The beloved sitcom Friends remains an iconic piece of television history, known for its hilarious storylines and unforgettable guest appearances. However, not every experience on set was seamless, as revealed by one of the show’s directors, James Burrows. In his recent memoir, Burrows shared that working with one guest star, Helen Baxendale, presented challenges because, in his words, “she wasn’t funny.”
A Show Filled with Memorable Guest Stars
Over its decade-long run, Friends featured a parade of famous guest stars who left lasting impressions. From Ben Stiller’s over-the-top character Tommy to Brad Pitt’s unforgettable Will Colbert, and appearances by legends like Robin Williams and Bruce Willis, the guest stars often brought additional humor and excitement to the show. However, not every guest star was remembered for their comedic timing.
Helen Baxendale as Emily Waltham
Helen Baxendale played Emily Waltham, a British character who became Ross Geller’s fiancée and later wife. Appearing in 14 episodes, Emily’s storyline came to an abrupt end after Ross (David Schwimmer) famously said the wrong name—“Rachel”—during their wedding ceremony in London. The cringe-worthy moment remains one of the show’s most talked-about scenes.
Despite the memorable storyline, Baxendale’s stint on the show wasn’t without its difficulties. Burrows explained in his memoir that Baxendale, while “nice,” didn’t have the comedic spark necessary for her role. “Schwimmer had no one to bounce off,” he noted, describing their on-screen dynamic as “like clapping with one hand.”
The Importance of Humor in Sitcom Chemistry
Burrows elaborated on why the lack of comedic chemistry posed such a challenge. “In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy, the funny is just as important as the chemistry,” he explained. According to Burrows, the team quickly realized that any romantic partner for Ross needed to match Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) humor to keep the dynamic engaging.
Tight shooting schedules and logistical constraints often made recasting impossible, Burrows noted. “You don’t cast anyone to be a straw man unless it’s for one episode,” he said, emphasizing the need for characters to generate laughter and enhance the ensemble’s energy. In Baxendale’s case, this limitation meant that her storyline concluded swiftly after her initial arc.
Baxendale’s Perspective on Friends
For Baxendale, appearing on Friends was a unique experience. Reflecting on her time on the show in a 2012 interview with The Mirror, she described it as “a strange surreal little blip in my life, almost like a dream.” While she spoke highly of the professionalism of the cast, she admitted they weren’t particularly close. “They were all very nice and professional,” she said. “We were never great mates though. People expect because it’s called Friends that everyone was great friends, but they were real professionals.”
A Temporary Role in a Legendary Show
Baxendale’s short-lived role as Emily may not have been the perfect fit for Friends, but her storyline contributed to some of the show’s most iconic moments. Her reflections on the experience highlight the professionalism of the cast and crew while offering insight into the challenges of maintaining the humor and chemistry that defined the sitcom’s success.