Friends without Jennifer Aniston? You’ll never guess who played the iconic role of Rachel!

Proudly spanning ten years, ten seasons and 236 episodes counting, Friends is a series for an entire generation that came together as one in front of the TV on the evening of May 6, 2004, with the final episode airing. The last bow in the form of an apotheosis, which gathered more than 52 million viewers. The most-watched episode of any TV series of the 2000s.

when we think friendsThinking of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler and Joyce of course. It’s hard to imagine any talent other than the late Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Jennifer Aniston for these characters who have entered so much pop culture.

And yet. If Rachel Green’s character did much to catapult Jennifer Aniston’s career into orbit, it was a close call for her not to act. Before being cast as Carol, Ross’ ex-wife, actress Jane Sibbett, auditioned for the role of Rachel and came close to winning the role.

“Did you say I’m pregnant?”

This was revealed by the actor A Australian morning show, Sunrise. “Is it true that you were originally cast as Rachel Green, but because you were pregnant, the role went to Jennifer Aniston?” asks the journalist. “Almost. The story is embellished a bit” The actor answers.

add: “After Rachel’s audition, I left the room and my manager called me: ‘They love you, they want you. You should come back next week. But they want you. “

She then asked her manager if she had told production that she was pregnant at the time. The latter explained to him that he had not spoken to the casting directors about this, but still advised him to audition. “everything will be alright” he told her.

After returning for a second tryout the following week, casting directors were informed of the actress’ condition, who then told her that her motherhood was not suitable for the role. Jane Sibbett asked if she could play Carol. They gave the same answer.

This role fell into the hands of Anita Baron. But he only played the character in one episode, the second episode of the first season, leaving the door open for new casting for the character.

Meanwhile, Jane Sibbett gave birth and soon received a call from a producer who eventually claimed her. Even if his character only appeared in 15 episodes, it remains important and remains the most famous of the career of this actor, who is now 62 years old. Who doesn’t respect someone who so well portrayed the iconic role he originally auditioned for: “No one could play Rachel but Jenny.”.