Hmm, it’s always a tricky situation when your friend starts dating your ex. Well, at least, Ross and Joey’s friendship was able to withstand it. Initially, Joey begins dating the accomplished Charlie (played by Taylor), a paleontology professor.
But soon, it seems that she catches the eye of Ross. Hey, maybe a paleontologist dating a paleontologist is a better match. Maybe “opposites attract” isn’t always the best way to go when it comes to love.
Reese Witherspoon
Reese is undeniably one of America’s sweethearts. She made not one, but two guest appearances on "Friends."
She appeared as character Jill Greene, Rachel’s younger sister. The pair, in the show, had a rocky relationship, and fans booed from their couches when Jill tried to get back at her older sis by going on dates with Ross, who is, of course, Rachel’s ex (and lobster according to Phoebe). You can see her pop up on the show in season six.
Brad Pitt
This Hollywood hunk was definitely a heartthrob in the 90s, so it makes sense that he was on "Friends," but um, there's also the fact that he was married to Jennifer Aniston at the time. Makes sense.
Anywho, he plays an ex-classmate named Will Colbert from Rachel’s high school. It turns out that Will started a nasty rumor about her in high school. Let's just say the rumor is awful, and if there are laugh tracks around it, they should be reconsidered. Not cool Will, not cool!
Charlton Heston
Well, when you’ve got a Hollywood hard hitter on the cards, you don’t ever cast them as a new character. Naturally, you cast them as their good selves.
The legend himself, who appeared in nigh 100 films over a 60-year-career, is thrown into a hilarious episode where a partly-showered, disheveled Joey (owing to a three-day fishing trip with his old man) sneaks into Heston’s trailer for a shower. The results, you ask? Some classic Joey ridiculousness.
Winona Ryder
Ms. Winona Ryder was having a hot decade in the 90s, so it makes sense that she guest-starred on "Friends." She took on the role of Melissa, who’s friends with Rachel. The pair have a secret, well, not so much a secret anymore — they shared a kiss while drunk in college.
Melissa doesn’t seem to remember it, so Rachel feels she needs to prove that it happened by...doing it again. But plot twist: Melissa remembered everything, and confesses her love for Rachel!
Kristin Davis
While Kirstin Davis's most notable character is the lovable Charlotte on "Sex and the City" she also made an appearance on "Friends." Davis plays Erin, the one-night stand of the show’s lothario, Joey.
In the episode, which aired in 2000, Phoebe and Rachel befriend her, but, as the relationship doesn’t work out, the girls lose a prospective new friend. Sad face. In an interview, later on, Davis confessed her stage fright before joining the show.
Bruce Willis
Yes, this was before Brucey lost all his hair. Over the course of three episodes, the action hero actor played Paul, the father of a gal Ross was dating for a time. And boy, he was just as intimidating as in any of his "Die Hard" films.
Like, a few levels down from Liam Neeson in "Taken." There's a big plot twist: Paul starts dating Rachel! Our favorite part of this is that Willis was on the show as part of a bet Matthew Perry made when they were on set for a film together.
Jeff Goldblum
There’s something so right about Jeff Goldblum’s role on "Friends": he appears on the show as a legendary director, making this a big Joey episode. Unbeknownst to Goldblum’s character, Joey has had a little too much water to drink and really needs to pee, which adds a certain panache to his performance.
This piques the interest of Hayes (Goldblum), who immediately gives him a callback. But does Joey get the role? We've just given you an excuse to rewatch an episode or two.
Dakota Fanning
Nawww isn’t Dakota Fanning a darling! She takes the trophy for the youngest celebrity to appear on "Friends," but she was actually pretty famous at the time. On the show, she portrays Mackenzie, the girl who lives in Monica and Chandler’s prospective new home.
Young Mackenzie doesn’t want to leave her house, and at the same time, Joey doesn’t want his bestie to leave, so the pair become friends. But at the end of the day, Joey learns a life lesson from her.
Helen Hunt
We seriously can’t get enough of all these amazing 90s cameos on "Friends," and in hindsight, it makes things so, so, SO much better. Helen Hunt, who was quite famous at the time already, was snuck into the cast of the episode as Jamie.
The episode also features everyone’s not-so-favorite twin sister, Ursula. Also, can we just talk about the outfits? The black suits and white t-shirts and simple jewelry are giving us life right now!
