Some of the biggest names in Hollywood hung out at Central Perk, Monica and Rachel's apartment, and beyond. 36 actors you forgot were on Friends, from Noah Wyle

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood hung out at Central Perk, Monica and Rachel's apartment, and beyond.

36 actors you forgot were on Friends, from Noah Wyle to Jennifer Coolidge

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood hung out at Central Perk, Monica and Rachel's apartment, and beyond.

By Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman

Madeline Boardman is a former digital features director at **. She left EW in 2017.

EW's editorial guidelines

and Kevin Jacobsen

September 24, 2025 8:00 a.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Ellen Pompeo as Missy Goldberg, Hugh Laurie as Gentleman on the Plane, and Jennifer Coolidge as Amanda Buffamonteezi on 'Friends'. Credit:

The six stars of *Friends* were (and still are) among the most well-known actors in the world. The dynamite ensemble of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer was in everyone's living rooms from 1994 to 2004, and they were always the main attraction.

However, the show also courted numerous big-time actors as guest stars across its 10 seasons. Among them were comic stars who were right at home on the sitcom, like Jennifer Coolidge and Ben Stiller, but the real treat was seeing primarily dramatic actors like Brad Pitt and Gary Oldman yucking it up with our favorite friends.

Ahead, we're looking back on some of those major stars who you may have forgotten showed up on *Friends*.**

Ellen Pompeo (Missy Goldberg)

David Schwimmer as Ross Geller and Ellen Pompeo as Missy Goldberg on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Just a year before she made her debut as Meredith Grey on *Grey's Anatomy*, Ellen Pompeo played Missy Goldberg in a season 10 episode of *Friends*. Appearing in "The One Where the Stripper Cries," she played Missy, a former college classmate of Ross (David Schwimmer) and Chandler's (Matthew Perry), who secretly made out with Chandler despite the two pals' pact not to fight over women they both liked. *—Madeline Boardman*

Sean Penn (Eric)

Lisa Kudrow as Ursula Buffay and Sean Penn as Eric on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Sean Penn appeared in two episodes of *Friends* during the show's eighth season. He played Eric, a man engaged to Phoebe's (Lisa Kudrow) twin sister, Ursula (also Kudrow), but doesn't know that she's been lying to him about her life. *—M.B.*

Dakota Fanning (Mackenzie)

Dakota Fanning as Mackenzie on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

When she was just 10 years old, Dakota Fanning played Mackenzie in the season 10 episode "The One With Princess Consuela." Her character bonds with Joey (Matt LeBlanc) when Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler come by to look at her house in an attempt to move to the suburbs. *—M.B.*

Julia Roberts (Susie Moss)

Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing and Julia Roberts as Susie Moss on 'Friends'. NBC/Getty Images

Julia Roberts stopped by *Friends*' second season as Susie Moss. Appearing in "The One After the Superbowl: Part 2," she played a childhood acquaintance of Chandler's who finally gets her revenge on him after years of teasing. *—M.B.*

Jeff Goldblum (Leonard Hayes)

Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani and Jeff Goldblum as Leonard Hayes on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Jeff Goldblum played Leonard Hayes, a serious theater director, in season 9's "The One With the Mugging." After a rocky start, Joey stumbles on some talents and goes to great lengths to impress Leonard in his audition for a play. *—M.B.*

Brooke Shields (Erika Ford)

Brooke Shields as Erika Ford and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Brooke Shields was featured in one episode of *Friends*, playing a woman named Erika Ford in the season 2 installment "The One After the Superbowl: Part 1". A slightly out-of-touch woman, Erika cannot understand that Joey the actor is not Dr. Drake Ramoray, the TV doctor, in real life. Thanks to a little acting from the gang, their short-lived affair comes to a close. *—M.B.*

Helen Hunt (Jamie Buchman)

Helen Hunt as Jamie Buchman and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

