Friends Director Reveals: This Actress Was Nice But Not Very Funny!

For decades, audiences have been cracking up at “Friends,” largely thanks to the comedic prowess of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc, who together formed one of the most iconic groups of friends on television.

Over the years, many guest stars have joined this beloved ensemble, each adding a little something extra to the show and providing fresh laughs—except for one individual, according to James Burrows, who directed 11 episodes in the first season (including the pilot) and several episodes in seasons 2, 3, and 4.

The person he views as a “miscasting” is none other than Helen Baxendale, who portrayed Emily Waltham, Ross’s wife in seasons 4 and 5 of the sitcom. In his book Directed By James Burrows, published last year, the director shared some rather harsh words about her performance.

“She was nice, but not very funny,” he wrote, specifically criticizing her lack of chemistry with David Schwimmer, with whom she was supposed to convincingly form a couple—even though the character was perpetually smitten with Rachel.

“Schwimmer had no one to play off of. It was like trying to clap with one hand. In sitcoms and all kinds of romantic comedies, comedic timing is just as critical as chemistry. We then realized that any of Ross’s girlfriends needed to be as funny as Rachel.“

Irreplaceable for Practical Reasons

Despite the lack of chemistry, the actress still appeared in 14 episodes of the show, but for reasons unrelated to the creative team’s wishes, according to Burrows.

“Often, it’s impossible to recast [an actor who isn’t working out] due to very tight shooting schedules and other logistical considerations. We need someone who can deliver the laughs. Sometimes, you start a narrative arc that doesn’t work, and you have to let the person go. If it’s a ‘day player’ [an actor paid by the day], you bid them farewell quickly.“

Helen Baxendale was thus written out partway through season 5. However, she quickly moved on to another comedy, Cold Feet: Love and Small Triumphs, and has recently appeared in series like Noughts + Crosses and the comedy Cuckoo, where she featured in over 30 episodes.

If you’re looking to revisit the episodes featuring Emily, she makes her debut in episode 14 of season 4, titled “The One with the Unagi.” Her final on-screen appearance is in episode 6 of season 5, and she is last heard on the phone in episode 20 of that same season.

All episodes of Friends are available to watch in full on Max.

Also, rediscover all the Friends cameos in the video below: