several years we have had participation from other crew members, and yes, even the cast a few times early on. Early on Greg Bruza and myself as well as others had contributed to the doodle board. Lately it's been Paul Swain."
These and other awards and nominations for the show are documented at this wikipedia article.
The cast (and creators) got back together to discuss and celebrate the show, in connection with the show's new streaming home on HBO Max. This "Special" is streamable on HBO Max, in addition to the original 10 seasons.
As far as an new chapter in the lives of our favorite characters: Among the cast and creators, there was never universal consensus that a making new episodes would be a good idea. Most wanted to leave things the way they ended. More recently, comments made by creator Marta Kauffman and some cast members seem to indicate that their interest or willingness to reprising these roles has passed.
Then, with the tragic passing of Matthew Perry, the option for more content to be created seems to be over.
As as side note, there were rumors again and again over the years of a movie being in the works. As far as I can tell, that was never even being considered. Jennifer Aniston was quoted by The Hollywood Reporter as saying, "Friends is in your living room; Friends is not in a movie theater. It doesn't make sense to me."
Ross Geller (David Schwimmer): Ross is Monica's brother. He has a Ph.D. in paleontology. Originally in the series, he worked for a museum [1.02]. He lost that job in season 5, due to his "rage problem." Later he became a guest lecturer at NYU (episode [6.04]). This led to a full-time teaching position there.
Ross's wife divorced him after she came out as a lesbian [1.01]. Much of season one involved her pregnancy (discovered in episode 1.02). She finally gave birth to Ross' son Ben [1.23] and both she and her partner want Ross to be involved with the child to some degree [1.02] despite the fact that he doesn't really get along with his ex-wife's wife. But that may be changing. He not only gave away the bride at her wedding but he even danced with her new wife. [2.11]
Ross speaks very precisely [1.03] and is somewhat shy. He had a pet monkey named Marcel [1.10] who he had to send to zoo when it hit puberty [1.21].
Ross has been madly in love with Rachel since the ninth grade. At the end of the first season, he gave up on Rachel and began seeing Julie, whom he knew in Grad School and re-met on a trip to China [2.01]. When he found out that Rachel was interested in him, he broke up with Julie but blew it with Rachel when "the list" he made to help him decide between Julie and Rachel fell into Rachel's hands. [2.08] But they got over their differences and became a couple [2.14]. However, they broke up because their relationship was stressed by Rachel's busy schedule and Ross's jealousy [3.12][3.15]. The next morning Rachel changed her mind and a reconciliation looked likely, until she found out that Ross has slept with Chloe, the navel-ringed copy store girl [3.16]. Rachel couldn't forgive Ross but he claimed innocence since they were on a break. Because of their strong feelings, they briefly got back together at the beach [3.25] but it wasn't long before they right back to the same arguement (We were on a break!) [4.01]. In season 4, Ross met Emily Waltham [4.14], a woman visiting from London, and after a very hasty courtship, they decided to get married [4.19]. However, at the wedding in London, Ross accidently spoke Rachel's name instead of Emily's [4.23][4.24]. Although they still went through with the wedding, their relationship quickly disintigrated. Emily decided she can never trust Ross, so they got divorced.
Ross and Rachel's friendship began improving again, and in the final episode of the fifth season, they got drunk in Las Vegas and ended up getting married [5.24]. Early in the sixth season that was corrected with a divorce. Another notable occurance was when Rachel and Ross arranged to be each other's "backups" if they weren't married by the time they're 40 [6.25].
In early season 8, we learned that Ross fathered Rachel's child during a "one-night stand." Both had internal conflicts about where they wanted or thought the relationship should go, but neither one seemed to admit that they still want to be together. At the end of season 8, after the baby is born, Ross was apparently ready to propose to Rachel. However, a strange turn of events led Rachel to agree to marry Joey, even though he didn't really ask (nor did he intend to).
In season 9 Joey backed out of the picture so Ross could have another chance with Rachel, but that didn't go to well and by the end of season 9, a relationship between Joey and Rachel began.
By the beginning of the 10th season, Ross was 35, based on his statement about 9 years earlier in the pilot episode, "I'm only 26 and I'm divorced!", and his consistent statement in episode [5.09], "I am 30 years old, and I'm about to be divorced twice." In episode [9.02] his birthday is stated as October 18th. That is consistent with episode [2.05], which aired in October 1995, had him celebrating his birthday at the Hootie concert. But I don't blame Joey for thinking Ross' birthday was in Maytember, because I'm not sure anyone really could keep track of it. In episode [1.04], which takes place on October 20, 1994 (Ross's anniversary of his "first time" with Carol), Ross stated his birthday was "7 months ago," which would place it in March. And Ross told Gunther his birthday was in December, in episode [4.05]. Maybe Ross just likes getting presents all year round?
Monica E. Geller (Courteney Cox): Monica is Ross' sister. She was a cook at a trendy restaurant, Iridium, on 65th and Broadway [1.01] until she was fired for accepting a kickback, which was against restaurant policy [2.05]. She's had a few different chef positions througout the rest of the series, including head chef at Alessandros, and in season 9, head chef at Javu.
She rents the apartment where much of the show's action takes place. It is quite an amazing apartment for someone with her career history. Jeff Greenstein suggested that it might be an illegal sublet (see question 2.06), and this was confirmed in "TOW the Ballroom Dancing" [4.04].
She cannot seem to get her mother to approve of her at all [1.02][1.08]. The others consider her to be very bossy, anal-retentive, competitive, and controlling.
Monica has dated a number of men in the show, usually with bad luck. If she likes them, they turn out to be schleps [1.01]. If she doesn't like him, her friends love him [1.03]. And, just once, he turned out to be way too young [1.22]. And sometimes too old. She dated her father's friend Richard Burke (played by Tom Seleck) who is much older than she is [2.15] but they broke up [2.24]. Then she dated Pete Becker, a millionaire in the computer software industry [3.18]. Eventually, things were going very well for them (he even bought her a restaurant [3.21]). However, she broke it off when she discovered he's an obsessively stubborn person who doesn't know when to quit [3.24]. After she left Pete she had a brief catering business with Phoebe [4.06], but then got the position of head chef at Alesandro's restaurant (which she had given a bad review, so all the staff hate her) [4.09]. She briefly dated Richard Burke's son [4.08], but it was too weird. She and Chandler ended up in bed together in London, after spending most of Ross' rehearsal dinner (for his wedding to Emily) consoling each other [4.24]. That these two would get together has been desired by fans and hinted by various sub-plots. I.E. [3.25], [4.01].
Monica and Chandler continued their romance and tried to keep it a secret. But eventually everyone found out [5.14]. While in Las Vegas, they decide to get married. While waiting their turn at the chapel, they discovered Ross and Rachel (who were very drunk) had just been married [5.24]. That derailed everything (they weren't ready anyway) but they decided to move in with each other early in the sixth season. At the end of season 6, Chandler finally proposed again (although it almost didn't happen)[6.24]. They were married at the end of season 7. Their wedding date was May 15th, 2001 even though the marriage episode aired on May 17th. This is known from a statement Monica made in episode [7.17].
Monica will be approximately 34 at the start of season 10. This is based upon her statement that she was 28 during season 3, and that she was "25 and 13 months" (26 for those who are slow) in "TOW The Ick Factor" [1.22] (near the end of season 1).
Chandler Muriel Bing (Matthew Perry): Chandler was a data processor who didn't care for his job. However, in the middle of the first season he recevied a promotion [1.15] to be manager over other data processors. His job was officially, "Statistical analysis and data reconfiguration." In Season 9 he quit that job and is now a Junior Copywriter at an advertising agency. Some of this co-workers in season 1 thought he was gay, as did some women in college [1.08]. So did Mr. Heckles, the former neighbor who lived (and died) downstairs [2.03]. Chandler has a very hard time asking women out [1.06] as well as breaking up with them, I.E. the horrid Janice [1.05]. He seems to get stuck with Janice repeatedly [1.10] [1.14][2.24-3.08][4.15]. Chandler enjoyed a long (by his standards) and promising relationship with Kathy, who was originally Joey's girlfriend but was a much better match for Chandler. Unfortunately, it didn't last [4.05-4.13]. He and Monica ended up in bed together in London, after spending most of Ross' rehearsal dinner (for his wedding to Emily) consoling each other [4.24]. That these two would get together has been desired by fans and hinted by various sub-plots. I.E. [3.25],[4.01].
Monica and Chandler continued their romance and tried to keep it a secret. But eventually everyone found out [5.14]. While in Las Vegas, they decide to get married. While waiting their turn at the chapel, they discovered Ross and Rachel (who were very drunk) had just been married [5.24]. That derailed everything (they weren't ready anyway) but they decided to move in with each other early in the sixth season. At the end of season 6, Chandler finally proposed again (although it almost didn't happen)[6.24][6.24]. They were married at the end of season 7. Their wedding date is May 15th, 2001 even though the marriage episode aired on May 17th. This is known from a statement Monica made in episode [7.17].
Chandler's mother writes romance novels and embarasses Chandler greatly [1.11]. He used to smoke and sometimes still has trouble [1.03][3.17][3.18][9.05]. He lived with Joey across the hall from Monica and Rachel, until he moved in with Monica is season 6.
Chandler's age, as of early season 10, will be 35. This is based on the fact that in episode [4.07] (6 years earlier) he mentioned he was 29: "I'm 29. Who needs a savings account?"
Joey (Joseph) Francis Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc): At first, Joey lived with Chandler across from Rachel and Monica. He still lives there, but his roommate has changed frequently. He is an aspiring actor who continually gets rather pathetic roles. These include Pinocchio in a children's production [1.01] as well as Sigmund Freud in a musical of Freud's life [1.06]. He was also the poster boy for VD [1.09]. His almost-breakthrough role (which he messed up) was as Al Pacino's butt-double in a movie [1.06]. He finally got a break and appeared on Days of our Lives as a doctor [2.10], until the writers killed him off [2.18]. But later in his career he got hired back to play the same character (turns out he wasn't dead, just in a coma). Later, astonishingly, his character received a brain transplant from another character that was being killed off. How can he still be Dr. Drake Ramorey without his original brain?
He had a part in a movie with Charles Heston [4.14]. Near the end of season 5, he got the lead in a movie called Shutter Speed [5.22]. However, when he got on location in Las Vegas for filming, he found the film had been closed down due to lack of funds. So he got a job a Caesar's Palace. Joey's presence in Vegas is what leads to everyone else coming to Vegas for a weekend, which was were the final episodes of season 5 took place[5.23][5.24]. Joey also had a big part in a War movie (Over There) later in season 7, which was released late in season 8.
Joey is kinda slow intellectually. He is quite active with the females, but never has a lasting relationship. He was also ordained a minister, over the internet.
During season 8 Joey developed feelings for Rachel, but held them back because he didn't want to interfere with chances of Rachel and Ross getting together. Once Ross told him to go ahead and tell Rachel, he did... but found out Rachel didn't feel the same way. At the end of season 8, a strange turn of events led Rachel to believe Joey was proposing marriage to her... and she accepted. But that was sorted out and their relationship was back to normal - - that of friends. But late in season 9, Rachel developed feeling for Joey, and by the end of season 9, they got together during the gang's trip to Barbados.
