One of Friends’ fan-favorite guest stars didn’t think they were famous enough to Cameo, and I Can’t Believe It

On December 5, 2024By Littum

Friends may have centered around the six ever-present patrons of Central Perk, but the NBC sitcom was known for featuring supporting characters we still love today as well as one A+ list of guest stars. From Bruce Willis – whose family shared some sob-worthy photos from their Thanksgiving – for Julia Roberts, it was a pleasure to see who might appear next Friends. However, it turns out that one of the show’s best guests didn’t think she was famous enough to pull off her cameo, and I’m shocked she ever thought such a thing.

Isabella Rossellini, who starred in the mystery thriller Conclave on 2024 movie calendarwas brilliant in several films in the late 1980s and early 90s, including Blue velvet, Wild at heart and Death becomes her. While these movies would definitely have shared a fan base with Friendsshe still didn’t think she was famous enough to appear on one of those best sitcoms ever. Rossellini told EW:

I was surprised because at that time – maybe still today, but maybe to a lesser extent then – there weren’t many foreign actors who were recognized in America. So I was very surprised that Friends invited me, not only as a guest, but as a star. They recognize me and they know my name. So I was very… I said, ‘Really? Am I so famous that I can play myself as a famous person?’ So it was really good and it was a pleasure to work with them.

I have to respectfully disagree with the actress because she didn’t think she had enough recognition to pull the lead as herself. David Lynch was nominated for an Oscar for his 1986 neo-noir thriller Blue velvetin which Isabella Rossellini starred alongside Kyle MacLachlan, Dennis Hopper and Laura Dern, and Lynch also directed her and Dern in Wild at heart in 1990. Death becomes her standing up for a reunion to this day—not surprising since it won an Oscar for visual effects and has been adapted into a Broadway play.

But even if you weren’t familiar with Isabella Rossellini before she strolled into Central Perk in the Season 3 episode “The One With Frank Jr.,” how could you not be a fan after watching her completely destroy Ross (David Schwimmer)?

Isabella Rossellini guest stars in Friends season 8 "The one with Frnak Jr."

(Image credit: Max)

In the episode, Ross has come up with a list of five celebrities that he would be allowed to sleep with even within the framework of his relationship with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston). Isabella Rossellini was a finalist, but Ross ultimately replaced her because she was “too international” and therefore less likely to run into him in his home country.

So who would happen to stroll into the coffee shop? None other than Isabella Rossellini, of course, so after getting the go-ahead from Rachel to add an “alternate” to his roster, he turns to the actress and explains the situation. But when Rossellini finds out that she’s not actually on the list, she jokingly tells Ross:

You know it’s ironic because I have a list of five goofy coffee house guys and yesterday I just bumped you for that guy over there.

Honestly, her delivery of, “It’s laminated!” alone was commendable in my opinion.

Isabella Rossellini may not have thought she was famous enough for the role, but at least she didn’t experience what John Stamos did when he guest starred. The Full House alum remembered the embarrassing moment when he made his entrance on Friends. He was told to pause for applause, but the applause never came. Matthew Perry stepped in to save him, but what a bruise to the ego.

If you want to check out Isabella Rossellini’s cameo, or one of the others most ridiculous Friends episodesall 10 seasons can be streamed with one Max subscription.