The legendary sitcom Friends first blessed our screens in September 1994, and from that moment, it resonated with millions all over the world, having an impact that has lasted for almost two decades. Like most shows, it had both lovable and annoying characters. But perhaps, the most annoying of them was all was Janice Hosenstein. Love or hate her, Janice was undeniable that she was a core part of the series.
The character played by Maggie Wheeler was known for her irritable, nasally high-pitched voice and her trademark catchphrase, “Oh my god!” Janice spent the entire 10 seasons tormenting the six main characters with her repulsive laughter and overbearing presence ― with a special focus on Chandler Bing. She also had a somewhat unique rift with Joey Tribbiani. Despite her many antics, there was much more to the character of Janice that many viewers didn’t know.
10 Janice Wasn’t Supposed To Be A Recurring Character
Janice stayed with fans from season 1 ― where Chandler had several unsuccessful attempts to break up with her ― to the season finale ― where she miraculously turned out to be Chandler and Monica’s prospective neighbor. However, that wasn’t supposed to be the case.
Wheeler shared that she only auditioned for a one-shot guest role, but it turned out that the creators always wanted to keep her around. Although she was afraid that each episode she starred in would be her last, the show creators never totally shut the door on Janice until the very end.
9 There Was Almost A Janice Spin-Off
Due to Janice's influence on viewers, the idea of a spin-off based on her character was nursed. Wheeler recalled that it almost became a reality after a British writer approached her to pitch the series. Janice was set to be a therapist in the new spin-off. Unfortunately, the creators of the show didn’t buy the idea. Nevertheless, Wheeler remains hopeful and willing to reprise the role if she is ever called upon. It would surely be a show to look forward to!
8 Janice Was Hidden Before She Appeared In An Episode
Of all the recurring guest characters, Janice received the most love from fans even though she was disliked by all of the main characters, especially Joey. However, it was no coincidence that her presence erupted cheers from the live audience whenever she stepped on set, and there was a special reason why. Wheeler revealed:
“They would keep me hidden - I could barely come down to get a doughnut. I had to stay in my dressing room until the last moment, and then they'd secretly move me from behind the set to the right spot, and they'd keep a black screen so the audience couldn't see me until I made my first entrance.”
7 Janice Could Have Been On The Joey Sequel
Although fans couldn’t get a Janice spin-off, they were given a sequel named after Matt LeBlanc’s character, Joey, before its eventual cancellation in 2006. Given the hilarious rivalry between Joey and Janice, Wheeler hoped Janice would make an appearance in the sequel.
The actress suggested that it would be fun to annoy Joey and finally bed the last guy standing in the trio. Unfortunately, the creators didn’t accept her ideas—what a missed opportunity!
6 The Inspiration Behind Janice’s Iconic Laugh
Janice’s annoying cackle was one of the highlights of her irritable character, and it turns out it was inspired by none other than Matthew Perry. Perry played Janice’s on and off lover, Chandler Bing.
During Friends: The Reunion, Wheeler made a surprise appearance alongside the main cast and revealed that Perry made her come up with the laugh. She shared that she burst out in laughter upon hearing Perry talk because of how funny he sounded. At that moment, the iconic chuckle was born.
5 Wheeler Was At The Season Finale
Janice made her final appearance on Friends in the 15th episode of season 10, “The One Where Estelle Dies.” In the episode, Chandler and Monica were looking for a house and discovered that Janice is their prospective neighbor. The only way they convinced her to back off was to lie that Chandler still has feelings for her.
While that was the end to Janice, Wheeler was present in person for the filming of the final episode. The actress recalled being on set and feeling overwhelmed with emotions that she cried alongside the other cast members.
4 Wheeler Instantly Connected With Janice
It didn’t take Wheeler a lot of effort to bring out the Janice in her as she instantly connected with the character in a way she had never done before. Upon reading the script, which was “described as a fast-talking New Yorker,” Wheeler felt like she had been rehearsing for the role all her life.
She noted that Janice felt like a combination of all the women she had ever met and experienced while growing up in New York, so it wasn’t difficult to imitate them and pour it all into one character.
3 Wheeler Kept Some Of Janice Props
Several celebrities often leave with something memorable from the film set to remember their character by. Wheeler wasn’t an exception to this, and she snagged a few exceptional items as memorabilia.
The 59-year-old admitted that she kept the keychain that was made for her from the episode where Chandler pushed her off the bed after following a piece of advice from Ross about cuddling. She also kept some iconic clothes like Janice’s trademark gold pants and a pair of pea-green corduroy pants. Wheeler even hopes to rock the gold pants someday!
2 Wheeler Was Fired From The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Before her big break on Friends, Wheeler was a star on the first episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. At the time, the daytime comedy talk show was called These Friends of Mine. Unfortunately, Wheeler was fired. Although she was heartbroken, she channeled her disappointment towards creating Janice. She recalled:
“I was so shaken by it, it was an unthinkable thing as an actor, (but) I felt in a way liberated to do the work I wanted to do without fear or favor. On any other day, I might have done the (Friends) audition differently, but it came hot on the heels of that.”
1 What Is Wheeler Up To Now?
It’s has been 17 years since the NBC sitcom ended, and Wheeler has since dabbled in several projects. Her acting credits include The Parent Trap, Californication, Will & Grace, and Everybody Loves Raymond. Away from acting, Wheeler is the song leader of the Golden Bridge Choir in California. As regards her personal life, the actress is happily married to the renowned sculptor Donnie Wheeler. The couple tied the knot in 1990 and are proud parents to two beautiful daughters, Juno and Gemma.