Sometime during the 10th season, Joey should turn 36, since he was 28 as of "The One Where Joey Moves Out", a 2nd season episode). This is confirmed in episode [6.19] when (during a discussion of Spring Break) it was mentioned that he was 13 in spring of 1981. That makes him 34 in spring of 2002, and on schedule to turn 36 during season 10. However, there are inconsistencies. In episode 7.01 it's mentioned that he's 31 (which would make him 34 at the beginning of season 10). That seemed to be confirmed the next year in episode [8.02], where Chandler reminds Joey that he is 32. But then again, in 7.14 it's established that Joey is older than Chandler (whom we already know is 35). So which episodes do you believe? (Hint: None of this is real, so you don't have to believe any of them if you don't want to.)
Rachel Karen Green (Jennifer Aniston): Rachel, until the start of the series, had never held a job and had always lived off daddy's money [1.01]. At the start of the show she had just left Barry, her husband-to-be, at the altar and ran to (and moved in with) the only friend she could think of (at least the only friend who wasn't invited to the wedding): Monica [1.01]. It took her a while to get into the groove of living and working in the big city. She worked as a waitress until mid-third season, when she quit [3.10], then got a job at Bloomingdale's [3.11]. Later she got a job at Ralph Lauren [5.17][5.18] as the Coordinator of the Women's Collection. But late in Season 10, her boss caught her pursuing work at Gucci, and she got fired. She didn't get offered the job at Gucci, either. But then Mark (same guy that got her the job at Bloomingdale's) offerred her a job at Louis Vuitton, in Paris.
Rachel has dated many guys (much to Ross' chagrin), including Paolo, an Italian man who could barely speak English [1.07-1.12], and much later, Joshua, a well-to-do young customer at Bloomingdales [4.13-4.20]. For all of the first season, she was oblivious to Ross' crush on her. At the end of the season Chandler let it slip and she decided to go for it. However, by that time Ross had found a new girlfriend (Julie). When she got drunk and told Ross that she was over him, he decided to leave Julie. However, a list [2.08] of pros and cons about Rachel (which Ross was using as part of his decision between her and Julie) upset her and she turned away (but, of course, later forgave him and they got together). However, they broke up because their relationship was stressed by Rachel's busy schedule and Ross's jealousy [3.12][3.15]. The next morning Rachel changed her mind and a reconciliation looked likely, until she found out that Ross had slept with Chloe, the navel-ringed copy store girl [3.16]. Rachel couldn't forgive Ross, but he claimed innocence since they were on a break. Because of their strong feelings, they briefly got back together at the beach [3.25] but it wasn't long before they broke up (still arguing about the alleged "break" they were on [4.01]. In season 4, Ross met Emily Waltham [4.14], a woman visiting from London, and after a very hasty courtship, they decided to get married [4.19]. However, at the wedding in London, Ross accidently speaks Rachel's name instead of Emily's [4.23][4.24]. While they still went through with the wedding, this event planted the seed which eventually led to their divorce.
Ross and Rachel's friendship began improving again, and in the final episode of the fifth season, they got drunk in Las Vegas and ended up getting married [5.24]. Early in the sixth season that was corrected with a divorce. Another notable occurance was when Rachel and Ross arranged to be each other's "backups" if they weren't married by the time they're 40 [6.25].
At the end of season 7, we learned Rachel is pregnant. In early season 8, we learned that Ross is the father. Both had internal conflicts about where they wanted or thought the relationship should go, but neither one seemed to admit that they still want to be together. At the end of season 8, after the baby is born, Ross is apparently ready to propose to Rachel. However, a strange turn of events led Rachel to agree to marry Joey, even though he didn't really ask (nor did he intend to). That was sorted out and everything went back to the status quo. But during seasons 8 and 9 there has been signs of a possible relationship between Rachel and Joey, which finally happens during the gang's trip to Barbados at the end of season 9.
Rachel's parents have problems of their own as well. Her mother (having married her own "Barry") envied Rachel's free life, and for that and several other better reasons has divorced her husband [2.11][2.22].
Rachel's age is a bit... um... flexible? She should be about 34 by the end of the 9th season, even though the writers claim she only turned 30 in episode [7.14]. My figure of 34 is based on several things:
We know her birthday is on May 5th, because Gunther asked her in episode [4.05]. This is further confirmed by the fact that she has had several birthday parties near the end of several seasons [1.24] [2.22] (and seasons usually end around May). Rachel stated that she is 28 in episode [4.16] and therefore would have turned 29 at the end of that same season.
I suppose you could argue that she was rounding up to the nearest full year. But, hey, women don't do that.... especially women like Rachel. Maybe you could say season 4 was a bit out of sequence, and ep 416 was after her birthday (breaking with the precident of seasons 1 and 2). After all, in seasons 7 and 9 she had her birthday parties in mid season, instead of the end of the season. But even if we adjust the calculations down by a year to account for this, there's still an additional year discrepancy. One other inconsistency in her birthday information is that in episode [7.22], the cop looking at her driver's license commentented that she is an Aquarius, but that would put her birthday in January or February. Rachel, if born May 5th, would be a Taurus. Maybe the writers or Jennifer Aniston thought that having Rachel be a bull was not consistent with her character.
In season 9, Rachel's birthday was celebrated during the January 16, 2003 episode 9.12. This isn't very consistent with May 5th, but it is definately consistent with being an Aquarius.
Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow): Phoebe is way out in left field most of the time. Often the cause of strange looks and shrugs from the others, Phoebe left home early in life after her mother committed suicide; she moved to the city where her albino male roommate committed suicide; she got her act together when she discovered aroma-therapy [1.01]. She is a masseuse [1.12] and also sings at Central Perk, often about death. She is very spiritual (not necessarily in a religious sense). She cleanses auras [1.01] and believes she can sometimes read thoughts of people or sense the presence of departed friends or family. She once was inhabited by the spirit of an old lady who died on her massage table [2.11]. She had a friend whom she believes was reincarnated as a pencil [1.08]. She lived with her grandmother [1.04] for much of the show, but her Grandmother died [5.13]. Phoebe still lives in the apartment she shared with her.
Her sister, Ursula Pamela Buffay, is a waitress at Riff's, a restaurant featured in 'Mad About You' [1.02], but they do not get along [1.16-1.17].
Many plots that focus on Phoebe involve her complicated family relationships. In addition to Ursula, we have had episodes that centered around her husband [2.04], her search for her father [2.09], her brother (Frank, Jr.) [3.05], Frank Jr.'s wife and home-ec teacher (Alice) [3.18], her discovery of her birth mother [3.25][4.01], and the surrogate pregnancy she went through for Frank, Jr. and Alice [4.11]-[5.03], and finally meeting her father at her grandmother's memorial service [5.13].
Phoebe hadn't had many long term relationships until season 9, when she met Mike Hanigan. That relationship lasted several months until she decided there wasn't a future in it, because he's been through a painful divorce and never wanted to be married again. But at the end of season 9 he decided he'd be open to the idea, as a reaction to news that David (the Scientist Guy) was going to propose to her. Mike proposed first. Phoebe turned him down, because she doesn't need to marry him right away... she only wanted to know there was a possible future.
Phoebe's age is hard to pin down, but she's probably 35 by the end of season 9. Here's how I come up with that: In TOW They All Turn Thirty, [7.14], there's a flashback (how long back, we don't know) to Phoebe's "30th birthday," where Ursula shows her a birth certificate proving she's really 31 at that time. The previous season (in episode 6.16) Chandler mentioned that Phoebe was 31. This was before she learned she was really a year older than she believed. This means she was really 32 in season 6, and would therefore be 35 in season 9. Phoebe's birthday falls on February 16th, which she tells Frank Jr. in episode [3.05]. However, in episode [9.05] her birthday is celebrated (with a nice dinner out) on Halloween. She admits she couldn't get reservations on the actual night of her birthday, so she got them on Halloween instead. Either the restaurant was booked up for 8 months, or the writers forgot what had been established before.
By the way, Frank Jr's birthday is October 25th.
According to Phoebe, she will die on October 15th, 2032 (revealed in episode [7.03]).
