Most Memorable Moment in Friends' Guest Star History Was Totally Unscripted
Friends always kept its audience guessing with guest stars spontaneously appearing in the occasional episode.
Among the many familiar faces of A-listers, from Christina Applegate to Bruce Willis, there were many who starred only briefly on the show. However, one pair of guest stars made such an impression during an episode of the series, that even the cast wasn't prepared for what happened.
The scene in question appeared in the opening of episode 24 of the third season, 'The One with the Ultimate Fighting Champion'.
The episode starts as most do, with the group at the Central Perk coffee shop. Chandler opens with a true-to-form joke, and Monica arrives ready to announce some news. At this point, the surprising duo of Billy Crystal and the late and great Robin Williams enter the scene to the audience's applause.
The comedians force their way onto the couch interrupting the group's discussion, after which full hilarity ensues. Williams (Thomas) suddenly breaks the focus of the scene, loudly announcing in a supposed discussion to Crystal (Tim) that he thinks his wife is having an affair with her gynecologist.
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The unexpected turn in the conversation interrupts Monica's news.
As she attempts to continue her own discussion, Williams once again loudly announces his wife is cheating because of his "wound". At this point, Monika gives up, and the group turn their attention to the other's conversation.
After Crystal throws another comedy bombshell into the scene revealing he is the one sleeping with his wife, Joey adds some perfect comedy timing of his own. Asking Crystal if he is the gynecologist. Williams comically storms off in an overly-theatrical way, followed closely by Crystal.
As the gang sits in silence comprehending what they have witnessed, Phoebe asks Monica what she wanted to tell them. Monica confusingly replies that she has no idea, overwhelmed by the occurrence.
What makes this scene even better is practically none of it was scripted.
Williams and Crystal happened to be working on their film 'Father's Day' (1997) in a studio across the street. The writers leapt at the opportunity to invite them to participate in a quick cameo that day. Without time to rehearse or write something new, the actors improvised the whole scene. With the regular cast not quite sure what to expect, many of their character's expressions of surprise and confusion reflected their own sentiments as the scene played out live.
Not only was Matt LeBlanc 's line also unscripted, but Courtney Cox had actually forgotten what she was meant to say because she was so flummoxed. Ad libbing her line at the end of the scene.
Because of the unpredictable nature of the cameos by Crystal and Williams, this became one of the most memorable guest-star appearances of the whole series. For both the cast and the fans of the show. It is an example of how great comedians and actors they all were. To improvise such a fantastic scene so easily, and create an unforgettable Friends moment.