One of the directors who worked on Friends seemingly struggled to get on with one of the show's stars.
In a candid admission, James Burrows, one of the key directors behind the iconic sitcom Friends, revealed that he had some serious concerns about some of the performances.
Burrows was particularly critical of Helen Baxendale, who portrayed Emily Waltham, one of Ross Geller's fiancés, across 14 episodes of the hit series.
The Struggles with Helen Baxendale’s Role
While Baxendale’s role as Emily was pivotal in the storyline, Burrows didn’t hold back in his critique.
In his autobiography, the director made it clear that he felt Baxendale lacked the comedic spark needed for the role, especially when compared to other characters on the show, per The Sun.
Burrows noted that there was a significant lack of chemistry between Baxendale and her co-star David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller.
“She was nice but not particularly funny,” Burrows recalled, adding that Schwimmer “had no one to bounce off.”
Burrows even went as far as to describe their on-screen dynamic as "like clapping with one hand."
Recasting Considerations and Tight Deadlines
The director also revealed that there were discussions about potentially recasting Helen Baxendale, but logistical challenges, particularly tight shooting deadlines, made it impossible to make any changes.
"You don't cast anyone to be a straw man, unless it's for one episode," Burrows explained, alluding to the difficulty of recasting a major role mid-season.
In sitcoms, especially in romantic comedies like Friends, Burrows emphasized that the chemistry between characters is just as important as the humor itself.
He reflected: "In sitcoms and any type of romantic comedy, the funny is just as important as the chemistry."
He further clarified that for any new romantic interest for Ross, "any new girlfriend for Ross needed to be as funny as Rachel."
Emily Waltham's Impact on Friends
Although Helen Baxendale's portrayal of Emily did not meet Burrows' expectations in terms of humor and chemistry, the character still had a lasting impact on the show.
Emily’s brief but intense relationship with Ross created one of the series' most memorable storylines.
Despite the behind-the-scenes struggles, her role as a key romantic interest for Ross added dramatic tension, especially in the aftermath of Ross’s breakup with Rachel.
Helen Baxendale: From Friends to Cold Feet
While her role as Emily on Friends might have been polarizing, Helen Baxendale gained significant fame in the UK for her portrayal of Rachel Bradley in the beloved sitcom Cold Feet.
She starred in the show from 1997 to 2003, and her performance earned her recognition among fans and critics alike.
In recent years, Baxendale has scaled back her acting career, appearing in fewer projects. However, she did take on the leading role in the 2020 Channel 5 drama Agatha and the Midnight Murders, where she portrayed the iconic detective Agatha Christie.