Sorry, Only The Biggest Friends Fans Can Name These Secondary Characters
- by Evan_Bell
- – on
- in Movies and TV
Throughout the course of the Friends ten seasons, the show saw countless celebrity guest stars make appearances as secondary characters on the hit sitcom. From momentary celebrity appearances, such as Robin Williams as a man at Central Perk who learns his wife is unfaithful to him, to recurring guest appearances from actors such as Tom Selleck, there were more 'Friends' than just the core group. While the series saw countless celebrity guest actors and actresses make appearances, it also helped launch the careers of David Schwimmer, Matt Le Blanc, Matthew Perry, Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow.
The show ran from 1994-2003, setting countless records for its viewership. The show was nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, and is widely regarded as being one of the greatest shows in television history. In 2002, it won the Outstanding Comedy Series award for the eighth time, a historic feat. In addition, the actors and actresses cemented their place in TV history by eventually becoming the highest paid TV actors & actresses. To this day, the crew is paid a considerable amount simply off televised rerun episodes and streaming subscription services.
In this quiz, we're going to be taking a look at some of the most lowkey secondary characters from throughout the course of the series, as well as some of the secondary characters who made appearances in several episodes throughout the series. Some of the actors and actresses got their start on the series before going on to star in other things, while others on this quiz made iconic guest appearances on the show after already cementing their place in Hollywood.
Who is this?
Played by Bonnie Somerville, this character met Ross at Chandler and Monica's wedding before the pair briefly dated. After things were off to a good start in their relationship, this character wound up causing quite a bit of trouble in their relationship by wanting to send out a Christmas card together after briefly dating for a couple weeks. Obviously, things didn't go too well when Ross told her that Rachel was moving into his apartment. Do you remember this character's name?
Who is this?
Played by Elle Macpherson, this character ended up moving in with Joey after Chandler moved in with Monica. While Joey didn't know where she was from when he allowed her to move in, he did know that she was a dancer. They finally get to kiss at the Dick Clarke Rockin' New Year Eve rehearsal, before briefly dating. Unfortunately for Joey, this character can't stand his friends, and they wind up breaking up fairly quickly. Do you remember her name?
Who is this?
Played by Criminal Minds star Paget Brewster, this character makes an appearance in season 4 as Joey's girlfriend. After being introduced to the group, Chandler quickly falls in love with her leading up to a big kiss between the two. After Joey finds out, he makes Chandler sit in a gigantic wooden box before this character decides to leave town. Joey of course then sends Chandler after her in an attempt to save the relationship. Do you remember this character's name?
Who is this?
Appearing in just a handful of episodes during season 4, this character wound up dating Ross briefly before the pair decided to get married. During the wedding in England, Ross infamously says Rachel's name instead of this character's, putting a significant rift between the pair. After unsuccessfully trying to manipulate Ross into never seeing Rachel again, they wind up getting a divorce, marking the second divorce of Ross' life. She never appears again, with her off-screen pregnancy cutting her time on the show short. Do you remember the character's name?
Who is this?
Played by Alexandra Holden, this character appeared in a handful of episodes during season 6 after she professes her interest in Ross. After initially thinking it was a bad idea, Ross comes around to the idea of dating this student. While the pair are happy in the beginning, her father doesn't approve of Ross, leading to several hilarious interactions between Ross and this character's father, who made several celebrity guest appearances on the show. Do you remember this character's name?
Who is this?
Played by Golden Globe nominated General Hospital star, Morgan Fairchild. This character makes several appearances throughout the series as Chandler's mother. Making her first appearance early on in the series, this character is at the center of quite a bit of controversy among the group after she kisses Ross while he's going through a tough time. This character is a writer and has several published books. Do you remember the name of Chandler's infamous mother who kissed Ross in season 1?
Who is this?
This character, played by Jessica Hecht, makes her appearance early on in the series as the love interest of Ross' first wife. What starts out as a friendship Ross approved of between this character and Carol, quickly becomes more as Carol leaves Ross for this character. She is a recurring character who makes appearances in every season, playing mother to Ross and Carol's son Ben. While she and Ross may not have always seen eye to eye, they ended up getting along more as time went on. Do you remember her name?
Who is this?
This character, played by actor/director Jon Favreau, makes an appearance in season three when he begins to frequent a restaurant Monica works at. After trying to convince her to go on a date with him, he winds up leaving her a $10,000 tip, ultimately leading to a situation where the pair becomes friends first before dating. After dating for a while, Monica thinks that he's going to propose but actually winds up attempting to become the Ultimate Fighting Champion. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character, played by Anita Barone, was Ross' first wife. Prior to the beginning of the series, she and Ross go through a rough patch, resulting in the pair getting a divorce after this character begins seeing someone else. Despite this, she and Ross have a child together and co-parent semi-successfully throughout the entire series. Later in the series, she and her girlfriend wind up getting married, with Ross ultimately taking part in the wedding. Do you remember this characters name?
