Jane Sibbett, who portrayed Ross’ ex-wife Carol on Friends, was initially offered the role of Rachel. Although the NBC comedy has endured primarily because of its six main stars, the show’s recurring actors have also resonated with audiences over the years. Sibbett was one of the notable guests on Friends, showing up in 15 episodes during the first seven seasons.
Taking over as Carol Willick from Anita Barone, who only appeared in the pilot, Sibbett was positioned as both a foil and a confidant to Ross. Although the two divorced because Carol had an affair with Susan (Jessica Hecht), the pair maintain a good relationship that only strengthens when Carol gives birth to Ross’ son, Ben, near the end of season 1. But in new remarks, Sibbett shed light on the fact that she was in consideration for a much more significant part.
In an interview with news.com.au, Sibbett revealed that she was originally offered the role of Rachel Green. “They wanted me to be one of the main six,” the actress noted. As for why she didn’t end up as one of the sitcom’s regular cast members, Sibbett explained that producers on Friends didn’t realize that she was pregnant at the time. When they realized she was, they told her it wouldn’t work out. She added that she has no regrets about how things turned out. “There’s no way anybody could have come close to what Jennifer Aniston did with Rachel. She was so perfect,” Sibbett said.
While it’s undoubtedly true that Aniston left an indelible mark as Rachel, it’s worth noting the impact Sibbett had in her recurring capacity. She broke ground with her costar Hecht, as Carol and Susan’s wedding in season 2 of Friends was only the second depiction of same-sex marriage on a sitcom. Roseanne was first with an episode that aired just five weeks prior. In her other appearances, and perhaps too infrequently, viewers got a peek into what the relationship between Ross and Carol was like during happier times. This is most evident in season 1, episode 14, “The One with the Candy Hearts.” One of the storylines of the half-hour sees a drunk and depressed Ross attempting to rekindle his relationship with Carol. They share a brief moment of connection. But, in a sad and sweet scene, Carol tells her ex-husband that she’s moved on, and he should do the same.
Still, it’s difficult to argue against the idea that the six primary characters on Friends were perfectly cast. So much of the show’s success depended on the interplay between Rachel and others, especially Ross, given the centrality of that pairing. As Sibbett herself notes, it’s hard to imagine anyone excelling the way Aniston did. In the same vein, though, Friends owes a measure of success to its memorable roster of recurring players. Especially in those early seasons, Carol and Susan livened up the series whenever they appeared. The comedy arguably lost a step in its later years, as it began to rely less and less on familiar faces that fans had grown to love.
Source: news.com.au
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