No One Will Be Able To Name These Secondary Friends Characters
- by Caitlyn Clancey
- – on
- in Movies and TV
We can all agree that Friends is one of the best sitcoms ever. What's not to love about it? It's a fantastic series that depicts the lives of six friends living in New York City, all attempting to try and navigate adulthood while maintaining jobs, friendships, and relationships. They may not always lead the most perfect lives, but they're just happy to be able to share their ups and downs with the people closest to them.
According to IMDB, the series ran from 1994 until 2004. Over those 10 years and 10 seasons, we really got to know the six main characters inside and out: Phoebe, Monica, Chandler, Ross, Joey, and Rachel. But what about the other characters? What about the people who make up the secondary cast, the people who interacted with these six friends, whether as a co-worker, as a rival, or maybe even as a love interest? These are the people who helped push the story along and who gave the six friends some of their best plotlines in the show.
This quiz is meant to test even the biggest Friends' fans knowledge of the show and see just who among us can remember all of these secondary characters. It won't be easy, but we encourage everyone to give it their best try.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Ross?
This character is perhaps most recognizable when he standing behind the counter at Central Perk, silently serving coffee or throwing Rachel Green longing gazes from across the room. In the first season of the show, he was about as prominent as the artwork on the walls. But, as the show went on, he got more and more lines and his character really began to develop, particularly after Rachel began working as a waitress at the café. He is a timid man who gives Rachel several (if not dozens) of chances to prove herself a good waitress. Of course, it helped that he was deeply in love with her.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
Everyone remembers this character simply for the incredible wedge he managed to drive between Rachel and Ross during their relationship. He just might be one of the most disliked secondary characters strictly for this reason. While visiting Monica at her job as a waitress, Rachel meets this character who offers her a job. When the two begin working together, Ross becomes incredibly jealous, particularly after seeing how good looking this man is and how close he and Rachel are becoming. In the end, the jealousy is too much and Rachel understandably can’t stand being with someone who doesn’t trust her.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Chandler?
This character is best classified by her iconic laugh that is quite literally her calling card. That, of her repeated phrase, “Oh my God.” She likes to say it when she’s surprised, angry, happy… basically, whenever she can, she likes to say it. She and Chandler Bing had quite the on-again/off-again relationship throughout the series. Even once they had ended for good, she just kept popping up out of nowhere. The night Rachel was in the hospital delivering her baby, this woman showed up pregnant and ready to deliver as well. When Chandler and Monica were looking at a house for sale, so was this character and her husband. Chandler quite literally could never get away from her!
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
As an actor, Joey required the assistance of a manager to help him score roles and establish himself in his field. He definitely got an interesting manager with this character. She is best recognized seated behind her office desk, a cigarette held firmly and perhaps permanently between her fingers while she chokes out half-hearted advice to her client. Joey was always willing and eager to listen to her, even if what she had to say was often a little unusual. She also had a habit of landing him some pretty questionable gigs, although we can’t say she didn’t try, even if she did forget he was actually her client once or twice.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
Ross has a habit of falling quick and hard for women, and nowhere is that more obvious than his relationship with this character. After replacing Rachel to entertain her boss’ niece for a night, Ross becomes hopelessly infatuated with her, enamored by her English charm and sweet demeanor. The two go on a whirlwind romance, all the while mindful that she is meant to leave the country in just a few weeks to go home. Right before she leaves, Ross decides the best way to keep her in his life is to propose. Romantic? Sure. But their marriage was doomed to fail, particularly when Ross said the wrong name at the altar. Oops.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Ross and Rachel?
Every apartment building has that one neighbor who makes life so much harder for the rest of the tenants. In Chandler, Monica, Rachel, and Joey’s apartment, that neighbor is this guy. The bathrobe-clad gentleman seen here with Ross and Rachel had a habit of complaining about quite literally anything and everything. He lived one floor below Rachel and Monica’s apartment, and if the girls were ever too loud for his liking, he would use his broomstick to bang on his ceiling, demanding they quiet down. Of course, the girls usually just made sure to stomp even louder because the man was just so annoying.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Ross?
Believe it or not, this character was once Joey’s girlfriend but fell for Ross during a trip to the Bahamas. A fellow paleontologist, she was more than happy to spend hours helping Ross rewrite his big speech after the original copy was lost on his computer. Although she was really meant to be spending her vacation with her boyfriend, Joey, she was more inclined to spend it with Ross, leading to her and Joey’s ultimate breakup. Unfortunately for Ross, his relationship with her wouldn’t last very long, and he would end up inadvertently helping her and her ex-husband get back together again.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
This character may not have appeared in the very first episode of Friends, but he was definitely a huge catalyst for the events that transpired. This man is the person Rachel left at the altar after experiencing a pretty serious case of cold feet. She escaped out a bathroom window to get away from him and retreated to Central Perk where she found Monica and all her friends. The rest, as they say, is history. While we do see him briefly in a season one episode where he and Rachel briefly and quite regrettably reconcile, we don’t see much of him again in the rest of the series, besides his wedding to Rachel’s best friend, Mindy.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Phoebe?
