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Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast

written by Sarah Flores
Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast
Image credit: NBC

It's hard to imagine anyone else stepping into the shoes of these all-time favorite characters.

The iconic 90's TV show captured the hearts of millions around the world. But like any movie or TV show, the cast we've come to know and love could look very different.

Here are 7 actors that could have changed the show forever.

7. Courteney Cox as Rachel Green

Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast - image 1

Only the most die-hard fans know this surprising fact, but the show's creators initially offered Courteney Cox the role of Rachel, Monica's opposite. Luckily, Courteney decided to audition for the role of Monica and managed to change the creators' minds, giving birth to one of the most memorable characters in the television world.

6. Eric McCormack as Ross Geller

Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast - image 2

Before the role of the eccentric paleontologist went to David Schwimmer, the star of Double, Double, Toil and Trouble auditioned for the role. Although McCormack didn't get the chance to play Monica's brother, he went on to find success as Will Truman on the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, which ran for eight seasons in a row.

5. Kathy Griffin as Phoebe Buffay

Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast - image 3

Comedian Kathy Griffin rose to fame with her own specials and work with The Groundlings, beginning her career in stand-up and improv. Few people know, however, that prior to her long-running career, she auditioned for the role of Phoebe Buffay on Friends, but the part eventually went to Lisa Kudrow.

4. Vince Vaughn as Joey Tribbiani

Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast - image 4

In the 1990s, rising actor Vince Vaughn auditioned for the role of Joey Tribbiani, but the part went to Matt LeBlanc. Nevertheless, two years after the sitcom's release, Vaughn's career took off with the 1996 comedy-drama Swingers. Today, the actor proudly wears the title of A-lister and is known for his prominent roles in various films.

3. Jon Favreau as Chandler Bing

Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast - image 5

Jon Favreau, who by coincidence was Vince Vaughn's co-star in Swingers, could have been in the Friends franchise as well. Favreau was offered the role of Chandler Bing, but ultimately turned it down in order to have time for other projects. Although he did not accept the role of Chandler, he later appeared on Friends as Pete Becker, Monica Geller's boyfriend.

2. Nancy McKeon as Monica Geller

Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast - image 6

When auditions for Friends began, Nancy McKeon was already known for her role as Jo Polniaczek on the then-popular sitcom The Facts of Life. She auditioned for the role of Monica Geller and was considered a frontrunner, but ultimately lost out to Courteney Cox.

1. Tea Leoni as Rachel Green

Friends: 7 Actors Who Almost Replaced The Original Cast - image 7

Along with Courteney Cox, Tea Leoni was very much considered for the role of Rachel Green by the producers of Friends. However, the actress turned the offer down and chose to star in another show called The Naked Truth, which unfortunately didn't do well and was dropped after its third season.

Nevertheless, Tea Leoni was already a household name in Hollywood without being a part of Friends, having starred in such gems as Deep Impact, Bad Boys, and many more.