Louisa Abernathy..............Lydia [6.18]
Phil Abrams...................The Anxious Wedding Guest [8.02]
Jorge Luis Abreu..............The Waiter [10.09]
Jay Acovone...................Fireman Charlie [1.14]
Scott Adsit...................The Director [7.19]
Nikita Ager...................Hayley's Roommate [9.04]
Lori Alan.....................Sonya [9.13]
Jason Alexander...............Earl [7.13]
Sasha Alexander...............The Interviewer [8.19]
Kristian Alfonso..............Hope Brady [6.15]
Charles Thomas Allen &
John Christopher Allen.....Ben [2.20][2.24][3.04][3.08][4.05][4.18]
[5.11][5.18]
Hope Allen....................Karen Lambert [4.04]
Krista Allen..................Mabel [8.12]
Hira Ambrosino................The Nurse [10.13]
Eva Amurri....................Dina [7.15]
Sam Anderson..................Dr. Harad [5.03]
Shayne Anderson...............Customer #1 [9.19]
Dane Anthony..................The Bandleader [8.01]
John Apicella.................Mr. Bowmont [6.24]
Christina Applegate...........Amy Green [9.08][10.05]
Lee Arenberg..................The Man [5.10]
Kristen Ariza.................The Receptionist [9.13]
Allisyn Ashley Arm............Leslie Buffay [10.02]
Jack Armstrong................Bob [1.05]
Alexis Arquette...............the Waiter In Drag [7.22]
David Arquette................Malcolm [3.03]
Lex Arquette..................The Customer [6.13]
Jeffery Asch..................The Writer [7.15]
Matthew Ashford...............himself [9.20]
Jennifer Aspen................Michelle [9.13]
Ethel Ayler...................Hospital Administrator [3.19]
Debra Azar....................The Spa Receptionist [9.21]
Hank Azaria...................David the Scientist Guy [1.10][7.11][9.06]
[9.22][9.23]
Edo Azran.....................Young Ross [3.04]
Obba Babatunde................The Director [3.12]
Iris Bahr.....................Glenda [10.03]
Tom Bailey....................Bob [5.10]
Bob Balaban...................Frank, Sr. [5.13]
Alec Baldwin..................Parker [8.17][8.18]
Alex Ball.....................The Ralph Lauren Employee [10.14]
John Balma....................Professor Jarvis Oberblau [9.24]
Anita Barone..................Carol Willick[1.02]
Matt Battaglia................Vince [3.23]
Helen Baxendale...............Emily Waltham [4.14]-[4.19][4.21]-[4.24]
[5.01][5.04][5.06][5.20]
Yasemin Baytok................The Poughkeepsie Woman [4.10]
Heidi Beck....................The Delivery Room Nurse [5.03]
Joel Beeson...................The Hombre Man (Todd) [2.02]
Gina Belafonte................The Second Guest [7.11]
Catherine Bell................Robin [2.06]
Matt Bellner..................The Crew Member [6.04]
Andrea Bendenwald.............Megan Bailey [7.17]
Doug Benson...................Tom [5.07]
Jim Bentley...................Another Tour Guide aka Ted [4.11]
and also..................Professor Friesen [6.19]
John Eric Bentley.............Waiter #2 [9.14]
Shelley Berman................Mr. Kaplan, Jr. [3.10][3.11]
Warren Berlinger..............Bob [2.16]
Anne Betancourt...............The Saleslady [4.20]
Jack Betts....................Tom [7.15]
Shashi Bhatia.................Acting Student #1 [3.07]
Andrew Biglore................Wayne [6.21]
Tim Bohn......................Jonathan [2.14]
Corrine Bohrer................Melanie [1.24]
Brooke Boisse.................The Potential Roommate [6.03]
Alex Borstein.................Bitter Woman On Stage [9.20]
Vincent Boyle.................Another Passenger [10.17]
Selma Blair...................Wendy [9.10]
Janet S. Blake................Jeweler #2 [6.23]
Tommy Blaze...................Carl [1.24]
Robert Alan Bluth.............Professor Klarik [9.24]
Michael Ray Bower.............Roy Gublick [2.14]
Richard Branson...............The Vendor [4.23]
Steffani Brass................Melinda [8.01]
Andy Brewster.................The Guy In The Library [7.07]
Paget Brewster................Kathy [4.05]-[4.08][4.11][4.13]
Kevin Brief...................Bartender [9.09]
Jackie Bright.................The Janitor [1.23]
and also...................Mr. Weinberg [2.24]
Patrick Bristow...............The Stage Manager [6.10]
Jason Brooks..................Rick [4.04]
Jeffrey D. Brooks.............Trent [3.18]
and also..................Stage Manager [3.22]
and also..................The Male Patron [6.13]
Rosey Brown...................Delivery Man [3.07]
Shannon Maureen Brown.........The Woman On The Train [4.10]
Mongo Brownlee................The Instructor [6.17]
Leesa Bryte...................Leslie [1.04]
Dan Bucatinsky................The Waiter [9.05]
Brian Buckner.................Office Worker #2 (Gerston) [1.22]
Doug Budin....................The Librarian [7.07]
Bruce Buffer..................Announcer [3.24]
Fritzi Burr...................Ms. Tedlock [1.15]
and also.................Mrs. Weinberg [2.24]
Marc Daniel Cade..............The Doctor [8.23]
Eddie Cahill..................Tag Jones [7.04][7.05][7.08][7.12][7.14]
Lisa Calderon.................The Woman [6.16]
and also.................Erin [8.20]
and also.................Michelle's Friend [9.13]
E. J. Callahan................Mr. Simon [4.04]
and also.................Al Zebooker [10.15]
Daniel Caltagirone............The Waiter [4.24]
Julie Campbell................Whitney [7.05]
Larry Joe Campbell............The Fan [6.14]
Ryan Carlberg.................Pizza Delivery Boy [10.11]
Amanda Carlin.................Dr. Long [8.03][8.13][8.14][8.22][8.23][8.24]
Jane Carr.....................The Ticket Agent [4.24]
Christopher Carroll...........Bank Officer [4.04]
Lisa Jamie Cash...............The Flight Attendant [5.23]
Nancy Cassaro.................Shelly [1.08]
Dan Castellaneta..............Zoo Keeper [2.12]
Megan Cavanagh................Luisa Gianetti [1.19]
Benjamin Caya.................Bratty Boy [1.04]
Laura Cayouette...............Cailin [3.22]
Leslie Charleson..............Herself [10.11]
Lilyan Chauvin................Grandma Tribbiani [5.19]
Brian Chenoweth...............Ken [9.05][9.10]
Spencer Cherashore............Waiter [2.05]
Chip Chinery..................Another Scientist aka Scott [4.11]
Shawn Christian...............Dr. Schiff [8.11]
Anthony Cistaro...............Gate Attendant [10.17]
Ashley L. Clark...............The Man [7.09]
and also as.................Roger [8.11]
Aixa Clemente.................The Female Guest [8.18]
George Clooney................Dr. Mitchell [1.17]
Karin Co......................Woman with Mild Contractions [8.23]
Hunter Cochran................Guy #1 [6.19]
and also as................The Second Dorm Guy [6.24]
Mark Cohen....................The Mattress King [3.07]
Wendee Cole...................Marge [7.13]
Joe Colligan..................The Directory [9.19]
Gary Collins..................Himself [5.04]
Jill Connick..................Jill Goodacre [1.07]
Michael Connor................The Singing Man [4.19]
Mark Consuelos................Policeman #1 [7.22]
Tom Conti.....................Steven Waltham [4.24][5.01]
Jennifer Coolidge.............Amanda Bouvamonteezy [10.03]
Sean Corvelle.................The Salesman [7.10]
Robert Costanzo...............Joey Tribbiani, Sr. [1.13]
Larry Cox.....................Arthur [6.16]
Josh Coxx.....................Eldad [6.19]
Joe Coyle.....................Stuart [7.11]
Gene Crane....................Christmas Tree Customer [3.10]
Roark Critchlow...............Dr. Mike Horton of Days of our Lives [2.12][2.18]
Pat Crowley...................Mrs. Burgin [4.18]
Billy Crystal.................Tim [3.24]
E. G. Daily...................Leslie [3.14]
David Dalton..................Guest #1 [5.15]
Hugh Dane.....................Jim [2.06]
Christopher Darga.............The Director [6.04]
Steve Dark....................Phil [3.24]
Anita Dashiell................The Front Desk Clerk [8.03]
Kristin Datillo...............Caitlin [5.19]
Rachel David..................The Ballerina [8.06]
Janice Davies.................Woman on Bench [2.04]
Kimberley Davies..............Adrienne Turner [10.11]
Kristin Davis.................Erin [7.07]
Danny Dayton..................Buddy Doyle [2.03]
Laura Dean....................Sophie [3.15][3.20][4.03][4.09]
Jackie Debatin................The Hooker [8.08]
Tim Dekay.....................Marc [8.23]
Peter DeLuise.................Carl [2.21]
Lea Delaria...................Woman [2.11]
Manao DeMuth..................Ticket Agent [10.17]
Peter Dennis..................Sherman Whitfield [3.02]
Dan Desmond...................Professor Sherman [9.22]
Danny Devito..................Roy (the stripper) [10.11]
Barry Diamond.................Phone Guy [2.07]
Stephanie Dicker..............The Woman [7.22]
Micheal DiMaggio..............Drew [4.10]
Josie DiVencenzo..............Tattoo Artist [2.16]
Lewis Dix.....................Man [2.22]
Elinor Donahue................Aunt Lillian [1.08]
Robyn Donny...................Frannie [7.11]
Tate Donovan..................Joshua Burgin [4.13][4.14][4.16][4.18][4.20]
Anne Dudek....................Precious [10.01]
Tom Dugan.....................The Maitre d' [10.14]
Merrin Dungey.................The Museum Official [6.22]
Brian Dunkleman...............The Customer [6.23]
Steven Eckholdt...............Mark [3.11][3.12][3.14][3.15][3.19][10.14]
Monique Edwards...............Claudia [9.05][9.10]
Helen Eigenberg...............The Realtor [10.14]
Michael Ensign................Dr. Ledbetter [5.09][5.14]
Ethan Erickson................Dirk [9.20]
Roger Eschbacher..............Photographer [7.05]
Peter Eyre....................The Registrar [4.24][5.01]
Patrick Fabian................Dan (male nurse) [5.03]
Morgan Fairchild..............Nora Tyler Bing [1.11][5.08][7.23][7.24][8.01]
Richard Fancy.................Mr. Posner [4.09]
Dakota Fanning................MacKenzie [10.14]
Anna Faris....................Erica [10.09][10.13][10.16][10.17]
Kevin Farrell.................The Maitre d' [9.05]
Jon Favreau...................Pete Becker [3.18][3.19][3.21]-[3.24]
Angela Featherstone...........Chloe [3.15][3.16]
Sherilyn Fenn.................Ginger [3.14]
Sarah F., Duchess of York.....herself [4.23]
Conchata Ferrell..............The Judge [6.05]
Pat Finn......................Dr. Roger [6.15][6.16]
Mark Fite.....................The Salesman [5.16]
Rick Fitts....................The Professor [6.04]
Markus Flanagan...............Robert [3.13]
Jonathan Floyd................Gary [7.09]
Suzanne Ford..................The Female Producer [9.15]
Stuart Fratkin................Lowell [1.08]
Soleil Moon Frye..............Katie [5.15]
Stephon Fuller................Guest #2 [5.15]
Cosimo Fusco..................Paolo [1.07][1.11][1.12][2.01]
June Gable....................Estelle Leonard [2.10][2.19][3.22][5.10][6.04]
[6.21][7.19][8.22][10.04]
and also...................Nurse [1.23]
Mo Gaffney....................The Casting Director (Leslie) [7.19]
Stacy Galina..................Julie Graff [7.06]
Mary Gallagher................Tilly [2.18]
Richard Gant..................Dr. Rhodes [3.23]
Robert Gant...................Jason [3.23]
Beverly Garland...............Aunt Iris [1.18]
Lee Garlington................Ronni [1.13]
Teri Garr.....................Phoebe, Sr. [3.25][4.01][4.11]