It may seem like this picture is of the exact same person, but trust us, it isn’t. Phoebe Buffay, that woman in the orange coat pictured on the left, is having quite the confrontation with her twin sister, that woman in the black on the right. While Phoebe is light, funny, and consistently happy, her twin sister is much more of a problematic person. She often does things that makes Phoebe’s life even harder, whether on purpose or not, and she never seems very interested in pursuing any sort of a relationship with her twin. They may look alike, but these two are far from the same.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Rachel?
While working in the personal shopping department at Bloomingdale’s, Rachel discovers one of her new clients is quite the handsome man. He requests she help her find an entirely new wardrobe, since his ex-wife basically took everything he owned in their divorce. Although he and Rachel spend a lot of time together, she can’t seem to summon the nerve to ask him out. That is, until she manages to convince him to come to a going away party for Ross’ girlfriend, Emily, where she tries to impress him. While she does manage to win him over, the relationship ends when it’s revealed he’s much too apprehensive about the prospect of marriage, particularly after Rachel spontaneously proposes to him.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured in the middle of the friends?
Every apartment building has a superintendent, and this gentleman happens to be just that person for Chandler, Monica, Rachel, and Joey’s building. He’s not a very personable man. In fact, he can have quite the quick temper, as proven when he verbally accosted Rachel for blocking the recycling shoot with a pizza box, making her cry. But, he has a softer side to him too. We see this when he asks Joey to help him practice his ballroom dancing so he can impress a female companion, leading to some hilarious but also genuinely nice scenes between the two. All in all, he’s a pretty straightforward guy who looks like to keep his building orderly.
What is the name of these secondary Friends characters?
Throughout the series, we meet several characters’ parents, but none feature more prominently than Ross and Monica’s parents. The Geller parents show up at just about every big occasion in the show, from Emma’s first birthday to a particularly eventful Thanksgiving dinner. They also provide plenty of comedic relief, with Mr. Geller cracking cheesy jokes and Mrs. Geller trying not to turn up her nose at everything around her. These two make for a hilarious pair, and they definitely bring something special to the show. Even Phoebe thinks so, considering her intense, albeit brief, infatuation with Mr. Geller in one episode.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Rachel?
Believe it or not, there was once a time in the show where a monkey (yes, a literal monkey) was a secondary character. Feeling rather lonely after his divorce, Ross sought out the companionship of a pet and ended up with a monkey rather than something much too ordinary like a dog or a cat. This monkey featured in plenty of episodes, like the one pictured here where he and Rachel share a quiet afternoon together and she explains the plot of a certain soap opera to him. All in all, this was a pretty good monkey, but alas, Ross had to give him up.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
Not everyone remembers, but actor Alec Baldwin once featured on the show as a secondary character. This person was Phoebe’s very brief boyfriend for a few episodes in season eight. He was a super energetic person who constantly saw the positives in everything and was quick to compliment everyone and everything. Basically, he was a glass-half-full kind of guy, but to the absolute extreme. Phoebe is usually a rather happy and positive person, but even she couldn’t handle this guy’s exuberance. Ultimately, their relationship came to an unfortunate end, but we’ll always remember that time Phoebe dated the same guy who complimented brake lights.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Rachel?
Right before Rachel turned 30, she began a quiet romance with this gentleman pictured beside her. There was, admittedly, a bit of an age gap between them. At the time they dated, this guy was about five years her junior. That wouldn’t be so bad if it weren’t for the fact that the day she turned 30, she really began to see how much of a difference five years can make when it comes to maturity. After all, she did watch her boyfriend fly around the hallway on a scooter that he thought would be the perfect birthday gift for her. Yeah, that was a breakup we all saw coming.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Monica?
Speaking of age differences, this character was someone who Monica dated that really got people talking, particularly considering the significant gap between their ages. Perhaps it would have been less surprising for people to find out about these two if they had simply met on the street or at a bar. But in fact, Monica knew this man because he was a good friend of her father’s. More than that, he had also once been her dentist. However weird their pairing may seem, these two actually worked really well together and were a sweet couple, so it was pretty sad to see them eventually break up.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Monica and Joey?
In addition to meeting the character’s parents on the show, we also get to meet many of their siblings. There’s Phoebe’s twin sister Ursula, Joey’s parade of loud-talking sisters, and then this woman who happens to be one of Rachel’s two sisters. Whereas Rachel has made efforts to become independent and more grounded as a person, her sister is happy to have her life completely funded by their rich father and to be as dependent on him and his money as possible. She also isn’t a very good aunt to Rachel and Ross’ baby, as she continually (and perhaps intentionally) calls her by the wrong name.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Phoebe?