Who is this?
This character makes her first appearance in the 100th episode during season 3, The One with the Hypnosis Tape. She enters into the series as the girlfriend of Phoebe's brother, who used to formerly be his teacher in school. The pair wind up asking Phoebe to carry their children, and she makes six appearances throughout the course of the series. Played by famed actress Debra Jo Rupp, who went on to star in That 70s Show, do you remember who she played in Friends?
Who is this?
This character makes an appearance early on in the series, his ongoing on-again-off-again relationship with Phoebe continues up until her official engagement. While the pair meet at the coffee shop and things are off to a good start, things wind up taking a turn when this character has to go to Minsk for work as a Scientist. When he finally comes back into town, he and Phoebe hit it off once again, but by then it's too late. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character, played by Sam McMurray, is Chandler's boss. He makes three appearances throughout the series, and has several issues that occur with Chandler. He has a strange way of praising his employees that makes Chandler a bit uncomfortable at first, before the pair move past it. Monica however is horrified at how fake Chandler acts around this character when the two couples get together for social gatherings. Do you recall the name of the character who plays Chandler's boss?
Who is this?
This character, played by Ted star and Avatar star Giovanni Ribisi, makes several appearances throughout the series as Phoebe's brother. After the pair wind up meeting at Phoebe's dad's house, they begin to bond, ultimately leading to this character and his girlfriend asking Phoebe to carry their child. Later in the series, he considers asking Phoebe to adopt one of the triplets, but then decides against it when he realizes he can't give up any of the kids. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character lives in the same apartment building as Monica, Chandler, Rachel, and Joey, living a floor under them. Their noise frequently bothers him, and causes him to use a broom to bang on the ceiling of his apartment, the floor of Monica's apartment. When he and the gang get into a heated competition of who can get the last word in between stomping on the floor and banging the broom on the ceiling, he ends up dying. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character makes his first appearance in season seven when Rachel begins the process of hiring an assistant, while he isn't her first choice, she winds up hiring him after developing a bit of a crush on him. While the pair winds up dating for a while, they break up on Rachel's 30th birthday after she decides that he's too young for her. He is played by Eddie Cahill, who had a prominent role in 'Miracle' a famed movie about the US Olympic Hockey Team.
Who is this?
This character makes his debut in season 3 as Rachel's boyfriend. While he initially hits it off with the group, they end up seeing his real side when he yells at a pair of old people. Ross attempts to warn the group about this character's anger issues, however no one believes him until they hear him yelling at Chandler and Joey's pet Duck and Chick, at which point everyone confronts him. Do you remember the name of the character played by guest actor Ben Stiller?
Who is this?
This character makes his first appearance in season 8 when he attends a Halloween party at Monica's apartment. He mistakes Phoebe for her twin sister and winds up kissing her at the party. After learning that everything he knew about Ursula was a lie, he finds comfort from Phoebe. While things start out weird between the two, the pair winds up briefly dating during his brief stint on the show. He is played by Sean Penn, do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character makes his first appearance in season two. A friend of the Geller's, Monica winds up catering an event for him with Phoebe. During the course of the evening, he and Monica hit it off and wind up seeing each other again shortly after the party when Monica gets an eye exam. The pair date for quite a while however they end up breaking up when this character admits to Monica that he doesn't want kids. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character makes his first appearance in season 6 as the father of Ross' love interest, Elizabeth. He admittedly doesn't like Ross, and finds it weird that a professor is dating a student so much younger than him. He and Ross have several interesting encounters, especially after he begins to date Rachel. After realizing that Ross too is "a neat guy" he and Ross begin to see eye to eye, not so reluctantly however. Do you remember the name of this celebrity guest actor?
Who is this?
This character enters into the show late in the series, becoming a main member of the cast after Joey promised Phoebe he would find a guy for her to go out with. Unable to find anyone, Joey goes into Central Perk and shouts this character's name in hopes of finding a random person to take out with Phoebe. While he may not have been who the show writers intended Phoebe to end up with, Paul Rudd's portrayal of this character was enough to earn him a spot on the show as it wrapped up.
Who is this?
This character makes his appearance late in the series, played by Jeff Goldblum, Joey has to audition for a part in a stage play with this prestigious actor. Joey utilizes a unique technique to make sure he plays the part right. Forcing himself not to use the bathroom prior to going to his audition so he can appear squirmy for the interview. Goldblum, of course, has appeared in some of the most iconic movies of all time such as Jurassic Park. Do you remember his character's name in friends?
Who is this?
This character makes his appearance in season 8. Played by Alec Baldwin, he enters into the show as Phoebe's overly enthusiastic boyfriend that goes out to a party with the group. Already a self-proclaimed expert about everyone in the group, he was reportedly based on one of the creator's boyfriends. He was referenced prior to his first actual appearance in the show. Unfortunately for him, Phoebe and the group can't seem to get passed his annoying enthusiasm. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character makes his first appearance in season 9 after Chandler and Monica learn that they are unable to have children. Chandler brings him over to Monica's apartment for an interview, unbeknownst to him, to see if he's going to be the donor for their child. Played by John Stamos, he has a small but very memorable role in the series given Stamos' popularity. Stamos, of course, starred in Full House and has a very storied acting career. Do you remember his character's name?