Willie Garson.................Steve [5.15]
Kyle Gass.....................Lowell [9.15]
Dan Gauthier..................Chip Matthews [4.02]
Rhoda Gemignani...............Mrs. Potter [4.04]
Jason Winston George..........The Fireman [7.12]
Melissa George................Molly [9.12][9.13]
Baillie Gerstein..............The Tourist [5.24]
Ellen Gerstein................Aunt Lisa [8.18]
Zen Gesner....................Dave [5.02]
Linde Gibb....................Guest #2 [5.15]
Chris Payne Gilbert...........Bill [9.09]
Kim Gillingham................Angela [1.05]
Candace Gingrich..............The Minister [2.11]
Maury Ginsberg................Isaac [3.15][3.16]
Ron Glass.....................Russell (Ross' Lawyer) [6.02][6.04]
Todd Glass....................The Airplane Guy [5.23]
Joanna Gleason................Kim Clozzi [5.18][6.08]
Mary Pat Gleason..............Nurse Sizemore [1.04]
Paul Gleason..................Jack [6.16]
Maurice Godin.................Sid [8.24]
Adam Goldberg.................Eddie [2.17]-[2.19]
Jeff Goldblum.................Leonard Hayes [9.15]
Carole Goldman................Pete's Mom (billed as "Woman") [3.23]
Marcy Goldman.................Nurse [4.08]
Marc Goldsmith................The Man [5.17]
Carlos Gomez..................Julio [3.12]
Harry Van Gorkum..............Don [8.16]
Elliott Gould.................Jack Geller [1.02][1.08][1.17][2.14][2.16][3.01]
[4.24][5.01][5.08][6.09][7.02][7.03]
[7.13][7.14][7.23][7.24][8.01][8.18]
[9.01][10.04]
Sandra Gould..................Old Woman [3.10]
Jason Graae...................Casting Director [2.19]
Cynthia Graham................Nurse #1 [7.04]
Beth Grant....................Lizzy [1.03]
Jennifer Grant................Nina Bookbinder aka Michelle Friends [1.16]
Mary-Pat Green................Jeannie [2.23]
Joel Gretsch..................Fireman Ed [1.14]
Jennifer Grey.................Mindy [1.20]
Arye Gross....................Michael [2.07]
Ernie Grunwald................Tom Gordon [9.17]
Carole Gutierrez..............Nurse [10.17]
Joyce Guy.....................The Supervisor [7.13]
Marianne Hagan................Joanne [1.04]
Molly Hagan...................Sarah [8.21]
Daniel Hagen..................The Casting Director [5.13]
Michael G. Hagerty............Mr. Treeger [2.03][2.09][4.04][4.17][8.03]
Alaina Reed Hall..............The Admissions Woman [1.17]
Evan Handler..................The Director [9.11]
Larry Hankin..................Mr. Heckles aka The Weird Man [1.07][1.16][1.19]
[2.03][3.06]
Steven Harad..................Acting Student #2 [3.07]
and also...................Clerk [3.13]
and also...................Emil Alexander [6.24]
Melora Hardin.................Celia [1.15]
Cheryl Francis Harrington.....Interviewer [4.04]
Kim Harris....................Casting Director #1 [6.04]
and also...................Store Owner [7.17]
and also...................The Cologne Spritzer [9.22]
Lara Harris...................Obsession Girl [1.09]
Rachael Harris................Julie [8.23]
Simon Harvey..................Jester [3.07]
Michelle Haury................The Waitress [7.22]
Cathy Lind Hayes..............Dr. Beily [10.06]
Kendall Hebert................The Second Girl (Ashley) [8.01]
Gina Hecht....................Richard's Date [3.13]
Jessica Hecht.................Susan Bunch [1.02][1.09][1.12][1.14][1.16][1.23]
[2.02][2.11][2.20][3.04][4.18][6.16]
Vic Helford...................The Conductor [4.10]
Charlton Heston...............himself [4.14]
Barry Heins..................."Pie in the hood" Man [2.17]
Lynn A. Henderson.............The Ticket Agent [8.03]
Elaine Hendrix................Sally [9.03]
Amy Hill......................The Woman [7.09]
Sierra Dawn Hill..............Young Monica [3.04]
Barry Hines...................the Guy in the coffee house [1.01,uncut version]
Alexandra Holden..............Elizabeth [6.18][6.19][6.21][6.22][6.24]
Ashly Holloway................The Girl in the Doctor's Office [9.03]
Rojai Holloway................The Security Guard [5.24]
Teck Holmes...................Jordan [9.15]
James Hong....................Hoshi [3.24]
Alex Kapp Horner..............Stephanie [6.02]
Kyle Howard...................Alan Lewis [7.18]
Janet Hubert..................Ms. McKenna (Elaine) [9.02]
Logan Hudson..................The Boy in the Doctor's Office [9.03]
Angee Hughes..................The Nurse [9.03]
Helen Hunt....................Jamie Buchman [1.16]
Jana Marie Hupp...............Mindy [2.24]
Tim Hutchinson................Supervisor [2.19]
Chrissie Hynde................Stephanie [2.06]
Steve Hytner..................Mr. Thompson [6.24]
Carlo Imperato................Roy [1.23]
Steve Ireland.................Mr. Zelner [5.17][7.09][8.17][9.11][10.14][10.15]
Brenda Isaacs-Booth...........The Nurse [5.03]
Chris Isaak...................Rob Donan [2.12]
Seth Isler....................Monkey Trainer [2.13]
Gregory Itzin.................Mr. Theodore Hanigan [9.07][10.12]
Marcus D. Jacques.............Waiter [2.07]
Charity Nicole James..........The Woman [6.05]
Gregory Jbara.................Gene Lester [10.11]
Michelle Anne Johnson.........The Casting Director [9.15]
Penn Jillette.................The Salesman [4.03]
Reggie Jordan.................The Front Desk Clerk [8.02]
Shirley Jordan................The Doctor [4.17]
Michael Kagan.................Terry [7.04]
Judy Kain.....................The Casting Director [5.18]
Khalil Kain...................Cal [3.07]
Jamie Kaler...................Mike [4.10]
Mathew Kaminsky...............Tony [4.02]
Darlene Kardon................Aunt Millie [7.11]
Buck Kartalian................Frankie [2.01]
John Kassir...................Stanley [5.22]
Nicky Katt....................Arthur [2.21]
Cindy Katz....................Dr. Zane [4.12]
Stephen Kearney...............Mischa [3.15]
Caroline Keenan...............Melissa [7.05]
Victoria L. Kelleher..........Woman #2 [5.21]
Cheryl Kennard................Heather [9.12]
Chris Kennedy.................Patrick [6.19]
Jo Nell Kennedy...............Nurse #1 [8.23]
Leila Kenzle..................Fran Devanow [1.16]
Patrick Kerr..................The Restaurant Manager [2.14]
Cleo King.....................Nurse Kitty [9.01]
Matthew Yang King.............The Student [8.12]
Greg Kinnear..................Dr. Benjamin Hobart [10.06]
Stan Kirsch...................Ethan [1.22]
Kerrie Klark..................Flight Representative [1.24]
Robert Koch...................The Doctor [4.22]
Brad Koepenick................The Producer [6.21]
Jason Kravits.................Man in Cab [10.17]
Robin Krieger.................The Realtor [9.07]
Karman Kruschke...............Coma Woman [2.12]
Carlos LaCamara...............The A.D. [4.14]
Michelle Lamar................The Lamaze Teacher [1.16]
Devyn LaBella.................The Little Girl [5.17]
Suzanne Lanze.................The Woman [7.02]
Allison LaPlaca...............Joanna [3.20][4.03][4.09]
Julie Lauren..................Krista [5.10]
Ralph Lauren..................himself [6.08]
Hugh Laurie...................The Gentleman on the Plane [4.24]
Lela Lee......................The Wedding Guest [7.11]
Phil Leeds....................Mr. Adleman [2.11]
James Le Gros.................Jim Nelson [8.17]
John Lehr.....................Eric [3.06]
Mimi Leiber...................Mary Theresa Tribbiani [3.11]
Ron Leibman...................Dr. Leonard Green [2.22][3.07][8.08][10.13]
Thomas Lennon.................Randall (Casino Dealer/Joey's Hand Twin) [5.23][5.24]
Jay Leno......................himself [1.11]
Ken Lerner....................Professor Spafford [9.20]
Mike Levey....................himself [3.04]
Clea Lewis....................Franny [1.01]
J. D. Lewis...................The Customer [6.12]
Jenifer Lewis.................Paula [1.03]
Mary Margaret Lewis...........Rita [10.14]
Phill Lewis...................Steve [9.11][9.15][9.18]
Megan Linder..................Woman #2 [9.13]
Audra Lindley.................Frances (Phoebe's Grandma) [2.09]
Ming Lo.......................Dr. Li [10.06]
Tembi Locke...................Karin [6.02]
Paul Logan....................The Soap Actor [9.11]
Doug Looperr..................Fireman [3.23]
and (as Douglas Looper).....The Paramedic [5.08]
and (as Douglas Looper).....The Vampire [6.14]
Jon Lovitz....................Steve (The Stoned Guy) [1.15][9.14]
Kyle Lowder...................himself [9.20]
Geoffrey Lower................Alan [1.03]
Carolyn Lowery................Andrea [1.08]
Cindy Lu......................The Accountant [7.19]
Allen Lulu....................The Photographer [8.01]
Linda Lutz....................Horrible Woman [2.17]
Mark Lutz.....................Mona's Date [8.17]
Jane Lynch....................Ellen [10.15]
Richard Lyons.................Man [2.02]
Sarah Mac Donnell.............Sandy [1.10]
Tim Maculan...................The Food Critic [8.21]
Elle MacPherson...............Janine [6.07]-[6.11]
Michele Maika.................Kiki [1.04][3.06]
Ivy Malone....................The Cowgirl [8.06]
Lawrence A. Mandley...........Security Guard [2.12]
Louis Mandylor................Carl [6.17]
Alex Craig Mann...............The Casting Assistant [10.13]
Cynthia Mann..................Jasmine aka The Waitress [1.01][1.12][3.05][3.16]
Nina Mann.....................The Attendant [5.24][6.01]
Thea Mann.....................Sleep Clinic Worker [4.20]
Henriette Mantel..............Nurse #2 [8.23]
Ralph Manza...................The Old Man [5.17]
Alec Mapa.....................The Housekeeper [5.08]
Laura Margolis................Woman Giving Birth [8.23]
Alexandra Margulies...........The Waitress [6.25][7.07]
and.....................Female Extra #1 [9.11]
Miles Marisco.................The Smart Kid [4.11]
Cyndi Martino.................Henrietta Cherry [10.11]
Sean Masterson................"Monkeyshine" Guy [2.12]
Sierra Marcoux................Chandler Buffay [10.02]
Chuck Martinez................Policeman #2 [7.22]
Jill Matson...................The Receptionist [6.17]
Hillary Matthews..............Nancy [3.12]
Debi Mazar....................Evil Bitch [8.23]
John McCarthy.................Referee [3.24]
Eddie McClintock..............Cliff (Clifford Burnett) [8.23][8.24]
Kevin McDonald................Guru Saj [3.23]
Robin McDonald................Ticket Counter Attendant [4.15]
John C. McDonnell.............The Grip [5.22]
Michael McKean................Mr. Rastatter [2.08]
John R. McLaughlin............The PBS Volunteer [5.04]
Rocky McMurray................The Cigarette Guy [4.14]
Sam McMurray..................Doug [3.24][5.12][8.11]
Tori McPetrie.................Sarah [6.24]
Lex Medlin....................The Tall Guy [6.10]
Christy L Medrano.............Waitress [3.06]
Heather Medway................Kristen Riggs [1.14]
Lisa Melilli..................Dina Tribbiani [3.11]
Ian Meltzer...................Alex [6.04]
Alex Meneses..................Cookie Tribbiani [3.11]
Merrill Merkoe................Marska [1.02]
Jack Meskimen.................Bill [10.02]
Johnny Messner................Kash Ford [8.05]
Bess Meyer....................Dana Keystone [6.18]
Dina Meyer....................Kate Miller [3.19][3.20][3.22]
Joe Everett Michaels..........Casting Director #3 [6.04]
