The show 'Friends' became a monster hit in the '90s, with the first episode airing on September 22nd, 1994. The sitcom enjoyed a decade of success, finally ending the program after 236 episodes and ten seasons. It ended in May of 2004 and finally, a near two decades later, fans are getting a special reunion on HBO with so many guests.
Throughout the show's history, we've seen some questionable moments. The same can be said behind the scenes. Let's take Jennifer Aniston as an example, who wouldn't want to work with her, better yet, share a kiss with her. Well, Paul Rudd admitted in the past that his behind-the-scenes relationship with Jen wasn't the best. In addition, a few had trouble kissing Aniston on the set, and one pivotal character wasn't happy with their romantic relationship, so much so that he refused it at first.
LeBlanc Didn't Want Anything Romantic With Aniston On The Show
During season 8, creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane took a huge risk, pairing Joey and Rachel together. According to Kelsey Miller, the writer of "I'll Be There For You: The One About Friends," Matt was not happy with the idea, "When [creators Marta] Kauffman and [David] Crane first approached the cast in Season Eight with the idea of Joey falling in love with Rachel, everyone balked. LeBlanc said it felt incestuous." In other words, LeBlanc felt that he had developed a brotherly relationship with Rachel during the show, one that was not romantic.
During an interview with Digital Spy, Executive Producer Kevin S. Bright described LeBlan's hesitation, "“In the beginning, Matt LeBlanc did not want to do that story,” Bright said. “He was very firmly against it, saying that he’s Ross’ friend, and that the type of friend that Joey is would never go and take someone else’s girlfriend.” Aniston wasn't too thrilled either, she wanted the show to make sure it was known that the relationship was nothing but a crush and not love, "Aniston wanted it to be made clear that Rachel was not in love with Joey, but was just attracted to him,” the author writes. “It had to be a crush, and it had to be more funny than emotional, otherwise, this arc would go from risky to unwatchable."
Aniston said it herself, it was more physical between the two, "I think there was a moment when Joey and Rachel got together that maybe it could happened, but it didn’t. It was Ross and Rachel all the way,” she said. “I just don’t think Joey and Rachel could have made it. I think it was more physical than emotional with them. They were friends with benefits, and they left it at that.”
As uncomfortable as the process was, a few others had just as stressful of a time alongside Aniston on the show.
Mitchell, Tate And Alec
These three all smooched Aniston, and they all have their own story on why it was uncomfortable. For Alec Baldwin, the event took place on '30 Rock,' he called the event painful, "It was painful,” he said. “I mean, every man who’s had to make out with her in TV and movies — I don’t know how they do it.” Perhaps some sarcasm...
Mitchell Whitfield, who got left the alter by Rachel is still asked about his experience alongside Aniston. Given the setting and pressure, he admitted with Cinema Blend, it wasn't as glamorous as most would assume, "I have guys for years who would ask me, ‘Dude, you kissed Jennifer Aniston. What was that like, dude?’ And they actually would ask it like that, which was awkward, too. And I was like, ‘Well, imagine kissing someone you know, that you've known for a long time, that you're just friends with, in front of about 200 people when it's about 120 degrees with a bunch of cameras on you, and I think it always ruins it."
As bad as those experiences were, Tate Donovan might've gotten it the worst, as he actually dated Aniston off the set. The actor played the role of Joshua, who dated Rachel briefly. What made matters so awkward was the fact that they had just broken up. Tate recalls crying in his trailer between takes. We can all admit, he probably got it the worst out of everyone else.
Despite Aniston's status in the world of Hollywood, kissing her was no easy task for a lot of actors.
Sources: People, Micky And Cinema Blend