Friends Director Reveals Helen Baxendale Almost Recast: In his book “Directed by James Burrows,” the 82-year-old director of “Friends” revealed a surprising fact: Helen Baxendale almost didn’t get the part of Ross Geller’s wife Emily. What’s going on? Ross, played by David Schwimmer, needed more chemistry on TV. “It was like clapping with one hand,” Burrows said of their strange interaction.
Burrows said it was difficult to find chemistry like Ross and Rachel’s (played by Jennifer Aniston). Schwimmer lacked someone to bounce ideas off,” he said, noting that in love comedies, “funny is as crucial as chemistry. Someone else could have played Emily, but the tight timeline prevented it.
Burrows said, “Usually, recasting is not possible due to tight deadlines or logistics.” You need someone who can make people laugh. Sometimes, you start an arc, but it doesn’t work out, so you have to remove that person. If it’s a day player, we say bye quickly. If the chemistry works, Burrows said, “writers find a way to keep the actor.”
Helen Baxendale, who played Emily and was criticized for not being very funny, appeared in 14 episodes. She debuted in season four. During Ross and Emily’s wedding in season five, she had a significant role. Ross mistakenly said Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s during their vows. That scene is iconic in “Friends” history.
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During the “Friends” reunion in 2021, Ross and Rachel’s on-screen relationship was discussed extensively. Schwimmer said the players had feelings for each other on the show. “We were once deeply in love,” he said. “It was like two ships passing” because we were always in a relationship and never crossed that line. “We considered that,” he said. Aniston said, “I remember telling David, ‘It’ll be a bummer if our first kiss is on TV.'”
Helen Baxendale’s decision to continue as Emily significantly impacted the plot, despite eventually leaving and Ross and Rachel reconciling. Thanks to Burrows ‘ revelations, fans have gained insight into the popular show’s behind-the-scenes. The news is shocking because the Ross and Rachel plot is still widely discussed years after the show ended. With Burrows’ book released, “Friends” fans want to know more about the show’s behind-the-scenes.
Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Helen Baxendale quit Friends?
Pregnancy kept Baxendale from flying to the States for a regular role on the show. She also wasn’t into the fame that came with Friends, so she turned down the opportunity to become a main cast member.
Was Helen Baxendale asked to return to Friends?
Recently came across an old interview with Helen Baxendale where she revealed that she had been offered the chance to return to Friends for its final season, but opted to pursue a role in a West End Play instead.
Why did they get rid of Emily on Friends?
Burrows gets straight to the point, stating that the show almost replaced Emily because Baxendale didn’t have enough chemistry with Schwimmer’s Ross and wasn’t as funny as Aniston’s Rachel.
Who was meant to play Emily in Friends?
Entertainment Weekly reported that Patsy Kensit was initially set to portray Emily on Friends. When that didn’t pan out, the writers decided to have Ross travel to London, England due to a serious relationship, and Baxendale was chosen for the role.