Christina Applegate
The Greens are here, the Greens are here! Fans were thrilled after Jill, Rachel’s baby sister appeared on the show, and then they got a second look into Rachel’s life when Christina Applegate appeared on the show. Christina took on the role of Amy, Rachel’s other sister.
But in some terrible (yet hilarious) event at Thanksgiving, she basically ensures never to be back (though she ultimately does). Fans absolutely loathed Amy, but critics were all over her — for her perfectly unpleasant performance.
Freddie Prinze Jr.
One of our faves from the 90s, and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s hubby, even Freddie Prinze Jr. had a role on "Friends." He got a lot of his fame in the 90s and even 2000s. He starred in "I Know What You Did Last Summer", "She's All That," and "Scooby-Doo."
In "Friends," he plays Sandy, who’s hired by Rachel to babysit their baby, Emma. But Sandy has a flaw, in Ross’s eyes: he’s just too sensitive. Oh, come on Ross.
Dermot Mulroney
"Halloween" baby Dermot Mulroney makes a special guest appearance in season nine of "Friends," as Gavin Mitchell. But dang it, the whole Ross/Rachel situation got in the way of what could’ve been a very tender and loving romance between his character and Rachel Green.
Sure, fans may disagree because everyone just wants a typical happy ending, but Rachel may have also had a happy ending with Gavin. Love isn’t always to your best friend — people can come out of nowhere and surprise you.
Kathleen Turner
Ohhhh time for some shade! An article that came out a few years ago shone a light on the real truth behind the "Friends" cast. Apparently, it wasn’t all fun and great as most people would think - it was reportedly “cliquey” and “unwelcoming.”
Turner had the role of Chandler’s dad who was a transgender woman on the series. Her time on the series was remembered with rudeness, with Turner claiming her experience with them wasn’t that unique — that they were just a close group and didn’t take too kindly on outsiders. Yikes!
Hank Azaria
Whether you loved him on "The Simpsons," or perhaps as the stay-at-home nanny in "The Birdcage," there’s no doubt Hank Azaria was a winner on this show. He plays David, “the Scientist Guy” and he’s actually one of the first guys to be a love interest of Phoebe’s. He has a recurring role in the series, playing her on-again, off-again boyfriend.
He has a total of five episodes on the show, and we wish it were more — just to see those lovely orange specs and that classic 90s style!
Jennifer Saunders
So you may know Jennifer Saunders from "Absolutely Fabulous" (it’s in the UK, and if you haven’t watched it, please, we’re begging you, give it a go!) or perhaps from her rendition of Fairy Godmother in "Shrek 2." Anyway, she joined the cast of "Friends" for a couple of episodes back in the late 90s, as the mother dearest of Ross’s future wife.
Rich, snobby, and pretentious, Saunders delivers an absolutely golden performance, darling.
Jason Alexander
Talk about double exposure. Jason Alexander had finished "Seinfeld" at the time but thought he’d stop by the "Friends" set and its live audience to relive the NYC sitcom scene. He appears in the episode "The One Where Rosita Dies" as the character Earl.
Phoebe and Earl end up having a very difficult but important conversation during the episode. All things were resolved and it's certainly a memorable storyline.
Paul Rudd
Whether you know him as Ant-Man or as Josh in "Clueless," Paul Rudd is no doubt a household name these days. He not only made it into "Friends," but was hired as a regular cast member. Rudd plays Mike Hannigan, who (spoiler alert) plays Phoebe's husband later on in the series.
He was a highly loved character on the show, and there were a few choice moments — we love going back to when it all started when she was set up on a blind date with Mike by Joey.
Sean Penn
We love the solar system outfit that Penn’s character, Eric, sports in one of the episodes which aired back in 2001. The only reason the Hollywood A-lister agreed to appear on the show was that his kids both loved it.
What a great dad! Penn’s character is dating Phoebe’s “evil” twin sister Ursula. Fans share Phoebe’s horror when the seemingly sweet Eric drops that bomb — but then Phoebs finds out her sis has been lying to him. That's when the love triangle ensues!
Cole Sprouse
Now it’s time to fess up folks: which of you had a crush on Jennifer Aniston when she played Rachel on "Friends?" Ok, you still do? Fair enough — and you’re not alone. According to an interview given by Cole Sprouse, the then eight-year-old admitted to forgetting his lines whenever he was in Jen’s presence.
NAW! Appearing on the show as Ross Geller’s little boy Ben, he said it made it hard for him to work on the show, saying he would “stammer a lot and…forget..lines.”
