Friends Casting Mistake? Director Calls This Star ‘Like Clapping with One Hand’

Even decades after its debut, “Friends” remains a beloved comedy that continues to entertain millions of viewers. The success of the show largely depends on the chemistry and comedic prowess of its main ensemble: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc.

However, as the series progressed, numerous secondary characters were introduced, enhancing the storylines to varying degrees of success. One such addition didn’t leave the best impression on director James Burrows, who helmed several key episodes, including the very first one and some from seasons 2, 3, and 4.

In his 2023 memoirs, “Directed By James Burrows,” he reflects on his time directing “Friends” and openly discusses what he considers a poor casting choice: Helen Baxendale, who played Emily Waltham, Ross’s girlfriend and briefly his wife, in seasons 4 and 5.

“She was nice, but not particularly funny,” he notes in his book.

He particularly laments the lack of comedic synergy between her and David Schwimmer, which, in his view, undermined the believability of their on-screen relationship.

Burrows uses a vivid metaphor to describe the situation: for him, Schwimmer “had no one to bounce off of,” comparing their duo to “someone trying to clap with one hand.” In a series where humor and chemistry are crucial, Emily’s character did not bring the necessary energy to her scenes, according to him.

“Schwimmer had no one to bounce off of. It was like trying to clap with one hand. In sitcoms and all types of romantic comedies, the comedic element is just as important as the chemistry. We then found that any of Ross’s girlfriends needed to be as funny as Rachel.”

An Actress Who Still Appeared in 14 Episodes

Despite the lack of artistic connection, Helen Baxendale remained in the show for 14 episodes. Her continued presence wasn’t due to creative choices but rather production constraints. Changing a role already integrated into a significant plotline can be very challenging, especially within the tight schedule of a successful sitcom.

The director even mentions that it’s sometimes possible to quickly remove a secondary character if they are not working out, which clearly wasn’t the case here.

“Often, it’s impossible to recast [an unsuitable actor] due to very tight filming schedules and other logistical considerations. We need someone who can get the laughs. Sometimes, you start a narrative arc that doesn’t work, and you simply have to let the person go. If it’s a ‘day player’ [an actor paid by the day], you say goodbye quickly.”

A Flourishing Career Post-Friends

While her stint on “Friends” might not have been a hit among the technical crew, Helen Baxendale continued to thrive in her acting career. She took on notable roles, particularly in the British series “Cold Feet: Life’s Little Triumphs” and other productions like “Noughts + Crosses” and the comedy “Cuckoo,” where she appeared in over 30 episodes.

For those looking to revisit her appearances on “Friends,” she first appears in episode 14 of season 4 (“The One with the Dirty Girl”) and makes her final on-screen appearance in episode 6 of season 5 (“The One with the Yeti”). Her voice is heard one last time on the phone in episode 20 of the same season (“The One with the Ride Along”).

Find the complete Friends series on HBO Max.

A compilation of all Friends cameos is available in the video below: