Random Behind the Scenes Drama from the Set of Friends (16 items)

(#7) NBC expected loads of hate mail after the lesbian wedding.
There’s no doubt that Friends was an important show for showcasing equality on screen in various forms. However, NBC expected to get a lot of hate mail after the 1996 episode with the lesbian wedding aired. Surprisingly, the network only received four complaints - all via the telephone.
(#8) Jennifer Aniston was almost replaced as Rachel.
When Friends started filming, Aniston wasn’t technically available. She was already starring on a show that was on the air called Muddling Through. The series was short-lived, however, and Aniston was eventually able to commit to Friends full-time. It's hard to imagine a world without "The Rachel."
(#14) Courteney Cox struggled with fertility issues in real life.
Just like her character, Courteney Cox struggled with fertility issues during the show’s run and suffered several miscarriages. “I remember one time I just had a miscarriage and Rachel was giving birth. It was like that same time," Cox once said. "Oh my God, it was terrible having to be funny."
(#12) Phoebe and Chandler were meant to be supporting characters.
"When we first pitched the show, although we always said it was an ensemble show, we kind of thought of Phoebe and Chandler as a little more secondary, that they’ll provide humor when we need it", Marta Kauffman explained. That said, she admitted the pair brought much more to the table than just comedic relief.
(#5) Lisa Kudrow was terrified of the duck.
The chick and the duck weren’t a delight for everyone on set. Kudrow isn’t a big fan of birds and was actually really afraid of the duck. By how flawless their on-screen interactions were, no one would have guessed anything other than pure chemistry.
(#13) Matt LeBlanc really needed the gig.
Matt LeBlanc was struggling to make it as an actor for years before he landed the part of Joey. He only had $11.00 in his pocket when he started Friends and admitted the show saved his career. Come to think of it, the role of a broke actor fit him like a glove.