Even decades after its first broadcast, Friends remains an iconic comedy that continues to bring laughter to millions of viewers. The success of the series is largely based on the chemistry and comedic talent of its main sextet: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc.
But over the seasons, many supporting characters have come in to enrich the plot, with varying degrees of success. One of these additions left a not-so-good memory for director James Burrows, who directed several key episodes of the series, especially the first and several episodes from seasons 2, 3 and 4.
in his memories Directed by James BurroughsSet in 2023, Burroughs recounts his experiences on set friendsAnd speaks candidly about what he believes to be an unfortunate casting choice: Helen Baxendale, aka Emily Waltham, Ross’s companion and then (briefly) wife in seasons 4 and 5.
“He was nice, but not funny– he writes in his work.
He especially condemns that there is no comic complicity with his sister David SchwimmerWhich, according to him, damaged the credibility of their on-screen couple.
Burroughs uses a rather telling metaphor: for him Schwimmer.He had no one to turn to“, compare them to a duet “Who will try to strike with one hand“In a series where humor and chemistry go hand in hand, Emily’s interpreter was unable to inject the necessary energy into her scenes, she said.
“No one was returning Schwimmer. It was like trying to clap with one hand. In sitcoms and romantic comedies of all kinds, comedy is as important as chemistry. Then we discovered that any girlfriend Ross had to be as funny as Rachel.“
An actor who at least appeared in 14 episodes
Although the current did not flow artistically, Helen Baxendale Stayed for 14 episodes. This retention will not be due to creative choices, but to production constraints. Changing an established role in an important storyline can be very difficult, especially within the filming schedule of a successful sitcom.

The director also claims that sometimes it’s possible to quickly eliminate a secondary character if it doesn’t work: that clearly wasn’t the case here.
“Often, filming is not possible due to tight shooting schedules and other logistical considerations. We need someone who can laugh. Sometimes you start a story arc that doesn’t work and you alienate the person. If he is the “player of the day”, you quickly say goodbye to him.“
A busy career after Friends
If its passage friends was not unanimously accepted by the technical team, Helen Baxendale It didn’t stop here. He continued his career with important roles, especially in the British series Cold Feet: Amours et Petits Bonheurs, then in other productions such as Noughts + Crosses or the comedy Cuckoo, where he appeared in more than 30 episodes.
For those who want to revise its appearance friendsHe enters the scene in Season 4, Episode 14 (“Who Has Trouble Being Quiet”) and makes his last screen appearance in Season 5, Episode 6 (“Who Has Trouble Being Quiet”). We will hear his voice on the phone for the last time in the 20th episode of the same season (“Who saved his life”).
Find Full Friends on HBO Max.
A compilation of all the friend’s cameos awaits you in the video below:
Source: Allocine

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.