and also as...............Bakersfield Guy [7.22]
and also as...............The Waiter [9.23]
Ivana Milicevic...............Kori Weston [9.17]
Jeanette Miller...............The Elderly Woman [5.24]
Jennifer Milmore..............Lauren [3.20][3.22]
Christopher Miranda...........Robbie aka Bobby Rush [1.02][1.20]
Sofia Milos...................Aurora [1.06]
Michael Monks.................Dr. Miller [5.22]
Christina Moore...............Marjorie [4.20]
Christopher Liam Moore........The Hotel Clerk [5.05]
David Moreland................Mel [6.18]
Scott Mosenson................The Teacher [5.09]
John C. Moskoff...............Uncle Dan [8.18]
Tahj Mowry....................Little Boy [2.12]
Oliver Muirhead...............The Jeweler [6.23]
Matthew Mullany...............The Patron [6.12]
and also as...............The Waiter [8.01]
and also as...............Stage Manager [10.11]
Dermot Mulroney...............Gavin Mitchell [9.11][9.12][9.13]
Harry S. Murphy...............The Man At The Wedding [8.02]
Arden Myrin...................Brenda [8.07]
Laurie Naughton...............The Woman [8.03]
Michael Naughton..............The Student [6.04]
Audrie Neenan.................Emily [2.16]
Taylor Negron.................Allesandro [4.09]
John Allen Nelson.............Paul the wine guy[1.01]
George Newbern................Danny [5.06][5.07][5.10]
Cynthia Newman................Jeanette [9.22]
Laraine Newman................Mrs. Buffay [2.21]
Jonathan Nichols..............Ray [8.20]
Marisol Nichols...............Olivia [9.19]
Tony Nichols..................The Maitre'd [6.24]
Shane Nickerson...............Guy #1 [6.05]
and also as..............The Man [8.03]
Troy Norton...................Jake [7.18][7.22]
Frank Novak...................The Gambler [5.24]
John O'Brien..................The Airline Employee [8.03]
Joe O'Connor..................Stevens [3.24]
Sarah O'Hare..................The Woman [7.07]
Jim O'Heir....................Adoption Agency Worker [10.09]
Jessica A. O'Sullivan.........The Girl Student [7.07]
Gary Oldman...................Richard Crosby [7.23][7.24]
Jack Ong......................The Older Scientist aka Andrew [4.11]
Emily Osment..................Lelani Mayolanofavich [8.06]
Donny Osmond..................Himself [10.11]
Scott Paetty..................Sebastian [6.19]
Jo Jean Pagano................Customer [1.12]
Brian Palermo.................Airline Passenger [10.17]
Adamo Palladino...............Devon [4.15]
Jimmy Palumbo.................Sick Bastard [8.23]
Sam Pancake...................The Waiter [8.16][9.14]
Janelle Paradee...............Meg [6.02]
James Paradise................The Casino Boss [5.23]
Teresa Parente................The Woman At The Wedding [8.02]
Annie Parisse.................Sarah [10.09]
Steve Park....................Scott [2.23]
Susie Park....................The Dry Cleaner's Wife [6.22]
Chris Parnell.................Bob [8.05]
Rick Pasqualone...............The Croupier [5.23][5.24][6.01]
Dante Pastula.................Frank Jr. Jr. [10.02]
Natasha Pearce................Zoe [6.24]
Evie Peck.....................The Nurse [8.03][8.11]
Robyn Pedretti................Ginger [5.10]
Richard Penn..................The Doctor [8.14]
Sean Penn.....................Eric [8.06][8.07]
Wayne Pere'...................Max [1.10]
Michelle Pereira..............Female Passenger [10.17]
Brien Perry...................Gym Employee [4.04]
John Bennett Perry............Mr. Burgin [4.18]
Sara Rose Peterson............Elizabeth Hornswoggle [5.11]
Dedee Pfeiffer................Mary Ellen [9.03]
Christina Pickles.............Judy Geller [1.02][1.08][2.14][2.16][3.01][4.03]
[4.24][5.01][5.08][6.09][7.02][7.14]
[7.23][7.24][8.01][8.18][8.23][9.05]
[10.04]
Jim Piddock...................Dennis Phillips [8.01]
Steve Pierce..................The Passerby [6.05]
Geoff Pierson.................Mr Franklin [8.05]
Keith Pillow..................Customer #2 [9.19]
Jim Pirri.....................Sergei [3.15]
Maria Pitillo.................Laura [10.07]
Brad Pitt.....................Will Colbert [8.09]
Larry Poindexter..............Fireman Dave [1.14]
Ellen Pompeo..................Missy Goldberg [10.11]
Steven M. Porter..............Security Guard [2.13]
Brian Posehn..................Messenger [2.18]
Brittany Powell...............Jade [2.05]
Kyla Pratta...................Charla Nichols [3.10]
Joshua Preston................Young Chandler [5.08]
Joan Pringle..................Dr. Oberman [1.02]
Freddie Prinze, Jr............Sandy [9.06]
Emily Proctor.................Annabel [2.02]
Missi Pyle....................Hillary [6.08]
Kevin Rahm....................Tim [8.05]
Victor Raider-Wexler..........The Doctor [2.06]
Anil Raman....................The First Dorm Guy [6.24]
Luis Antonio Ramos............The Tanning Salon Guy [10.03]
Dale Raoul....................Mrs. Verhoven [8.07]
Michael Rapaport..............Gary [5.16][5.17][5.20][5.21]
Jim Rash......................Nervous Male Passenger [10.17]
Ron Recasner..................The Doctor [6.17]
Blake Reed....................Chase Lassiter [9.19]
Jim Reilly....................Writer [2.18]
Leah Remini...................Lydia [1.23]
Dee Dee Rescher...............The Record Producer [2.17]
Terry Rhoads..................The Maitre d' [7.10]
Jennifer Rhodes...............Mrs. Lynch [4.09]
Tim Edward Rhoze..............The Director [10.13]
Giovanni Ribisi...............Guy Who Donates a Condom (uncredited roll) [2.06]
and also..................Frank Jr. [2.21][3.05][3.18][4.11][4.12][4.17]
[5.03][10.02]
Marissa Ribisi................Betsy [3.06]
Denise Richards...............Cassie (Ross and Monica's Cousin) [7.19]
Scott Richards................The Acting Teacher [8.21]
Cacey Riggan..................The Nurse [6.15]
Mailon Rivera.................The Waiter [7.11]
Richard Roat..................Burt [6.18]
Jennette Robbins..............Cynthia [5.09]
Michael D. Robert.............The Head Librarian [7.07]
Alexia Roberts................The Female Student [5.09]
Julia Roberts.................Susie "Underpants" Moss [2.13]
Lisa Roberts..................Cathy [2.13]
Mark Roberts..................The Director (Aaron)[7.23][7.24]
Craig Robinson................The Clerk [10.14]
Nicole Robinson...............The Smoking Woman [5.16]
Reg Rogers....................The Director (Marshall Talmant) [3.19][3.20][3.22]
Renee Louise Rogers...........Nurse #2 [7.04]
Rebecca Romijn................Cheryl (the Dirty Girl) [4.06]
Christine Rose................Mrs. Bitsy Hanigan [9.07][10.12]
Marc Rose.....................Bobby Corso [8.10]
Romy Rosemont.................Troop Leader [3.10]
Isabella Rossellini...........herself [3.05]
Lisa Rotondi..................The Stripper [4.22]
Steven Rozic..................The "Hey Guy" Guy [7.13]
Nancy Rubin...................Guest [2.22]
John Rubinstein...............The Doctor [10.17]
Paul Rudd.....................Mike Hanigan [9.03][9.04][9.06][9.07][9.09]
[9.12][9.13][9.16][9.17][9.23]
[9.24][10.01][10.05][10.07]
[10.12][10.14][10.17]
Kevin Ruf.....................The Porsche Owner [6.05]
Debra Jo Rupp.................Alice [3.18][4.11][4.12][4.17][4.18][5.03]
Sarah Rush....................Nurse #3 [8.23]
Eric Rutherford...............Stryker Ramoray [7.04]
Winona Ryder..................Melissa Warburton [7.20]
Daryl Sabara..................Owen [10.02]
Stephen Samuels...............Arik [2.16]
Vanessa Sandin................Amber [2.18]
Penny Santon..................Nonna Tribbiani [3.11]
Susan Sarandon................Cecilia Monroe as Jessica Lockhart [7.15]
Jennifer Saunders.............Andrea Waltham [4.24][5.01]
Camille Saviola...............The Horrible Woman [1.05]
Kat Sawyer....................Catherine [8.18]
Joeanna Sayler................The Woman at the Table [6.12]
Wendy Schall..................Jeannine [3.12]
David Sederholm...............Coma Guy [1.11]
Tom Selleck...................Dr. Richard Burke [2.15][2.16][2.18][2.20][2.23]
[2.24][3.13][6.24][6.25]
Stan Sellers..................Manager [2.02]
Greta Sesheta.................The Receptionist [9.03]
Alison Shanks.................Mrs. Oberblau (Nancy) [9.24]
Claudia Shear.................Fake Monica [1.21]
Harry Shearer.................Dr. Baldharar [1.21]
Charlie Sheen.................Ryan [2.23]
Sherri Shepherd...............The Tour Guide aka Rhonda [4.11]
Wayne Sherwood................The Man in the Sportscar [7.14]
Brooke Shields................Erika Ford [2.12]
Jacqueline Schultz............Lisa [6.24]
Jane Sibbett..................Carol Willick [1.09][1.12][1.14][1.16][1.23]
[2.02][2.11][2.20][3.04][3.17]
[4.18][5.18][6.15][6.16][7.16]
Tim Silva.....................The Male Guest [8.18]
Tracy Silver..................Dressing Room Woman [9.22]
Jonathan Silverman............Dr. Franzblau [1.23]
Lisa Simms....................Kara [5.12]
Heather Sims..................Female Extra #2 [9.11]
Gabi Simson...................The Woman Dealer [5.24]
Dennis Singletary.............Guy #2 [6.05]
Darryl Sivad..................Office Worker #3 (Petrie) [1.22]
Elisabeth Sjoli...............Tia [1.19]
Jonathan Slavin...............Manny [9.17]
Susan Slome...................The Prospective Nanny [9.06]
Amy Smallman..................The Kitchen Worker [4.10]
Tucker Smallwood..............Mr. Tyler [8.21]
Alan F. Smith.................Kevin [9.09]
Amber Smith...................Maria [4.04]
Brian "Fish" Smith............Josh [4.05]
Daniel Smith..................Boy in the Cape [8.06]
Peter James Smith.............The Assistant Director [7.23]
Philip Rayburn Smith..........Actor [1.21]
Samantha Smith................The Window Woman [5.17]
Symba Smith...................Chrissy [2.11]
Johnny Sneed..................Customer #3 [9.19]
Rachel Snow...................Gert [8.01]
Rena Sofer....................Katie [8.21]
Marla Sokoloff................Dina Tribbianni [8.10]
Bonnie Somerville.............Mona [8.01][8.05][8.06][8.08][8.11][8.15][8.17]
Jennifer Sommerfield..........Becky [2.06]
Peter Spears..................Joel (Barry's Best Man) [2.24]
Brent Spiner..................James Campbell [10.14]
Kevin Spirtas.................Dr. Wesley [6.15]
Antoinette Spolar.............Woman #1 [5.21]
Gregory Sporleder.............Larry [5.07]
Cole Mitchell Sprouse.........Ben [6.15][7.09][7.10][7.16][8.01][8.10][8.12]
Jean St. James................Hilda [7.04]
John Stamos...................Zack [9.22]
Timothy Starks................The Handyman [9.16]
Claudia Stedelin..............Amanda [7.24]
DeAnna Steele.................The Woman [9.13]
K. J. Steinberg...............Gina Tribbiani [3.11]
Laura Stepp...................Amanda [4.05]
Mindy Sterling................Wedding Planner [2.24]
Fisher Stevens................Roger [1.13]
Bill Stevenson................Rick [6.01]
Scott Stewart.................Waiter [2.10]
Ben Stiller...................Tommy [3.22]
Fred Stoller..................The Waiter, aka Stu [4.10][8.08]
George Stults.................Fredrick [7.15]
Trudie Styler.................herself (Sting's wife) [8.10]
Steve Susskino................The Priest (Father Karamessos) [7.24]
David Sutcliffe...............Kyle [7.05]