Who is this?
This character makes a short appearance during season 9 when Ross and Rachel are trying to find a nanny for their baby. When they are going through the process of interviewing prospective nannies, they come across this character, famously portrayed by guest actor Freddie Prinze Jr. While Ross and Rachel hire him, Ross winds up feeling uncomfortable with a male nanny, and has to fire this character despite the fact that he was very popular with the other members of the group. Do you remember this character's name?
Who is this?
Portrayed by Bad Boys star Gabrielle Union, this character makes a brief appearance towards the end of the series. While moving into her new apartment across the street from Central Perk, Joey and Ross both introduce themselves to this character and both ask her on dates. Realizing later in the episode that they both have dates with this character, they begin to compete with one another, before ultimately sabotaging each other on the date. Do you know what this character's name is?
Who is this?
This character makes his debut at the end of the series as Joey's costar in a World War II movie that can't stop spitting on him. This character comes in drunk to one of the days of filming on set, nearly causing Joey to miss Monica and Chandler's wedding. He was portrayed by famed actor Gary Oldman who has starred in countless theatre productions as well as movies, such as the Batman Trilogy, and Darkest Hour, where he played Winston Churchill. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character moves into Chandler's apartment briefly early in the series after Joey decides his Days Of Our Lives Money can buy him his own penthouse apartment. Chandler finds this character to be his new roommate however things wind up getting weird when they don't immediately click. After this character accuses Chandler of sleeping with his girlfriend, Chandler decides it's time to kick him out, however he refuses to leave. This leads to an epic scene where Joey moves back in. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
This character makes her first appearance in season 9. She makes some questionable babysitting decisions and crashes the group's Thanksgiving at Monica and Chandler's apartment. Portrayed by famed actress Christina Applegate, this character boldly declares that she would get Ross and Rachel's daughter Emma if something were to happen to them. This causes quite the commotion amongst the group regarding who would take care of Emma in such a situation.
Who is this?
Arguably the biggest celebrity guest appearance in the entire series, this character, played by Brad Pitt, makes an appearance at the group's Thanksgiving. As it turns out, he went to Lincoln High with Rachel, Ross, Monica, and Chandler as well, and was the co-founder of the 'I Hate Rachel' club alongside Ross. While Rachel doesn't remember him, he certainly remembers her and causes an argument amongst the group that sees him and Ross resurrect the club. Do you remember his name?
Who is this?
Making her first appearance in season 9, this character is introduced into the show as a potential love interest for Ross. The pair meet when Ross has to give a tour to college professors, one of whom is this character. Ultimately however, she winds up kissing Joey at his Days Of Our Lives rooftop party. With that being said, at the Paleontology conference, this character winds up falling for Ross, resulting in the pair dating briefly. Do you know her name?
Who is this?
This character made his series debut in season 1, appearing several times throughout season one and two. He briefly becomes an extended member of the group through Monica, whom he dates on and off throughout his tenure on the show. Things start out great between the two before the group realizes that the character has a bit of a drinking problem. While he is able to kick the habit, Monica then finds him extremely boring, and they wind up breaking up. Do you know his name?
Who is this?
This character makes his debut in season two, resurfacing from a deployment in the Navy every couple of years. Whenever he gets shore leave, he and Phoebe rekindle their relationship despite the time they spend apart. In his season two debut, Phoebe is distressed over having the chicken pox before he comes ashore, however when the pair meet up, he decides he won't let the chicken pox prevent them from having a great weekend together. Do you remember the name of this character played by Charlie Sheen?
Who is this?
This character makes his debut mid-way in the series, tracking down Phoebe at Monica's after she finds his police badge at Central Perk. After swearing that she will never go back to jail, she winds up going on a date with this character. Things start off well as he asks Phoebe to move in with him, almost even a little too quickly. He appears in four episodes throughout the fifth season and is played by Michael Rapaport. Do you know his character's name?
Who is this?
This character makes her debut later in the series, playing the role of a Days Of Our Lives star that Joey must work with. After learning that the show plans to write her off, Joey goes to her for acting advice. This blossoms into a bit of a connection between the pair, who end up sharing a night together after countless acting lessons between the two. Rachel, a soap opera fan, of course, is ecstatic, however nothing long term comes of it. Do you remember her name?
Who is this?
This character makes her debut in the show's final season. After Chandler and Monica learn that they are unable to have children, they turn to a surrogate. After a mishap that sees the adoption agency believe that they are two different people, Chandler and Monica wind up fortunate enough to get a set of twins carried by this character. They of course, infamously don't know that they are getting twins, and briefly panic. Do you know who this character is?