There were quite a lot of things about Phoebe and her twin sister Ursula that made them very different people, no matter how similar they looked in appearance. However, there was one thing that these two girls definitely shared, and that’s there taste in men. During a Halloween party at Monica’s apartment, Ursula’s date mistook Phoebe for his girlfriend and flirted with her. Although the mix up was eventually revealed, Phoebe couldn’t help but fall for the handsome, educated, and caring man her sister was actually poised to marry. The two eventually began dating in another episode, but their relationship didn’t last very long at all.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
After Chandler moved in across the hall with Monica, Joey found himself suddenly on his own in their apartment and stuck paying rent by himself. With money getting a little tight and the place getting a little lonely, he set out to find a new roommate. This woman happened to be the perfect candidate. Not only was she gorgeous and Australian, but she was also a dancer who basically ticked every one of Joey’s roommate boxes. After crushing on her for several episodes, Joey finally wins her affections, but their relationship doesn’t last, particularly when she badmouths his friends to his face. Not such a nice girl after all.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Monica?
After Monica lost her job at her fancy restaurant, she was pretty eager for work, even if that meant taking a pretty unpleasant job. That’s exactly what she found at the Moon Dance diner, where she waitressed in a rather ridiculous costume, complete with an exaggerated chest and roller skates. While working there she caught the attention of a regular who she eventually learned was a billionaire. The two dated for a while with him taking her on some pretty memorable dates, like going for pizza in Italy one evening. But ultimately, their relationship couldn’t stand the moment he decided he wanted to give up his business to become a professional fighter.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
In the very first episode of Friends, Ross is lamenting his marriage that has come to a rather bitter end following the news that his wife, pictured here, had fallen in love with another woman. Although it definitely seemed like these two were poised to never speak again, her surprise pregnancy with his child changed all that. Now the two are civil co-parents to their son, and they have become quite close now that there is no pressure of a romantic relationship. In fact, Ross even walked his ex-wife down the aisle and gave her away to her new wife at their wedding. Talk about friendly exes!
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Phoebe?
Phoebe has definitely had her fair share of exes on the show. He happened to be Phoebe’s first serious love interest in the series, but their romance was short-lived – soon after they began dating, he learned he and his fellow scientist have earned a grant to study in Minsk. The two are torn apart for years, until several seasons later when he returns to New York and visits Phoebe. Soon they pick up their relationship where they left off, but things are a little different this time. Now Phoebe is fresh out of a breakup, and definitely not completely over her ex. Sadly for this character, too much time had passed and they both realized they had definitely missed their window.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
In the later seasons of the show, Ross is no longer working as a paleontologist at the museum but as a professor of paleontology at a university. There, he becomes quite enamored with one student in particular. While there aren’t exactly any rules strictly forbidding student/professor relationships, Ross admits that these things are usually pretty frowned upon. However, these two soon begin dating, much to Ross’ friends’ amusement, who tease him endlessly for his choice in a much younger girlfriend. However, they wouldn’t stay together for very long, after Ross comes to discover just how vastly different their maturity levels really are.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
This character is first introduced to us following a lengthy trek through South America, leaving him looking quite shaggy and disheveled. When Monica and Rachel encounter him in the dark, they’re a little spooked by his appearance and mistake him for a yeti. Later, after apologizing for the mishap, Rachel comes to find a clean-shaven man in place of the Yeti and becomes smitten with him. Their relationship doesn’t last though, particularly after Rachel meets his sister and learns just how uncomfortably close these two are for siblings. Perhaps it would be normal for younger siblings, but these two are adults, and their actions definitely raised from red flags.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
When we first meet this character, she is quite happily dating Joey. The two are a bit of an odd pairing, giving her sophistication as his lack thereof. But there were definitely some real feelings between them. However, Chandler couldn’t help but develop some pretty real feelings for her too, even though she was his best friend’s girlfriend. The two end up getting together, which puts a serious strain on his friendship with Joey. But, they eventually sort out their feelings and Joey gives Chandler his blessing. However, his own relationship with this character wouldn’t last long after learning that he isn’t the only man in her life. Ouch.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Phoebe?