Alison Sweeney................Jessica Ashley [7.18]
Karla Tamburrelli.............The Teacher [1.21]
Christine Taylor..............Bonnie [3.24][3.25][4.01]
Adria Tennor..................Katherine [8.20]
Iqbal Theba...................Joey's Doctor [5.03]
Sandra Thigpen................The Stage Manager [5.04]
Lisa Thornhill................Kristen [8.04]
Lou Thornton..................Gail [2.14]
Carly Thomas..................Tabitha [9.12]
Mark Thomas...................Liam [4.15]
Marlo Thomas..................Sandra Green [2.11][2.22][8.20]
Nicholas Thomas...............The Guy Student [7.07]
Lea Thompson..................Caroline Duffy (uncredited cameo) [2.06]
Wesley Thompson...............The Locksmith [8.11]
T.J. Thyne....................Dr. Oberman [5.03]
Patty Tiffany.................Woman [1.16]
Marilyn Tokuda................Nurse [1.08]
Lauren Tom....................Julie [1.24]-[2.02][2.04][2.07][2.08][2.10]
Carla Toutz...................Joan [10.09]
Tammy Townsend................The Teacher [8.10]
Cody Tucker...................Kathy [7.04]
Myra Turley...................The Nurse [9.21]
Kathleen Turner...............Helena Handbasket / Charles Bing [7.22][7.23][7.24]
Aisha Tyler...................Charlie Wheeler [9.20][9.21][9.22][9.23][9.24]
[10.01][10.02][10.05][10.06]
James Michael Tyler...........Gunther [2.09][2.19][2.21][2.22][3.07][3.08]
[3.10]-[3.14][3.16][3.18][3.19][3.21]
[3.22][3.25][4.02][4.05]-[4.11][4.16]
[4.19][4.20][4.22][5.02][5.06][5.07]
[5.12][5.21][6.03][6.05][6.10]
[6.12]-[6.17][6.22][7.10][7.20][7.23]
[8.06][8.07][8.15][8.16][9.02][9.04]
[9.18][9.20][10.12][10.14][10.17]
Andy Umberger.................Dr. Connelly [9.22]
Marc Unger....................the Thief [4.02]
Gabrielle Union...............Kristen Lang [7.17]
Brenda Vaccaro................Gloria Tribbiani [1.13]
Nancy Valen...................Lorraine [1.14]
Jean-Claude Van Damme.........himself [2.13]
Michael Vartan................Dr. Tim Burke [4.08]
Vincent Ventresca.............Fun Bobby [1.10][2.10]
Vince Vieluf..................Ned Morris [7.18]
Angela Visser.................Samantha [1.19]
Izia Volok....................The Dry Cleaner [6.22]
Susanna Voltaire..............Margha [3.09]
Caryn Ward....................The Waitress [8.12]
Megan Ward....................Nancy [5.18]
Susan Ward....................Hayley [9.04]
David Warshofsky..............Fireman #2 [6.18]
Audrey Wasilewski.............Sarah [9.23]
Kellie Waymire................Colleen [10.02]
McKenzie Westmore.............The Presenter [7.18]
Sean Whalen...................Pizza Guy [1.04]
Maggie Wheeler................Janice [1.05][1.10][1.14][2.03][2.24][3.01][3.03]
[3.04][3.06]-[3.08][4.15][5.12][7.07]
[8.23][8.24][9.21][10.15]
Michael Winters...............The Doctor [5.08]
Ken Weiler....................Peter [4.02]
Matt Weinberg.................Raymond [5.18]
Gregory White.................Dr. Gettleman [9.03]
Irene White...................The Assistant [9.09]
Vanessa White.................The Woman [7.14]
Paxton Whitehead..............Mr. Waltham [4.13][4.14]
June Whitfield................The Housekeeper [4.24]
Mitchell Whitfield............Barry Farber[1.02][1.19][1.20][2.24][6.16]
Mae Whitman...................Sarah Tuttle [3.10]
Barry Wiggins.................The Man [7.10]
Fred Willard..................Mr. Lipson [2.12]
Heathcote Williams............The Older Guest [4.24]
Olivia Williams...............Felicity [4.24]
Robin Williams................Thomas [3.24]
Bruce Willis..................Paul Stevens [6.21]-[6.23]
Lou Wills.....................Customer [2.02]
Dorien Wilson.................Mr. Douglas [1.16][2.23]
Matt Winston..................The Charity Clerk [10.05]
Terence Winter................The Waiter #2 [8.16]
Jim Wise......................Kyle [5.18]
Reese Witherspoon.............Jill Green [6.13][6.14]
Elliot Woods..................Waiter [2.12]
Greg Wrangler.................Fireman #1 [6.18]
Aloma Wright..................The Saleswoman [5.16]
Max Wright....................Terry [1.09][2.06]
Noah Wyle.....................Dr. Rosen [1.17]
Gretchen Wyler................Mrs. Burkart [4.06]
Susan Yeagley.................Woman #1 [6.13]
Chris Young...................Steven Fishman (aka Stevie Fisher)[2.05]
Martin Yu.....................The Waiter [8.08]
Steve Zahn....................Duncan [2.04]
David hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1995, near the beginning of "Friends" Season 2.
"For example, somebody recently quoted a line from Mad About You in which Ursula mentioned her brother. Well, if Ursula has a brother, so does Phoebe, and we writers need to be aware of that.
"There was also a post on the newsgroup which confidently asserted that the character of Carol, the pregnant lesbian ex-wife, was 'based on Friends Executive Producer Marta Kauffman.' Marta really got a kick out of that one, as did her husband and two kids.
"I don't think any of the cast members are wired as of yet [that was around 1994 - 95], though I did circulate the internet "Friends Drinking Game" to them. They loved it, and expressed amazement that people knew the show that well."
By the way, Jeff Greenstein is a 1st season producer / writer, and Alexa Junge is another producer / writer.
Jeff Greenstein: "O.K., here's the quasi-definitive answer as I know it, as we writer folk have discussed it over the course of the season...
"In the pilot, we established that Monica, Rachel and Ross all went to Lincoln High School together. Monica was fat; Rachel was popular and possibly bitchy; Ross was a nerd. Rachel says that she and Monica were close, but in the time since, they've drifted -- enough so that Rachel didn't think to invite Monica to her wedding.
"We also established that Ross had a crush on Rachel back then; she knew this, but thought of him as 'Monica's geeky older brother.'
"During the making of 'The One Where Nana Dies Twice' [1.08], Schwimmer and Perry wondered if Chandler and Ross might have gone to college together. We writers agreed that it might be nice for two of our other characters to have a history together, so we wrote it in.
"Therefore, my guess is that when Monica graduated college and was looking for an apartment, Chandler (who was living with his first roommate Kip -- the one Joey is jealous of in 'Dozen Lasagnas' [1.12]) alerted her to the fact that an apartment was opening up across the hall from him. Monica found Phoebe through a roommate-matching service and moved in.
"One of the ways we've justified -- to ourselves, at least -- this amazing place Monica lives in (on an assistant chef's salary!) is that it's probably an illegal sublet. Several plot lines revolving around this fact were discussed over the course of the season, but never amounted to anything."
(After a while, this aspect of the plot was changed / solidified. Alexa Junge added: "Rachel and Monica live in a rent-controlled apartment Monica's grandmother left her (not Nana - the other one)").
(This was later confirmed in episode [3.06], when Monica tells Joey that the apartment is her grandmother's, who's moved to Florida. Also, in episode [4.04], Monica and Rachel almost get kicked because of the illegal sublet.)Jeff Greenstein: "Anywaaaaaay... When Kip got married, he moved out and Joey (who Chandler probably also met through a roommate-matching service, or by putting up flyers at the laundromat) moved in. Around the same time, Phoebe's grandmother needed some kind of taking care of, so Phoebe moved out of Monica's to live with her. This is another element we talked about a lot over the course of the season, but it never found its way into a story.
(This was clarified in episode [3.06], where Chandler places an advertisement in the newspaper, to find a new roommate, because Kip has moved out. Plus, Phoebe reveals that she has been slowly moving out because she can't stand Monica's incessant neatness.)
"As for the timing of the events surrounding Ross's divorce, that's something we've consciously avoided getting into. The more you think about it, the more troublesome it becomes: Was Carol already involved with Susan when Ross got her pregnant? We invite viewers to figure this one out for themselves..."
(Episode [3.06] also reveals the point at which Carol starts spending a lot of time with Susan.)
"In fact, when we were initially casting Marcel, we were told that no capuchins were available because all of them were in Malta shooting 'Outbreak.'"
Now, on to the answer: The building that is shown as a lead-in to scene's at the Friends apartment building is located at the corner of Grove and Bedford in the West Village. Please remember that you will not find Monica's apartment inside that building, nor will you find the real "Central Perk," because it does not exist. Those were sets at Warner Bros Studios in Burbank, California. This answer is just to inform where certain footage was obtained.
Here's a picture of the buildling, as well as a shot of the Lucille Lortel theatre, which is just down the street, and has been featured in the show (Joey performed in plays there).
Also, comments from our friends at the studio:
Alexa Junge: "Ross [originally] live[d] across town [from Monica's apartment]. Phoebe lives nearby."
(Ross moved across the street from Monica in season 5.)Alexa Junge: "It's 'less than a hundred steps' [from Monica's building to Central Perk] because Joey has counted them."
To support the idea of mixed heritage, we've seen plenty of years when Monica decorates a Christmas tree and puts a lot of emphasis on Christmas. But I'm not sure whether this should be taken as proof of mixed heritage, or just to illustrate that many modern Jews join in with their friends in celebrating Christmas. The shows creators are very interested in exploring mixed Jewish / Christian families, or non-Christian families who deal with a predominantly Christian society, where Christmas is huge. These concepts are discussed in the DVD audio commentary of episode 7.10.
Regarding Rachel: On the US Friends DVDs, episode 7.10, commentary by Debra McQuire (Costumer) mentioned that Rachel's character is the "Jewish Princess from Long Island." Some magazine articles and other sources back when the show first came out also made reference to Rachel's character being created in that type. "Jewish Princess" or "Jewish-American Princess" is a term often (but not exclusively) used for Jewish-American girls raised in a well-to-do family, and often a little spoiled. But I'm told that term isn't necessarily used literally anymore. Moving on...
Phoebe's first version of her Holiday song included the line, "Spin the dreidel, Rachel." Rachel objected to that, but only because it didn't rhyme very well. That could suggest she's Jewish, but again, it isn't really proof. Another item that suggests she's Jewish is that fact that in episode [9.09] Rachel mentioned her "bubbe," which is the yiddish word for Grandmother. This suggests that Rachel's heritage is at least partially Jewish. But since we know some of the shows creators / writers are Jewish, this could be less about the character and more about the writers.