In a brief *Mad About You* crossover bit, Helen Hunt played Jamie Buchman, her character from the famed sitcom, in a season 1 episode of *Friends*. Appearing in "The One With Two Parts: Part 1," she steps into Central Perk and tries to order coffee from Phoebe, mistaking her for her server twin, Ursula. *—M.B.*

Rebecca Romijn (Cheryl)

Rebecca Romijn as Cheryl and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

In her very first onscreen role, Rebecca Romijn played Cheryl in the season 4 episode "The One With the Dirty Girl." Cheryl is the "dirty girl" in question, a new girlfriend of Ross' whose messiness is past the point of forgiveness. *—M.B.*

Soleil Moon Frye (Katie)

Soleil Moon Frye as Katie and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

In the season 5 episode "The One With the Girl Who Hits Joey," Soleil Moon Frye was said girl who hits Joey. She played Katie, a spunky woman who playfully punches Joey's arm without realizing just how much it hurts. *—M.B.*

Hugh Laurie (Gentleman on the Plane)

Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green and Hugh Laurie as Gentleman on the Plane on 'Friends'.

A pre-*House* Hugh Laurie appears in the season 4 finale, "The One With Ross's Wedding: Part 2." As an unnamed passenger seated next to Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) on her flight to London, Laurie is at his deadpan best as she goes through her entire love saga with Ross and her intentions to interrupt his upcoming wedding to Emily (Helen Baxendale), with Laurie's character adding, "I'm sorry, can I interrupt? You know, I just want to say that you are a horrible, horrible person." *—Kevin Jacobsen*

Jane Lynch (Ellen)

Jane Lynch as Ellen on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Jane Lynch made a brief appearance in the final season of *Friends *in the episode "The One Where Estelle Dies." She played the realtor, Ellen, who helps Chandler and Monica in their search for a home in the suburbs. *—M.B.*

Richard Branson (The Vendor)

Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, and Richard Branson as the Vendor on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

In a rare acting gig, Richard Branson played a character named the Vendor in season 4's "The One With Ross's Wedding: Part 1." In the episode, the British businessman played a street vendor who meets Joey and Chandler while they are seeing the sights in London. *—M.B.*

Gabrielle Union (Kristen Lang)

Gabrielle Union as Kristen Lang and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Gabrielle Union became the person of Ross and Joey's affections as Kristen Lang. The actress played a recent New York transplant in season 7's "The One With the Cheap Wedding Dress," going on competing dates with both men. *—M.B.*

Freddie Prinze Jr. (Sandy)

Freddie Prinze Jr. as Sandy on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Freddie Prinze Jr. played the nanny, Sandy, in season 9's "The One With the Male Nanny," caring for Ross and Rachel's baby, Emma. *—M.B.*

Jim O'Heir (Adoption Agency Worker)

Anna Faris as Erica and Jim O'Heir as Adoption Agency Worker on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Before his co-workers struggled to keep his name straight on *Parks and Recreation*, Jim O'Heir played an unnamed character in *Friends*' final season. In "The One With the Birth Mother," he introduces Chandler and Monica to the woman who eventually gives birth to their babies. *—M.B.*

Leah Remini (Lydia)

Leah Remini as Lydia on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Playing a pregnant woman named Lydia, Leah Remini met the *Friends *gang at the hospital in the season 1 episode "The One With the Birth." Joey gets to know the expectant mother as Carol is giving birth, and eventually stands by Lydia as she welcomes her own baby. *—M.B.*

Charlie Sheen (Ryan)

Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay and Charlie Sheen as Ryan on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Charlie Sheen's character Ryan catches a bad case of chicken pox from Phoebe in season 2's "The One With the Chicken Pox." He played a military man who had spent recent months in a submarine, but surfaced for an extended date with Phoebe. Their limited time together is so important that Ryan throws caution to the wind and contracts chicken pox from an ill Phoebe. *—M.B.*

Noah Wyle looks back on his 'Friends' cameo with George Clooney

Lisa Kudrow says 'Friends' cast 'really did get along' but the 'six-way relationship took some work'

Ben Stiller (Tommy)