We know that Phoebe has a twin sister named Ursula, but it definitely came as a surprise to everyone, especially Phoebe, to learn that she also has a half brother and he is definitely nothing like her. he is a fair bit younger and much less mature, enjoying life’s simpler pleasures like melting things. Their relationship is greatened when he and his much older wife later approach Phoebe and ask her to carry their baby for them, leading to Phoebe birthing triplets for her half brother. It just definitely goes to show how strong the bond between a brother and a sister can truly be.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
When Ross began dating his student, Elizabeth, it seemed like the only hurdles they would face would come in the form of any disapproving faculty at Ross’ university. However, he never expected he would have to face the tyranny of Elizabeth’s stern and deeply protective father who quite adamantly disapproved of the relationship. In quite an interesting turn of events, Elizabeth’s father falls for Rachel, and so Ross and Rachel end up dating a student and her father, respectively, at the same time. Both relationships were doomed to end right from the beginning, but it was definitely an interesting dynamic to witness, even just for a few episodes.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
We all know that Ross’ marriage came to a rather sad end when his wife, Carol, fell in love with another woman. Well, meet the other woman. Yes, this character is the person who we could arguably say is responsible for breaking up Ross and Carol, although there were also some other pretty big conflicts of interest going on, too. This character and Ross definitely do not get along, for obvious reasons, but they maintain a somewhat civil relationship for the sake of Carol and the child the three of them share together. She may not like Ross, but she knows that he is also the reason she has a son, so there must be some gratitude there somewhere.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Phoebe?
When this secondary character and Phoebe first got together, it seemed like a match made in heaven. They complimented each other so perfectly and worked so well together that it seemed like nothing could break them up. Unfortunately, this character’s disinterest in marriage would ultimately prove to be their downfall, and he and Phoebe soon broke up. However, when he learned that another man was interested in marrying Phoebe, he quickly came to his senses and sought her out in Barbados to propose to her first. Thankfully, these two perfect soulmates ended up together and would go on to have a fairy-tale wedding in the middle of a snowstorm.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
Following Ross and Rachel’s breakup, Phoebe attempts to help mend Ross’ heart by setting him up with one of her good friends. This friend is known among their group for having sported a shaved head for most of her life, so Rachel gives Phoebe her blessing to help Ross move on. However, this girl shows up sporting a beautiful full head of hair and quickly wins Ross over with her exuberant and spontaneous personality. It isn’t until later when they’re all at a beach house together that Rachel lets her jealousy get the better of her and convinces this girl to shave her head again. Somehow this proved too much for Ross to handle and the relationship was over.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
In the very first season of the show, Monica dates a man who all of her friends absolutely love and who they adoringly dub to be “fun”. Indeed, he is quite the fun guy. Not only is he a delight to have in their circle, but he also contributes to conversations and can make every member of the group laugh. He and Monica break up for a while, and when they reconcile the group is delighted. However, it turns out the thing that makes this character so “fun” is his penchant for alcohol. Take that away and suddenly he’s not so fun anymore. Relationship over.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
Following his divorce from Carol, Ross believed there was nothing left keeping them together anymore. That is, until Carol discovered that she was pregnant with his baby. Their son successfully turned things around for Ross. He became quite the passionate and devoted dad, even if he was often limited to seeing him on weekends and for random visits. Still, he did everything in his power to be the best dad possible. One time he even dressed up as an armadillo in a confusing but well-meaning effort to teach his son about his Jewish heritage when he seemed a bit too interested in Christmas and not at all interested in Hanukkah.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Ross and Rachel?
In the beginning of the series, there was a pretty big question mark surrounding Ross and Rachel. Every week they left viewers wondering, “Will they? Won’t they?” It seemed like there was always something preventing these two from getting together. No obstacle was bigger than this woman, who arrived in New York with Ross after a trip and surprised an awaiting Rachel at the airport, who had planned to use this moment to confess her feelings to Ross. It wouldn’t be until a few episodes later that Ross would find out about Rachel’s feelings, leaving him a little confused as to where to go from there. (Hint: don’t try and make a pros and cons list. It didn’t work out very well for Ross.)
What is the name of this secondary Friends character?
Monica and Chandler were one of the most adorable couples on the show. They had everyone cheering when they got together in London, and later when they got married. They were just so perfect for each other! When it came time to start their family, however, they realized that they weren’t going to be able to do it the natural way, so they sought out the help of a surrogate. The woman who chooses them to adopt her baby is quite bubbly, although sometimes a little airy. She makes such a profound impact on Monica and Chandler that when they’re surprised with twins, they decide to name one after her.
What is the name of this secondary Friends character, pictured here with Ross?
Ross’ relationship with this woman was rather confusing and pretty tumultuous. They met at Monica and Chandler’s wedding and soon began dating, although Ross got a little apprehensive of the whole thing when she suggested they send out a Christmas card together. Somehow this seemed too fast to Ross, the same man who proposed to Emily after only a few weeks of dating. Ultimately, his relationship with this particular woman wouldn’t last, especially not after both she and Ross found out that Rachel was pregnant and Ross was the father. It all works out in the end though, at least for Ross anyway.