For the argument that Rachel is not Jewish:
A representative of the show was asked which characters were Jewish or part-Jewish, and the answer (in July 19, 2001
online Friends newsletter) was "Ross and Monica." (Maybe the answer was incomplete?) In episode 222,
The One With Two Parties, Rachel refers to what life will be like if her parents divorce. She says, "I mean, this is
what my life is gonna be like. My mom there, my dad there. Thanksgiving, Christmas. She gets the house, he's in some
condo my sister's gonna decorate with wicker." Why would she mention Christmas instead of Hanukkah, in relation to
family holidays, if she were Jewish? But again, that could be answered by the fact that the shows creators are very
interested in exploring mixed Jewish / Christian families, or non-Christian families who deal with a predominantly
Christian society.
Whom shall we assume knows how to spell her name better? Ross or Rachel? Or the prop master who prepared those envelopes? The guy at the cake shop (who didn't even give Rachel the right cake)? Or the people who prepare the show's credits? Don't get too hung up on things like this.
Rachel's is Karen [1.11].
Joey's is Francis [7.11].
Chandler's is Muriel [8.05].
Monica's starts with E [2.21]. One person e-mailed saying it's Erica, but as far as I can tell, there is no episode which confirms that. In fact, when Monica and Chandler named their adopted daughter Erica, it was to name her after the surrogate birth mother. No statement was made at that time to suggest "Erica" is Monica's middle name.
Ursula's middle name is Pamela [7.14], and in that same episode Phoebe mentions that she doesn't know her middle name.
Jeff Greenstein (Friends writer) once posted (around the time of seasons 1 or 2) that an early scene (written, but then cut for time) during season 1 talked about embarrasing middle names, and gave Ross the middle name Eustace. The first published Friends Trivia game also listed Eustace as Ross's middle name. The post by Jeff is also said to have listed Joey's original middle name as "Angelo" and Phoebe's as "Rose", but these ideas didn't ever end up in an episode. And as mentioned above, canon later established that Phoebe doesn't know her middle name.
Some people mistakenly believe that Monica's middle name is Felula (or Velula), because Phoebe signed for a delivery as "Monica Felula Geller" in episode [3.07]. (The "Felula" spelling is contained in the DVD subtitles). However, Phoebe's statements around that made it clear she wasn't sure whether Monica had a middle name. She was just making it up.
We don't know for certain whether Phoebe made the name up or borrowed it from someone. The first time she used it was when talking to Emily's mother just after Ross's wedding, trying to do damage control as Ross's brain doctor, Dr. Phalange.
"Phalange" was also used by Phoebe in the finale, as the part of Rachel's plane she claimed had a problem -- the left phalange.
Ken Adam's is Joey's fake name (revealed in episode [8.04]).
2.14 The One With the Prom Video
5.08 The One With All the Thanksgivings
6.15 The One That Could Have Been
10.11 The One Where The Stripper Cries
There has been controversy, however, about whether Veronica was really meant to be taken as one of his sisters names in episode 3.11. The only mention of "Veronica" was by Chandler. While trying to remember which of Joey's sisters he made out with, he said the following:
Chandler: Veronica! Look, it's got to be Veronica--the girl in the red skirt. I definitely stuck my tongue down her throat.
Monica: That was me.
Chandler: Oh. Look, when I've been drinking, sometimes I tend to get a little overly friendly, and I'm sorry.
Monica: That's okay.
Rachel: That's alright.
Ross: That's okay.
From that exchange, it has been argued that "Veronica" was merely the closest thing Chandler could remember to the fact that he kissed "Monica." See how similar the names are? He was so drunk, he was hardly aware of everyone he was kissing; he kissed Monica, but remembered the name slightly wrong: Veronica. Nothing in any "Friends" episode ever really confirmed that Joey had a sister named Veronica. The dialog above only indicated that Changler thought Veronica was a girl in a red skirt, whom he kissed. And Monica identified that as herself. Later in that episode, when Chandler visited Joey's house, none of the girls there were identified as "Veronica."
Other people often argue: "If Chandler was trying to figure out which of Joey's sisters he kissed, and said, 'Veronica,' but Joey didn't have a sister with that name, wouldn't someone have pointed that out?" Well, maybe. Maybe not. Unnecessary (and unfunny) lines are not going to be included in a comedy show just for that kind of clarification. TV writing puts art over the need to expound factual data.
Later, in the spin-off series "Joey," episode 19, all of Joey's sisters were named and the list did include "Veronica." So by that time, the "Joey" writers had decided to settle the make this official. But I don't necessarily think this was the original intention of Episode 3.11.
But one way or the other, there is no Denise. Friends supervising producer Todd Stevens was quoted in WB's Friends Newsletter as saying, "It was a joke. There is no Denise. That is all the information that I have. Thanks for asking."
"Elizabeth and Genevieve Davidson played Ross and Rachel's baby Emma on Friends from September 2002 to January 2003."
"Alexandra and Athina Conley played Ross and Rachel's baby daughter Emma on Friends from January to March 2003."
"Cali and Noelle Sheldon were born June 17, 2002 in USA. They began acting at a early age, making their TV debut as baby Emma Geller Green on Friends in the season 9 pilot in May 2003. They then went on to appearing in four episodes of The Bold and the Beautiful as little Hope Logan in June and July 2003, before they returned to Friends for the 10th season. Their last episode as Emma aired in April 2004."
I'm not sure why I get this question so much. Maybe this line got cut for time in the syndicated reruns. The final 2-part episodes did go slightly over an hour, which means to fit it into two 30 minute slots they would have had to cut out more than usual (they always cut a little in syndication).
The information I received from a fan of the show is that the babies used as the triplets were really quadruplets, and were played by Paul, Alexis, Cole, and Justin Cimoch.
I don't know if these infants played the triplets in any other episodes. Different actors played the more-grown up triplets in episode 10.02.
Well, not literally. But in episode 4.12, The One With The Embryos, Chandler and Joey compete with Monica and Rachel "game show style" to see who knows the others better. There, we learn that Joey's imaginary childhood friend was named "Maurice" and that his profession was "Space Cowboy".
Now consider the opening verse of "The Joker," by the Steve Miller Band:
Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Maurice
'Cause I speak of the pompatus of love
You gotta love the Friends writers. I can't believe it took me 26 years to put this together.
Okay, this is not really a frequently asked question. I'm posting it out of a little vanity and because (to me) it's fun, and I haven't really talked about it for almost 30 years. I recently posted this on Reddit and decided to add it to this FAQ.
I think I'm responsible for Rachel's dad being named "Leonard." Of course, many people won't even know that his first name is Leonard, because it was only listed in the credits (not as dialogue) and the credits only listed his first name in one episode. All the other episode credits (as seen on screen) where he appears say, "Dr. Green," or don't list his character name at all.
Here's the full story:
Back in the early days of the show, before we actually met Dr. Green in person, I -- and all the original creators of this website -- took part in internet discussions about the show. Some of the show's writers also lurked in those discussions to gauge fan opinions, share reactions with the cast and creators, etc. This was confirmed by writer Jeff Greenstein, see FAQ 2.05.
Someone there wrote a hypothetical scene in the style of a Jane Austin novel but starring all of our Friends. I think this was back when almost every year a new Jane Austin adaptation movie was coming out. The mix of Jane Austin style and Friends characters was hilarious, people involved with those discussions loved that post.
I was on a bit of a Shakespeare kick at the time, and I was especially loving "Much Ado About Nothing", which had also recently been made into a movie -- Denzel Washington, Robert Sean Leonard, Kate Beckinsale, Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Michael Keaton, Keanu Reeves, what a cast! In fall of 1995, around the time Friends season 2 began, and inspired by the Jane Austin treatment, I rewrote and posted the first few scenes of "Much Ado..." but with the Friends characters. I called it, "The One with Much Ado". I replaced the main love interests of the play (Claudio and Hero) with Ross and Rachel. Hero's dad is a main character in the play, and his name in the play is Leonato. We didn't know Dr. Green's first name at that time, so in the character list I called him "Dr. Leonato Green". This was partialy because replacing "Leonato" with "Dr. Green" everywhere in the text of the play would have felt awkwardly formal during reading. Maybe I was being lazy, too.
Months later, near the end of season 2, in "The One with Two Parties," (Ep 2.22) we finally met Rachel's father, played by Ron Leibman. In that episode (and in ANY friends episode where he appeared), the dialogue only referred to him as Dr. Green (or "Daddy", "your father", etc.) but in the credits he was listed as "Dr. Leonard Green". I was shocked.
Of course, I can't say if this was done on purpose. Maybe the writers (or whoever is responsible for the credits) subconsiously remembered my post and mistakenly thought that the name "Leonard" was already canon. Either way, I couldn't believe this was purely a "jo-incidence".
As a separate note (this one merely coincidental), I had also replaced another love-interest couple in the play (Benedick and Beatrice, who seem to dislike each other but eventually fall in love) with Chandler and Monica! It was fun when that finally came true as well.
Obviously, me telling this story now (nearly 30 years later) is gonna draw some doubt and hate. Which is another thing which was not quite so dominant on the internet back in the day... but yes, even back then people sometimes got "flamed" for their posts.
Jeff Greenstein: "Oh, come on. Chandler's not gay. Though back in college, there were a lot of girls who thought he was..."
Jeff Greenstein: "The Phoebe/Ursula thing (which precipitated the Helen Hunt/Leila Kenzle crossover from Mad About You) was necessitated by the fact that Lisa Kudrow was playing two different roles on back-to-back sitcoms. Rather than just pretend Mad About You didn't exist, it was decided to make Phoebe Ursula's twin sister, and deal with the issue head-on in the 2/23/1995 episode. [1.16][1.17]
Other episodes which Ursula appears in are: [3.03] [4.01] [5.13] [6.14] [7.14] [8.06]
However, slowly over the course of the show, more has developed between Joey and Phoebe. They kissed again in TOW Barry & Mindy's Wedding [2.24] when Joey needs kissing practice. In episode [6.02] Phoebe foretells she and Joey will be married eventually, and have Chandler's money and Rachel's kids. At the end of season 6 [6.25], we find out that Joey is Phoebe's "backup," and they plan to get married if neither of them is hitched by age 40. Season 7 and 8 have contained many more signs of deepening friendship and hints of future developments. Joey gave Phoebe her "perfect kiss" in TOW They All Turn Thirty [7.14]; Joey proposed marriage to her when he thought she was pregnant in episode [8.02].
In "The One With The Flashback"[3.06] we find out that Ugly Naked Guy was previously known as Cute Naked Guy, but then he started putting on weight.
The full list of episodes where he is mentioned are:
[1.02] [1.05] [1.07] [1.09]
[1.17] [1.20] [2.09] [2.11]
[3.06] [3.08] [5.06] [5.14]
Usually Ugly Naked Guy is only mentioned, not seen. But parts of Ugly Naked Guy's body were seen in 2 episodes, [3.08] (The One With the Giant Poking Device) and [5.14] (The One Where Everybody Finds Out).
A.N.U.S = Annual Net Usage Statistics
Jeff Greenstein: "As written in 'Stoned Guy' [1.15], it was 'Weekly Estimated Net Usage Statistics'. Matthew said 'Systems' instead of 'Statistics', but we decided to let it go because basically the joke was over as soon as he said the word 'WENUS'.
