66 celebrities you probably forgot guest-starred on 'Friends'

Jacob Shamsian,Olivia SinghSep 25, 2020, 00:17 IST

The "Friends" crew at Central Perk.Warner Bros.

NBC's hit sitcom "Friends" featured plenty of notable guest actors outside of its star-studded cast.
The show's guest stars included Dakota Fanning, Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Gabrielle Union.
Three "Riverdale" actors also appeared on the show: Cole Sprouse, Marisol Nichols, and Mark Consuelos.
Bruce Willis even won an Emmy for his hilarious role as Paul Stevens on "Friends."

"Friends" remains a bedrock of '90s and early '00s pop culture.

The show's main stars, like Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer, are still major players in Hollywood today. But what's really impressive is how many cameos by famous actors the series packed into its 10 seasons.

From then-current celebrities like Brad Pitt and Susan Sarandon, to future notables like Mae Whitman and Cole Sprouse, it seems like almost everyone working in Hollywood between 1994 and 2004 was on "Friends" at one point or another.

There is, however, a notable absence of actors of color. Until Gabrielle Union in the seventh season, hardly any black actors had a significant role.

Here are 66 guest stars you probably forgot were on "Friends."

Brad Pitt appeared on the show during season eight, while he was married to Jennifer Aniston.

Brad Pitt on season eight of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Leah Remini auditioned for Monica, but didn't get the role. Instead, she was in a scene from season one, in which Joey helped her give birth.

Leah Remini on season one of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Charlie Sheen showed up as Phoebe's old flame and Navy sailor, Ryan.

Charlie Sheen on season two, episode 23 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Danny DeVito played a stripper dressed as a cop at Phoebe's bachelorette party.

Danny DeVito on season 10, episode 11 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Susan Sarandon appeared as a rising costar in Joey's daytime drama, "Days of Our Lives" — much to his chagrin.

Susan Sarandon on season seven, episode 15 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Alison Sweeney, who was in the real-life sitcom "Days of Our Lives," was also in the version of the show in the "Friends" universe.

Alison Sweeney on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Matthew Ashford, another "Days of Our Lives" star, made a cameo at a cast party for the "Friends" version of the show.

Matthew Ashford on season nine, episode 20 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Hugh Laurie got mad at Rachel over airplane manner protocols (and her bad relationship decisions).

Hugh Laurie on season four, episode 24 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

While "Friends" was on the air, Helen Hunt was in "Mad About You." She played her character on "Friends," mistaking Phoebe for her twin sister, Ursula.

Helen Hunt on season one, episode 16 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Reese Witherspoon had an important role as Rachel's spoiled younger sister who broke the relationship dynamics in their lives.

Reese Witherspoon on season six of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Not to be outdone, Christina Applegate played Rachel's other sister, who was in need of help after her boyfriend problems.

Christina Applegate on "Friends." Warner Bros.

David Arquette played Phoebe's twin sister's stalker in an episode from season three.

David Arquette on season three of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Winona Ryder played Rachel's sorority sister and partner in her "big kiss."

Winona Ryder on season three, episode three of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Anna Faris portrayed Erica, the birth mother of twins adopted by Chandler and Monica.

Anna Faris on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Aisha Tyler played Charlie Wheeler, who dated Joey but later ended up with Ross.

Aisha Tyler on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Paul Rudd had an even longer run on "Friends," as Phoebe's second husband.

Paul Rudd on season nine of "Friends." NBC

Robin Williams and Billy Crystal teamed up as Tim and Thomas, two customers at Central Perk during season three.

Billy Crystal and Robin Williams on "Friends." Warner Bros.

To legally change her name to Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock, Phoebe petitioned a clerk played by Craig Robinson.

Craig Robinson on season 10 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Julia Roberts, Chandler's childhood friend, returned to his life to date him for an episode.

Julia Roberts on season two of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Roberts' "My Best Friend's Wedding" costar Dermot Mulroney appeared on a few episodes as Gavin Mitchell.

Dermot Mulroney on "Friends." NBC

Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme played himself, as an actor filming a movie in New York.

Jean-Claude Van Damme on season two, episode 13 of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Sean Penn played the fiancé of Phoebe's twin sister in two episodes from season six.

Sean Penn on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Gary Oldman was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Richard Crosby, a spittle-prone actor who costarred in a movie with Joey.

Gary Oldman on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Ross dated a student for a few episodes, and Bruce Willis stepped in as her father (who dated Rachel).

Bruce Willis on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Ben Stiller had a memorable episode as Tommy — otherwise referred to as "The Screamer" — who was briefly Rachel's short-fused boyfriend.

Ben Stiller on season three of "Friends." Warner Bros.

"Glee" star Jane Lynch cameoed as a real estate agent in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role on season 10.

Jane Lynch on "Friends." Warner Bros,

Fellow "Glee" star Iqbal Theba appeared as a doctor on season five.