Ben Stiller as Tommy and Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Ben Stiller appeared in *Friends*' third season, playing a very angry man named Tommy in "The One With the Screamer." Tommy goes on a date with Rachel and slowly shows his extremely short temper, even going so far as to yell at the chick and the duck. *—M.B.*

Mae Whitman (Sarah Tuttle)

Mae Whitman as Sarah Tuttle on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

When she was just 8 years old, a young Mae Whitman appeared in the season 3 episode "The One Where Rachel Quits." She played Sarah Tuttle, a member of the Brown Bird Girl Scout troop selling cookies in an attempt to win a trip to space camp. Ross ends up filling in for her after the injury he caused prevents her from going door-to-door. *—M.B.*

Sherri Shepherd (Rhonda the Tour Guide)

Sherri Shepherd as Rhonda the Tour Guide and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Years before she joined *The View*, Sherri Shepherd picked up the small role of Rhonda in the season 4 episode "The One With Phoebe's Uterus." Rhonda works as a tour guide in Ross' museum, and becomes friends with Joey during his short stint there. *—M.B.*

Craig Robinson (The Clerk)

Craig Robinson as the Clerk on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

In one of his first onscreen roles, Craig Robinson played an unnamed clerk on *Friends*, appearing in "The One With Princess Consuela" in season 10. He assists Phoebe when she visits his agency to change her name after marrying Mike (Paul Rudd). Instead of changing her last name to Hannigan, however, she opts for Princess Consuela Banana Hammock. *—M.B.*

Tahj Mowry (Kid)

Courteney Cox (back) as Monica Geller, Tahj Mowry as Kid, and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

A young Tahj Mowry made a brief appearance in "The One After the Superbowl: Part 1" in *Friends*' second season. He played an unnamed child who is a fan of Phoebe's honest music and tracks her down in the coffee shop after she was barred from playing for the children. *—M.B.*

Gary Oldman (Richard Crosby)

Gary Oldman as Richard Crosby and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Future Oscar winner Gary Oldman played actor Richard Crosby in the two-part season 7 finale, "The One With Monica and Chandler's Wedding." Richard is starring alongside Joey in a forthcoming war drama, and shows up so drunk to work one day that he almost makes Joey miss Monica and Chandler's wedding. *—M.B.*

Alec Baldwin (Parker)

Alec Baldwin as Parker and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Alec Baldwin had a hilarious turn as Parker in *Friends*' eighth season. In "The One With the Tea Leaves" and "The One in Massapequa," he played a man who is dating Phoebe and accompanies the gang on a trip to the Gellers' anniversary party. Much to the despair of the friends, he gets irrationally happy about every little thing. *—M.B.*

Selma Blair (Wendy)

Selma Blair as Wendy and Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Selma Blair found her spot in the ninth season of *Friends*. Appearing as Wendy in "The One With Christmas in Tulsa," she works with Chandler in his company's Oklahoma office, and flirts with him over the holidays. *—M.B.*

Greg Kinnear (Dr. Benjamin Hobart)

Greg Kinnear as Dr. Benjamin Hobart and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Greg Kinnear played Dr. Benjamin Hobart in the season 10 episode "The One With Ross' Grant." Ross is up for said grant and has to appear before Dr. Hobart...who happens to be an ex of Ross' then-girlfriend, Charlie (Aisha Tyler). *—M.B.*

Jennifer Coolidge (Amanda Buffamonteezi)

Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Jennifer Coolidge as Amanda Buffamonteezi, and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

Jennifer Coolidge graced *Friends*' final season with her comedic presence in "The One With Ross's Tan." She played Amanda, an old frenemy of Monica and Phoebe's who had spent a few years in England and picked up a fake British accent. Her annoying personality inspires the women to try to freeze her out and reveal details about the early years of their own friendship. *—M.B.*

Jennifer Grey (Mindy)

Jennifer Grey as Mindy and Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green on 'Friends'. Warner Bros. Television

