Paul Rudd has revealed that he was only supposed to appear on two episodes of Friends as Mike Hannigan, who evetually became Phoebe Buffay’s husband.
However, thanks to his chemistry with co-star Lisa Kudrow and the success of their storyline, he returned for 18 instalments altogether and became one of the sitcom’s most loved supporting characters.
‘I have really fond memories but doing that many episodes? That was news to me,’ Paul told Metro.co.uk.
‘It was never the original idea. I only ever signed on for two episodes but they kept writing more and had more ideas for that character, so it was certainly exciting – but it was a strange phenomenon to work with this very well established and highly regarded group of people known all over the world.’
Mike was introduced as a surprise love interest for Phoebe when Joey (played by Matt LeBlanc) agreed to go on a double date and the Days of Our Lives sandwich addict forgot to bring anyone along for the Smelly Cat singer.
Panicked, Joey claimed her date’s name was Mike and randomly blurted out his name, hoping someone would answer – and, thankfully, he was in luck.
Although their date ended disastrously, Mike found Phoebe the next day in Central Perk and told her he went on the date ‘because I was told that I’d get a free dinner – which I didn’t – and that I’d meet a pretty girl – which I did’.
And the rest is history.
As for whether or not Paul cheekily took anything from set?
‘Yes – I took Gunther,’ he laughed, before adding: ‘No, I didn’t take anything because it all went to the Smithsonian.’
After fueling anticipation for a Friends reunion just last week, Jennifer Aniston has squashed hopes with a dramatic U-turn.
Although, Metro.co.uk explained why we are just fine without a Friends reboot, thank you very much.
Friends is available to stream on Netflix and plays everyday on Comedy Central.
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