"Then, when we did the WENUS/ANUS call-back in 'Two Parts' [1.16 & 1.17], we decided to go back to 'Statistics' 'cause it makes more sense -- knowing full well that sharp-eared 'Netters would probably catch us at it."
So the transition period, in order of filming, went approximately like this:
Episode 106 (production number 456655): Apt 4 & 5 (TOW the Butt)
Episode 107 (production number 456656): Apt 4 & 5 (TOW the Blackout)
Episode 112 (production number 456658): Apt 4 & 5 (TOW the Dozen Lasagnas)
Episode 108 (production number 456657): Apt 19 & 20 (TOW Nana Dies Twice)
Episode 109 (production number 456659): Apt 19 & 20 (TOW Underdog Gets Away)
Episode 111 (production number 456660): Apt 19 & 20 (TOW Mrs. Bing)
Episode 110 (production number 456661): Apt 19 & 20 (TOW the Monkey)
As you can see, the production numbers are not even in perfect order. If I had to guess (or maybe I'm remembering an old bit of trivia), I'd say that one of the bigger guest stars in production number 456657 (Elliot Gould or Christina Pickles) had a scheduling conflict which forced a relatively late change in the production schedule.
It's also interesting to note that episode 112, where Rachel dumps Paolo for making a pass at Phoebe, was filmed immediately after episode 107, where Rachel first meets Paolo. Paolo is mentioned in many of the subsequent ("in between") episodes, but his only other season 1 appearance is in episode 111 (The One With Mrs. Bing).
Ross: Aqui esta. [Here it is] Monica: ¿Y quien pidio el pollo General Tso? [Who ordered General Tso's chicken?] Chandler: ¡Pudo haber sido General Tso! [It could've been General Tso!] Rachel: ¡Miren, miren! ¡El viejo desnudo esta haciendo el hula hoop! [Look, look! Ugly Naked Guy is doing the hula hoop!] Todos: ¡Ewwwwww! [Ewwwwww!] Todos: ¡Hola, Joey! [Hi, Joey!] Joey: ¡Hola, amigos! [Hey, everybody!] Monica: Mira, Ross, Marcel se llevo el control remoto. [Look, Ross, Marcel has the remote control.] Ross: ¡Eso que no le gusta la tele! [And he doesn't even like TV!]
On the other hand, I suppose I owe a better answer to those of you who think the world didn't really get interesting until 1990. "Frankie" is a reference to the '80s music group "Frankie Goes To Hollywood," and Relax is one of their songs. The "Frankie says RELAX" t-shirts were a major fashion item of the 80s, specifically 1984. It is one of the best-selling rock-related t-shirts of all time. In one 5-week period of 1984, over 125,000 of those shirts were sold. The previous highest-selling rock t-shirt was an Iron Maiden shirt selling 70,000 over the course of a whole year.
And in case you're wondering about the origin of the band's name, it is taken from the title of an article in Variety magazine, about Frank Sinatra moving to Hollywood, and about his career as a movie star.
In one of the final episodes of Friends, we learn that the Chick and Duck died a while ago, but Joey was told they were taken to a farm where they could run and play. I wonder if they ever see Chichi?
TOW The Fake Monica:
Fake Monica: Mag ik deze dans van u?
[Can I have this dance with you?]
TOW The Stain:
In Ross's building:
Mrs. Verhoven: Zeer vereerd een vriend van mijn moeder te ontmoeten.
[Very honoured to meet a friend of my mother's.]
In Central Perk:
Ross: Bedankt voor de koffie Gunther.
[Thanks for the coffee Gunther.]
Gunther: Je spreekt Nederlands. Dat is te gek. Heb je familie daar?
[You speak Dutch. That's Cool. Have you family there?]
Ross: Yeah, we're done.
Gunther: Ezel!
[Donkey!]
Ross: Hey, Gunther. You're an ezel.
[...donkey.]
Gunter: Jij hebt seks met ezels.
[You have sex with donkeys.]
In Ross's building.
Ross: I brought her some bloemen.
[...flowers.]
In Joey's and Rachel's appartment.
Ross: Ezels!
[Donkeys!]
NOTE: I've been informed that in Dutch, "Donkey" can be slang for "idiot." But I've also been informed that that is very old slang usage... "only our grandparents use that."
At the end of episode 321, we see a view from inside Joey's bathroom. The toilet is on the side of the bathroom that is closest to the kitchen. Much later, in episode 505, there is a scene where Chandler opens the bathroom door to reveal Joey, asleep with a toothbrush in his mouth, sitting on the toilet. In that scene, the toilet is on the side of the bathroom that is furthest from the kitchen.
In episode 305, when Joey shows Monica the problem with her tiles, the toilet is at the foot of the tub. In episode 723, when Phoebe finds a pregnancy test in the bathroom, the toilet is on the left side of the sink.
So now you know.
"It's this dumb thing that Ross made up because he was trying to fool our parents. It's a way of giving the finger, without actually having to give it. I remember I cried the night he made it up, `cause it was the first time that I realized that I was actually cooler than my older brother."
With all due respect to Alexa (because I'm sure she answered as honestly as possible), we now have the miracle of slow-motion playback, and you can see (if you watch carefully) it must be a trick deck. The cards, while flying from one hand to the other, change the angle of flight in mid-air, and some of them even move backwards as Rachel moves her hands further apart from each other. That could only happen if the cards were connected to each other, for the purpose of the trick.
Additionally, it's been pointed out to me that a connected deck (probably the same one - a re-used prop) appeared in Phoebe's possession in episode 419, The One With All The Haste.
A magician who is familiar with trick decks tells me that even with a trick deck, it takes some skill. He says a few hours of practice would have been needed to get the timing and "snap" needed for her to make it look as good as she did.
Why didn't Chandler buy new black chairs? They looked so much nicer! Well, the black chairs made filming the show more difficult, because of the way they absorbed light.
However, there was a different table used at least once. In episode 6.06, Joey was angry about losing to Chandler. He kicked the table and the legs on one end collapsed. That table was black with a more subtle pattern on it. Most likely it was just a "stunt table," for the collapse scene.
They didn't officially clarify the plot as to whether Joey and Chandler fixed or replaced the table after Joey kicked it. But as the same table was used in the episodes preceding and after that one, I think we are to assume they fixed it.
In the US, the name "Foosball" is used for Table Soccer (or Table Football). This comes from the German "Tischfussball" which means Table Football.
Hoshi's line translates to: "What the hell are you talking about?" However, the meaning and humor is better understood when you consider that this Cantonese phrase is more commonly used as "shut your mouth." (Thanks HL.)
This is a reference to an old song called "Billy, Don't Be a Hero." Presumably, last time Ross "grabbed a spoon," it was while that song was playing on the radio, or something like that. The timing of the reference is a little off, because that song was popular in the mid-to-late 70s, which would have been a bit too early to accurately fit Ross and Carol getting together. But I suspect that this song was meaningful to one of the episode writers (Marta Kauffman and David Crane), in some kind of "grabbing a spoon" way, and thus they used it.
The song is not necessarily well known to many of the younger Friends fans, so the humor and impact of the line is lost on many people. I've had several people write to me, not believing that this line is a reference to that song, because they never heard of the song and because it's from the 70s. But virtually anyone from (or close to) the same generation as Marta Kauffman and David Crane couldn't possibly see this line as anything other than a reference to the song. It was wildly popular in both the UK (released by the group "Paper Lace," also famous for "The Night Chicago Died") and also in the USA, released by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods.
Interestingly, Rachel had phrased this even more severely earlier, when she told Monica that she and Ross didn't make it out to dinner because, "we kinda broke up instead."
It is probably most accurate and best understood to say this: Rachel originated the phrase, but then Ross adopted it as his mantra to excuse his actions.
In other words, it is absolutely true (as said by both Ross and Rachel) that they "were on a break." And both thought or at least speculated that it might have been a full break-up. But that doesn't mean Ross had an excuse to do anything he wanted and still be forgiven easily.
Phoebe: Tout le plaisir est pour moi, mon ami.
(Pleasure's all mine, my friend.)
The lines Joey needs to learn: Je m'appelle Claude" (my name is Claude) and "oh mon Dieu!" (Oh my God).
The french audio tape that Joey listens to: Uun, deux, trois, quatre, cinq. (One, two, three, four, five.)
Phoebe during the audition: Ecoutez, je vais vous dire la vérité. C’est mon petit frère. Il
est un peu retardé, alors si vous pouviez jouer le jeu avec lui. Merci,
au revoir.
(Okay, I'll tell you the truth. He's my little brother. He's a little retarded. Would you please just humor him?
Thank you, goodbye.)
"From time to time we shoot something on the stage that has to be cut out of the show for time (NBC has a time format we have to adhere to) and our editors don't like to see great shots like that one on the editing room floor."
I have been trying to identify from which episode this was cut. It has been speculated that this was some alternate footage from The One After the Superbowl, Part 1, where Joey and Chandler are frightened by the arrival of Joey's stalker. However, I checked that scene on DVD and Joey and Chandler are dressed differently than in this clip. In fact, I've checked all of season 2 leading up to that point, and never found scenes where they had on those clothes.
Since the purpose of my site is to collect established information about the show rather than speculate on things that were not revealed, I am not going to attempt to speculate about what the 7 areas were or how many there really are.
There was one inconsistency (read: "glaring error") around this point in episode [10.16], when Chandler found handcuffs in the closet and later everyone found out they belonged to Nana, the former tenant of the apartment. This couldn't have been true, since it wasn't Nana who lived there. But other than this one time, the writers and producers have been pretty consistent about this.
Paolo: Ragazzi, sono appena arrivato e vivo al piano di sotto, quindi ci vedremo molto spesso, penso.
Translation: Hey guys, I've just arrived and my apartment's on the lower floor, so we'll bump into each other quite often, I think.
Paolo: Phoebe, anche tu bellissima. Se siete tutte così belle mi trasferisco proprio qui.
Translation: Phoebe, you're so beautiful too. If you girls are all so gorgeous, I'll move right here.
Paolo and Rachel are looking outside.
Paolo: Guarda la luna, guarda le stelle... Guarda tutte le cose belle.
Translation: Look at the moon, look at the stars... Look at every beautiful thing.
I should note, though, this episode was filmed in studio in Burbank, California. The Las Vegas footage you saw was simply stock footage of Vegas, inserted between scenes to create the Las Vegas atmosphere / illusion.
You could read more about this chapel at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_White_Wedding_Chapel
.
"The Colonel" is Colonel Sanders (Harland Sanders), creator of what became "Kentucky Fried Chicken". He started selling fried chicken (and other foods) from a cafe in Kentucky (USA) in the 1930s. Later, in the 1950s, he sold the rights for other restaurants to use his chicken recipe and cooking methods, and the "Kentucky Fried Chicken" franchise of restaurants was born. In the USA he was a long-time spokesman or ambassador for KFC, appearing in TV commercials and other advertisements. I'm not sure if this is true in other countries, but in the USA, if you say "chicken" and "Colonel" together, people will usually know you are talking about Colonel Sanders.
Harland Sanders died in 1980, but since then, from time to time, various actors have played his part in TV commercials
You can always try social media, but even if you find a star's "official" account, they may not run it themselves, and your message may not get to them.
