The popular 90s sitcom FRIENDS is a series loved by all generations. The fantastic chemistry among the 6 lead actors and their impeccable comic timing make it a binge-worthy show. The man behind this masterpiece is James Burrows, also known for directing classic sitcoms like Taxi, Cheers, and Will & Grace.
Alongside the lead star cast, including Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, and Matt LeBlanc, the series often featured guest actors who made a significant impact on the audience despite their brief screen time. However, according to the show’s director, not everyone met the high standards, as Burrows claims that in sitcoms, chemistry is as crucial as comedy.
James Burrows expressed his dissatisfaction with the guest star casting on FRIENDS
With Friends, James Burrows created a small world where six friends hung out together. The series was a massive hit, and even today, fans adore it. Aside from its excellent premise and top-notch humor, what Friends fans can attest to is the exceptional chemistry among the main cast.
To prevent monotony and add spice, the director included guest appearances by many renowned celebrities. One of the famous faces who joined the Friends team in a guest role is Helen Baxendale. Baxendale portrayed the role of Emily Waltham, who went from being Ross’s (David Schwimmer) fling to wife and then ex-wife.
In his new memoir, Burrows revealed that he wasn’t content with the casting of ‘Emily’ because, in his view, Baxendale was neither funny nor had on-screen chemistry with Schwimmer. Burrows wrote, “She was nice, but not particularly funny.”
Burrows explained that the pairing of Emily and Ross lacked spark, emphasizing that in every sitcom, chemistry is as important as comedy. The director said,
“Schwimmer had no one to bounce off. It was like clapping with one hand.”
The director further stated that when there is on-screen chemistry between the actors, the writers may put effort into finding creative ways to keep those actors working together within the storyline.
James Burrows considered recasting Emily
Since the goal was to find a new girlfriend for Ross, the benchmark was matching Rachel Green’s comic timing. Jennifer Aniston‘s performance as Rachel Green was indeed impeccable, perhaps explaining why others struggled to meet expectations.
However, Burrows was determined to recast Emily. Due to tight deadlines and other logistical considerations, he couldn’t implement his plan. The director said,
“Often, you can’t recast because of tight shooting deadlines or other logistical considerations. You need someone who gets laughs. Sometimes you start an arc and it ain’t working out, so you have to get rid of that person. If it’s a day player, it’s a quick goodbye.”
The character of Emily was introduced in season 4, and Baxendale’s run on the show lasted for 14 episodes.
Source: People