Iqbal Theba on "Friends." NBC

Dakota Fanning played Mackenzie, who used to live in a house Monica and Chandler were looking at.

Dakota Fanning on "Friends." Warner Bros.

In a callback to "ER," George Clooney and Noah Wyle played emergency room doctors.

George Clooney and Noah Wyle on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Jason Alexander, known for his role on "Seinfeld," played a character who wanted to commit suicide.

Jason Alexander on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Alec Baldwin played another one of Phoebe's boyfriends.

Alec Baldwin on season eight of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Selma Blair played Chandler's flirty coworker in an episode where he was forced to spend Christmas in Tulsa.

Selma Blair on season nine of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Jeff Goldblum, too, found a way to be on "Friends."

Jeff Goldblum on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Future "Suite Life of Zack and Cody" and "Riverdale" star Cole Sprouse played Ross' son, Ben, in seasons six through eight.

Cole Sprouse on "Friends." Warner Bros.

He's not the only "Riverdale" star who appeared on "Friends." Marisol Nichols (Hermione Lodge) showed up during season nine.

Marisol Nichols on season nine of "Friends." NBC

Long before portraying Hiram Lodge on "Riverdale," one of Mark Consuelos' first roles was on "Friends."

Mark Consuelos on "Friends." NBC

Actress and model Denise Richards played Ross' hot cousin.

Denise Richards on season seven of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Sarah, Duchess of York, appeared as herself, taking a photo with Joey during season four.

Sarah, Duchess of York on "Friends." Warner Bros.

English business mogul Richard Branson had a cameo on the same episode, as a street vendor.

Richard Branson on "Friends." Warner Bros.

"That Girl" actress Marlo Thomas played Rachel's mom on a few episodes.

Marlo Thomas on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Australian model Elle Macpherson had a stint as Joey's girlfriend.

Elle Macpherson on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Jim Rash, who later played the principal on the cult comedy "Community," played a nervous plane passenger on the final episode of the show.

Jim Rash appeared on the last episode of "Friends." Warner Bros.

John Stamos played a potential sperm donor for Chandler and Monica.

John Stamos on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Chandler and Ross both had a crush on a character played by actress and producer Ellen Pompeo.

Ellen Pompeo on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Adam Goldberg guest-starred for three episodes as Chandler's weird roommate.

Adam Goldberg on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Chrissie Hynde, the founder of The Pretenders, wrote some songs with Phoebe.

Chrissie Hynde on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Legendary actress and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini had a cameo as herself.

Isabella Rossellini on season three of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Actress and former Victoria's Secret model Jill Goodacre also appeared as herself.

Jill Goodacre on season one of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Kristin Davis, known for her role as Charlotte on "Sex and the City," was one of Joey's dates on an episode.

Kristin Davis on season seven of "Friends." Warner Bros.

"Simpsons" star Hank Azaria was Phoebe's first major boyfriend.

Hank Azaria on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Fellow "Simpsons" voice actor Harry Shearer was also on the show, wanting to buy Ross' monkey.

Harry Shearer on season one of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Actress and model Rebecca Romijn played another one of Ross's dates.

Rebecca Romijn on season four of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Future "Iron Man" director and Marvel star Jon Favreau played Monica's boyfriend during the third season.

Jon Favreau on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Similar to the Aisha Tyler plot, Gabrielle Union dated both Ross and Joey.

Gabrielle Union on season seven of "Friends." Warner Bros.

"Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock" actor Chris Parnell feuded with Chandler at his job.

Chris Parnell on season eight, episode five of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Phoebe married a Canadian ice dancer, played by Steve Zahn, to help him get a green card.

Steve Zahn on "Friends." Warner Bros.

Mae Whitman, who later starred in "Parenthood," acted as a Girl Scout.

Mae Whitman on season three of "Friends." Warner Bros.

Kyla Pratt, who voiced Penny Proud on "The Proud Family," had a fleeting role as another Girl Scout.

Kyla Pratt on "Friends." Warner Bros.

"She's All That" star Freddie Prinze Jr. played a nanny named Sandy on season nine.

Freddie Prinze Jr. on "Friends." NBC

Tom Selleck played Richard Burke, Monica's eye-doctor-turned-boyfriend.

Tom Selleck and Courteney Cox on "Friends." NBC

"Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey played Mindy, Rachel's best friend and maid of honor in her wedding to Barry that never happened.

Jennifer Grey on "Friends." NBC

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" star Alex Borstein played the star of a one-woman show on season nine.

Alex Borstein on season nine, episode 20 of "Friends." NBC

"That '70s Show" star Debra Jo Rupp had a recurring role as Alice Knight.

Debra Jo Rupp on "Friends." NBC

"Legally Blonde" star Jennifer Coolidge played Amanda Buffamonteezi, Monica and Phoebe's old roommate who returned during season 10.

Jennifer Coolidge on "Friends." NBC

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