Jean Claude Van Damme
We’d make a pun (that seems so appropriate) using JC’s surname, but we won’t. Now you’re thinking about it…and you’ve got it. Okay, anyway, did you know that he had a cameo on "Friends?" Yeah, blink and you’ll miss it — well, you won’t miss his biceps, but yes, it’s fleeting.
He stops by in the episode that Julia Roberts is in too, causing a little bit of a catfight between Rachel and Monica when he asks Rachel out while she was trying to wing-woman Monica!
Tom Selleck
Tom Selleck and his mustache are certainly an iconic duo. Selleck has been sporting his mustache for decades, and it certainly hasn’t lost his charm since his "Magnum P.I." days. On "Friends," the tall, dark, and handsome (did you know he’s 6’4?) Selleck plays Monica’s on-again and then off-again boyfriend.
Oh and he’s also a DOCTOR. Do the pair end up together? I think it's time for a re-watch.
Sarah Ferguson
In "The One with Ross’s Wedding," fans were treated to a special episode that was shot in the UK. And there was a couple of fun celebrity — and in this case, royalty — cameos. Along with Richard Branson, who actually gave 75 first-class tickets to appear on the show (yep you read that right), we see Sarah, Duchess of York.
Joey pulls out his trusty camcorder to record the moment. Her daughters had pushed her to appear on the show, and it actually stopped some of the negative press Sarah was getting at the time. Gah, those British tabs are awful!
Bob Balaban
Enter mister….Frank Buffay Sr. Don’t forget the senior. Fittingly, with his specs and long flowing golden brown hair, Balaban portrays Phoebe and Ursula’s dad.
But he wasn’t exactly a great dad to the twins. Initially, he was married to Lily Abbott, and they planned on raising the twin girls together. He then, unfortunately, walked out. Ouch! So he’s her birth father, but a not very present one. Though apparently, the audience finds out where Phoebe’s song “Smelly Cat” found its melody.
Morgan Fairchild
Morgan appeared on "Friends" as Nora Tyler Bing — of course, Chandler’s mom. She popped up on the show in 1995, and she greatly enjoyed playing the part due to the fun of the writing and all the jokes written in. At the time, she thought the show, whilst still in its infancy, had potential — and boy, was she right.
While some of her actress friends thought her too young to “play the mom” she took the role.
Billy Crystal & Robin Williams
Ah, we absolutely love the episode where Billy Crystal and Robin Williams happen to stop by Central Perk to explode onto the scene. Crystal and Williams appear as two friends having a cup of Joe, with the "Friends" cast intently listening to their conversation, which grows increasingly louder by the second. A cheating scandal comes out and the pair begin to yell at one another, grabbing the attention of the gang.
The actors weren't actually asked to act for the show — they happened to be across the road working on another project and decided it would be fun to jump in and improvise. Love it!
Julia Roberts
That smile could light up any room, or set in this instance! Julia Roberts made an appearance on "Friends," as Chandler’s friend from high school.
Back in the day, he humiliated her, so she was out for revenge (which is hilarious) Also in case you didn’t know, the reason she was cast on the show was that she was dating Matthew Perry at the time. Romantic, we know! Check her out in “The One After The Super Bowl: Part 2.”
George Clooney
It was a case of worlds colliding when "Friends" had George Clooney guest star alongside his colleague at the time on "ER," Noah Wyle. The pair fittingly played handsome doctors, who happened to ask out Monica and Rachel on a double date. Audiences basically lost it, particularly fans of both shows.
Best. Crossover. Ever. Pretty crazy to look back on a young George Clooney — he was pretty cute in those scrubs and stethoscopes.
Gary Oldman
Oho! Enter British great Gary Oldman (he’s had so many roles over the years we can’t begin to list them), on the set of "Friends."
Picture this: it’s season seven on the show, and Joey’s acting career takes him to a set of a WWII film…and out comes Gary Oldman. Oldman adopts a…speech impediment for the role, which is pretty hilarious when you watch the show and watch Joey react to it. We absolutely love this episode and cameo.
Alec Baldwin
Phoebe was an enigmatic and wonderful character so it's no wonder that her dating life was buzzing on the show. One of her love interests was Parker, played by Alec Baldwin. Parker turns out to be kinda clingy, very enthusiastic and well, he’s just more than a tad annoying.
Who knew being too positive could be a bad thing?
