The popular sitcom Friends starring an ensemble cast including Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer, not only delighted its audience but also provided its cast with a fun and memorable experience. From spontaneous improvisations to playful on-set antics, the cast enjoyed their time as much as their characters did on screen.
Friends | Credit: NBC
And one such memorable incident occurred during the filming of Season 7, when Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller in the show, caught her off guard. Her genuine reaction was so authentic that it ended up being included in the episode.
David Schwimmer’s Prank on Jennifer Aniston Left Her Totally Shocked
In episode 16 of Season 7, The One With The Truth About London, Ross asks Rachel to babysit his son Ben while he attends work. Initially struggling to connect with the 5-year-old, Rachel introduces Ben to some playful prank techniques.
The One With The Truth About London | Credit: Comedy Central UK/YouTube
Though her methods prove effective, Ben continues to prank his father, leading to Ross’s frustration. By the end of the episode, Ross chases Ben out of the apartment after discovering a “poop” sign taped to his back.
During the chase up the stairs, Ross appears to fall and scream, causing Rachel to panic. However, she soon realizes it’s a dummy dressed as Ross. Producers of the show reportedly wanted a genuine reaction from Jennifer Aniston in the scene.
David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston | Credit: NBC
And to get that, David Schwimmer, who directed the episode, reportedly kept the stunt a secret from her. And they were able to get a genuinely shocked reaction from her, who believed that it was her co-star who had truly fallen.
Not just Aniston, Schwimmer and Cole Sprouse’s reactions were also genuine, with Schwimmer barely able to contain his laughter and Sprouse giving his on-screen dad a celebratory high-five.
Jennifer Aniston Admitted Having a Crush on David Schwimmer
Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer portrayed one of the most beloved on-screen couples, Ross and Rachel in Friends. And their on-screen romance led to some specualtions about the two crushing on each other while working together.
Ross and Rachel | Credit: Warner Bros./NBC
And in an appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark, the actress admitted that they actually had a crush on each other. “Yes, we did… We just let it play out on TV,” Aniston said.
However, despite their mutual attraction, neither of them acted on it. “The first season I had a major crush on Jen,” Schwimmer revealed during the 2021 reunion. He further said, as per Entertainment Weekly,
At some point, we were both crushing hard on each other, but it was like two ships passing because one of us was always in a relationship. And we never crossed that boundary. We respected that.
A still from Friends | Credit: NBC
Their co-star also noticed something between the two. However, Courteney Cox expressed relief that nothing romantic transpired, as it could have created complications.
“How great though, ultimately, because if you had and it didn’t work out,” she said before adding, “it probably wouldn’t have been as great.” Over time, both Schwimmer and Aniston moved on and maintained a strong friendship long after the show ended.
Friends is available to stream on Max.
