The years pass, but not the success. 28 years after its first broadcast in the United States… Friends is still considered one of the most cult series of all time. However, there are some things you still don’t know about the 90s sitcom. Leenkus reveals a few to you!
Friends, the series has changed title 3 times!
If Friends is etched in everyone’s minds today… The sitcom almost had a different name. Indeed, as reported by Kelsey Miller, the American journalist in her book Nostalgia Friends… The NBC show has changed its name several times.
First titled Insomnia Café by the creators, who noticed a café of that name on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles. The series then became Friends like Us “Friends like us”. Then, NBC asked for a new title change, and Friends like Us became Six of One (“Six for one”, in French).
So, some time before the first episode aired, the channel again demanded an edit. To go to the simplest, it offers the title Friends, period.
2. This main character who almost existed
Also according to the journalist, some executives of the American channel NBC had “serious” concerns about the Friends project. Indeed, all the main actors were young. NBC then wanted to add an older character, who would come regularly to give life advice to friends.
First considered as the owner of Central Perk… He ended up becoming a policeman. “Do you remember the children’s book Pat the Rabbit? Instead of Pat the Rabbit, we had Pat the Cop”, explains Marta Kauffman.
If they did indeed write this character to incorporate it into the script… The creators did not appreciate it at all and therefore begged the channel to do without. With hindsight, we say to ourselves that they did very well to insist!
3. Jennifer Aniston was to play Monica, and Courteney Cox, Rachel
Ross in the pocket, the creators of the Friends series therefore began to look for their Rachel. First, they thought of Courteney Cox, a known face at the time for a few films and series, commercials, as well as an extremely popular clip with Bruce Springsteen.
However, when appearing at the audition… Courteney Cox demanded to apply for the role of Monica, and not for that of Rachel. “She said, ‘No, I’m Monica.’ And she was right. Always trust the actor”, said Kevin Bright years later, as reported again by Kelsey Miller.
During her audition, the actress infused the character with a boundless energy that eventually became one of her defining characteristics.
4. Bruce Willis played for free following a bet!
In 2000, Matthew Perry starred in the film My Neighbor the Killer, alongside Bruce Willis. The comedian was soon to make an appearance in season six of Friends. This in the guise of Paul Stevens, the father of Elizabeth, the young girlfriend of Ross, and brief lover of Rachel.
Convinced then that the film would be number one at the box office upon its release… Matthew Perry therefore decides to bet with his co-star. If he wins, Bruce Willis should play Friends for free. And that’s exactly what happened!
5. The Friends actors have united to negotiate their salaries
During the first season of Friends, all the actors earned around $22,000 per episode.
Time progressed and the gap began to widen. In 1997, the six stars of the series stood up and threatened to stop working if their incomes were not equalized, at 100,000 dollars per episode. As the New York Times points out. Since then, comedians have always earned the same salary.