Hugh Laurie
Remember that fated airplane ride of Rachel’s? When she’s sat next to Hugh Laurie? Our favorite doctor on "House", Laurie retains his native British accent and plays the next-door passenger to Rachel while she goes to London.
This was well before the role in "House" that shot him to stardom. Yep, when Ross gets married to Emily in the UK, Rachel gets to talking to Laurie’s character, and he drops a truth bomb that she and Ross were most definitely “on a break.”
Ellen Pompeo
Meredith? Oh, Meredith? Is that you? Wait…no scrubs? It can’t be! But wait, it is! We’re talking mere months before she started on the series that would change her life ("Grey’s Anatomy"), Ellen Pompeo made an appearance on "Friends."
She pops up as Missy, a college pal of both Ross and Chandler’s. The secret that gets out: she had a kiss with Chandler, even though both of them liked her. Things certainly get a little messy.
Charlie Sheen
Ah, another love interest for Phoebe. Except this former flame has an issue…and an itchy one at that: chickenpox. Charlie Sheen gives a memorable performance as a former fling of our favorite goofball, and he even dons a US Navy uniform.
The “surprise” visit sweeps Phoebe off her feet... until she gets the chickenpox. Due to their proximity, Sheen also comes down with a bad case. Looks like it’s a chicken soup date and a cold compress for them both.
Giovanni Ribisi
Giovanni played the recurring character of Phoebe's brother, Frank jr. Just Like Phoebe, Frank is a little offbeat, which is why we love him. The two reunite in season 3 of the show, and their sibling bond grows throughout the show.
It's heartwarming to watch all the love and support they provide for one another.
Gabrielle Union
Before her "Bad Boys 2" days the immensely talented Gabrielle Union plays (surprise surprise) Joey’s latest love interest AND neighbor. At the time, Kristen (Union) moves across the street from the gang and captures the attention of both Joey and Ross. But there’s one hilarious and AMAZING twist — (well, it’s not amazing for the guys, but it’s a girl power moment for sure) she’s actually dating them both!
The guys come to realize that she’s playing them both and let her choose — so she dumps them both.
Aisha Taylor
Hmm, it's always a tricky situation when your friend starts dating your ex. Well, at least, Ross and Joey's friendship was able to withstand it. Initially, Joey begins dating the accomplished Charlie (played by Taylor), a paleontology professor.
But soon, it seems that she catches the eye of Ross. Hey, maybe a paleontologist dating a paleontologist is a better match. Maybe "opposites attract" isn't always the best way to go when it comes to love.
Richard Branson
In a pompously British episode, we have one of the best cameos ever — more for the job of the character rather than the actual person acting the part. So picture this: Richard Branson, a street vendor.
We’ll say that again: Richard Branson (founder of Virgin Group ), the street vendor. Hilarious right? Joey and Chandler, who are in the UK for Ross’s wedding, decided to buy a few souvenirs from Branson.
Elle Macpherson
Someone who didn’t have such great feelings about being on "Friends" was Aussie supermodel, Elle Macpherson. The woman who has won the title of “the body”, has since earned the title of “the one who regrets” hehe.
While she didn't stay on the show for long, she thinks back on her role that she “may have not chosen to do it.” The main thing Elle talks about is that the show was around for 20 plus years and is still watched today. But honestly, she shouldn’t sweat it — if anything, she’s part of TV history!
Denise Richards
It's season seven, and Monica and Chandler, who are about to get married, are hosting Monica's cousin Cassie — played by Richards. When they were little Ross and Monica don't remember thinking much of her, but now, as an undoubtedly attractive woman with hair that might actually be made of pure gold, things look different.
Since Chandler couldn't stop staring, Cassie moved to Ross's place. And since Ross didn't seem to be able to stop staring either, she moved again to stay with Phoebe. Apparently, Phoebe was having a hard time just like the guys had.
Selma Blair
Off to Tulsa, Oklahoma we go for this episode. And we bump into none other than Selma Blair, who plays Wendy, a former Miss Oklahoma. It’s Christmas and Monica is feeling pretty awful that she’s away from Chandler, assuming that he’s going to start a little something with the gorgeous Wendy.
But Chandler, who loves Monica and wants to be in New York, proves his love and commitment and quits his job to make sure he spends Christmas in NYC.
Fred Willard
Man, we can’t believe legend Fred Willard is no longer with us. The actor, who’s known for a variety of comedies, appeared on "Friends" in season 2 as the San Diego Zoo Manager. Ross is in pursuit of Marcel, Ross’s capuchin monkey during the first season.
