She was the absolute star of “Friends”: As Rachel Green, Jennifer Aniston enchanted an audience of millions. The role almost got someone else.
“One Rachel, please,” was the motto almost every day in the 1990s. Countless women have had their hairdressers do the layered cut that Jennifer Aniston wore as Rachel Green in “Friends.” Yes, with her role the then 25-year-old not only became America’s Sweetheart, but also a style icon.
But Rachel Green almost looked completely different: the character should actually have been played by a different actress. Tiffani Thiessen was cast as the Central Perk waitress.
In an interview with Nikki Glaser on the “SiriusXM” show in 2018, she revealed why she didn’t get the job after all. “I was just a little too young compared to the others,” said Tiffani Thiessen.
“Beverly Hills, 90210” statt “Friends”
In fact, the actress was only 20 years old when the first episode aired in September 1994, while Jennifer Aniston was already 25. And the other actors were also between 25 and 31, Tiffani Thiessen wouldn’t have fit in there. Instead, she was cast as Valerie Malone on “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
Tiffani Thiessen remained true to acting even without her role in “Friends”. She starred in successful series such as “White Collar” and “Fast Lane”. Her biggest success, however, will be the cult series “Beverly Hills, 90210”. Most recently she appeared in front of the camera for “Saved by the Bell”. However, the sitcom was canceled in 2021. Since then, things have become quiet around the now 50-year-old.
The stars of “Friends” can still be seen on TV. Jennifer Aniston is one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood. A few months ago, the cast had to cope with a serious loss. Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023. He was only 54 years old.