Friends Director Reveals Difficulty Working With Actress Who Played Ross’ Girlfriend: ‘She Was Nice, But She Wasn’t Funny’

James Burrowswho directed over a thousand episodes of Friendsstated that it was difficult to work with Helen Baxendaleinterpreter of Emily Waltham (via daily mail). She joined the cast of the series in season four as Ross’s English girlfriend, the role of David Schwimmer.

“She was nice but not particularly funny,” the director wrote in Directed by James Burrows. “Schwimmer had no one to talk to. It was like clapping with just one hand.”

“In sitcoms and any kind of tomantic comedy, fun is just as important as chemistry,” he explained. burrows. “We found that any new Ross girlfriend had to be just as much fun as Rachel.”

Often, you are unable to change the cast because of tight deadlines or other logistical considerations. You don’t cast anyone to be a scarecrow unless it’s for one episode. You need someone who makes you laugh. Sometimes you start an arc and it doesn’t work, so you can get rid of that person. If you’re an actor for one day, it’s a quick goodbye. The opposite is also valid. If there’s chemistry, the writers will work to figure out a way to keep the actor.

The romance between Ross and Emily lasted a few episodes, with a dramatic end at the altar. At the time, the character of david called the bride by the name of Rachel, the ex-girlfriend played by Jennifer Aniston.

Helen had already manifested itself about the participation in Friends: “They were really nice and professional. But we were never friends. People think that just because it’s called Friends, they were all great friends, but they were very professional. They had been doing this for years and I was one of the many guest stars to appear.”