But Lipson, who’s played by Willard, informs Ross that the monkey has passed away. However, Ross finds out this was not the case - and sees through Willard’s lies. It’s a great episode, folks, get on it.
Anna Faris
Ah, the hilarious Anna Faris. She shows up fashionably late in the show, guest-starring in season 10. She portrays the birth mom of Monica and Chandler’s kids. Sorry y’all, spoiler alert: Monica and Chandler adopt twins.
Anna forms part of one of the most heartwarming storylines in the show's history; Chandler and Monica's journey to parenthood. At the time, she was well known for her role in the "Scary Movie" film franchise. Quite the character shift we might say!
Danny DeVito
Okay so, you can disagree with us BUT, we will say that Danny DeVito is a father of comedy. As he truly embodies the phrase "dynamite comes in small packages", he certainly left an impression on the "Friends" cast. In "The One Where the Stripper Cries" he stars as a down-and-out stripper.
The episode is often ranked high on lists of the best episodes. In classic Phoebe fashion, she gives Roy (DeVito) some life advice that sets him on a new path.
Susan Sarandon
The episode with Hollywood Icon, Susan Sarandon, is a crossover with the popular 90s show "Days of Our Lives." Joey is absolutely thrilled that he’ll be on the show, but there’s a twist: the character he’s playing has the brain of the character who Susan was playing in the show. Yeah... messy.
When the actress finds out, she isn't exactly pleased. That’s when Joey turns up his classic charm to eleven, and the pair have a romantic fling.
Brooke Shields
Our favorite eyebrows of the 90s, okay, or maybe ever — Brooke Shields is her usual stunning self on "Friends," appearing as Joey’s latest date. Her character, Erika Ford, goes on a dinner date with Joey.
Sounds dreamy until Joey realizes she isn’t dating him for him. Instead, she thinks he is actually Dr. Drake Ramoray, the character he plays on "Days of Our Lives." Pretty hilarious!
Isabella Rossellini
Bring. Back. The. 90's. Power. Suit. Please! Rossellini is the picture of sharp elegance, in a sophisticated pinstripe, double-breasted suit, and slicked-back hairdo. No wonder Ross had a massive crush on her.
Guest-starring as herself, she discovers that Ross had recently removed her from his laminated list of celebrities he can sleep with. In return, she totally embarrasses him. Go Isabella Go!
Michael McKean
Ah yes, Mr. Rastatter? We totally love this cameo. He is desperately trying to launch "Mokolate", a synthetic chocolate substitute. It turns out to be as unappetizing as it sounds.
Monica tries — and fails — to mask her disgust for it. If you can’t recall the scene, head on over to the "Friends" Instagram page — they actually posted it. Michael McKean is gold!
Ben Stiller
Lucky Ben Stiller, eh? Getting to go on a date or two with the incredible Jennifer Aniston, even if it's just acting. While he is only on the show for one episode, he definitely goes out with a bang. Owing to his extremely short temper, Rachel’s date would just lose it at anyone or anything for basically no reason.
The two actors' chemistry was obviously undeniable as they went on to star in the rom-com, "Along Came Polly."
Jennifer Coolidge
“1992... that was the year I… with Evel Knievel” that was a great line eh? We can’t fill in the blank but it’s there. Fans will know. Jennifer plays Amanda Buffamonteezi, a friend who moved to the UK and comes back with the worst British accent ever. We love to hate it.
Coolidge’s character blurts out that Phoebe once wasn’t too fond of Monica, which causes the two to have words. But just wait until Coolidge starts dancing. It's absolutely fabulous!
Rebecca Romijn
Ross starts dating Cheryl, played by Rebecca Romijn. It's lust at first sight with these two but there’s one problem: she has a seriously dirty apartment. While her place looks worse than a frat room, there’s a double standard — she says Ross’s place smells weird.
Talk about he said, she said. Ross tries very hard to look past the mess but when he finds a rat in her apartment, he decides it’s time to move on.
Jon Favreau
Ah, good old Jon Favreau. The esteemed actor and director/producer/writer makes an appearance on "Friends." He plays a wealthy (okay, when we say wealthy, we mean BILLIONAIRE) New Yorker, Pete, who falls for Monica.
The two get pretty serious until his aspiration of becoming a professional fighter on UFC gets in the way. Talk about a knockout.