A few years after she played Baby in *Dirty Dancing*, Jennifer Grey made a brief appearance as Rachel's maid of honor, Mindy, in the season 1 episode "The One With the Evil Orthodontist." The role later went to Jana Marie Hupp, who played Mindy in the episode in which she marries Barry (Mitchell Whitfield). *—M.B.*

Brad Pitt (Will Colbert)

Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Brad Pitt as Will Colbert, and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller on 'Friends'. NBC/Getty Images

In the midst of his marriage to Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt stopped by her show for a cameo appearance. He played a man named Will Colbert in season 8's "The One With the Rumor," joining the friends for Thanksgiving dinner. A former high school classmate of Rachel, Monica, and Ross', Will reveals that he and Ross used to lead an "I Hate Rachel Green" club. *—M.B.*

Reese Witherspoon (Jill Green)

Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon as Rachel and Jill Green on 'Friends'. NBC/Getty Images

Reese Witherspoon played Jill Green, one of Rachel's sisters, in the season 6 episodes "The One With Rachel's Sister" and "The One Where Chandler Can't Cry." She spends time in New York and goes on a date with Ross, much to Rachel's distress. *—M.B.*

Susan Sarandon (Cecilia Monroe)

Susan Sarandon as Cecilia Monroe and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani on 'Friends'. NBC/Getty Images

Susan Sarandon played a soap actress by the name of Cecilia Monroe in *Friends*' seventh season. Appearing in "The One With Joey's New Brain," she hooks up with Joey as the two rehearse scenes together. Cecilia's character, Jessica Lockhart, was killed off of *Days of Our Lives*, and Joey's character, Drake Ramoray, was getting Jessica's brain. *—M.B.*

Christina Applegate (Amy Green)

Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Christina Applegate as Amy Green, and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani on 'Friends' Cox, Christina Applegate, and Matt LeBlanc on 'Friends'. NBC/Getty Images

In the aptly titled "The One With Rachel's Other Sister," Christina Applegate played Amy Green — which landed her an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2003 — the second sister of Rachel's to meet the gang. After her season 9 appearance, Amy's lack of direction and self-absorption is further explored in the final season in "The One Where Rachel's Sister Babysits." *—M.B.*

Winona Ryder (Melissa Warburton)

Winona Ryder as Melissa Warburton on 'Friends'. NBC/Getty Images

Winona Ryder played Rachel's sorority sister Melissa Warburton in season 7's "The One With Rachel's Big Kiss." After the pair run into each other, Rachel tells the gang that she and Melissa drunkenly made out one night in college. Few believe her confession, but Melissa later confirms it when she thinks Rachel wants to be with her. *—M.B.*

George Clooney (Dr. Michael Mitchell) and Noah Wyle (Dr. Jeffrey Rosen)

Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, George Clooney as Dr. Michael Mitchell, and Noah Wyle as Dr. Jeffrey Rosen on 'Friends'. NBC/Getty Images

In a nod to his turn as Dr. Doug Ross, George Clooney appeared on *Friends* with his *ER* costar Noah Wyle as doctors in a hospital. Starring in season 1's "The One With Two Parts: Part 2," they meet Rachel and Monica after Rachel gets injured and needs treatment, later going on a disastrous double date with the two women. *—M.B.*

Isabella Rossellini (Herself)

Isabella Rossellini as herself and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller on 'Friends'.

Even the biggest of movie stars played characters on *Friends*, but a select group of celebs got the play themselves. Isabella Rossellini appeared as herself in the season 3 episode "The One With Frank Jr.," and her cameo is set up brilliantly: Ross makes a "freebie" list of celebrities he's allowed to sleep with, including the aforementioned model/actress. Deeming her too international, he removes her from his list, only for Rossellini to walk into Central Perk later in the episode. Ross goes up to her and tells her about the list, only for her to curtly (and hilariously) dismiss him when he tells her she's no longer on it. *—K.J.***

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL TV"

Read More

---

Source: LUX MAG

Full Article on Source: LUX MAG

#LALifestyle #USCelebrities