From 1994-2004, Friends was undoubtedly the best sitcom on TV, despite what my dad says about Seinfeld. Like many people my age, I grew up watching reruns on Nick @ Nite. Since it came on Netflix, I’ve watched it four times start to finish, and what I’ve noticed is the amazing guest stars the show had. I’m not just talking about James Michael Tyler as Gunther; the amount of celebrity guest stars on Friends is amazing.
10. Reese Witherspoon as Jill Green
Reese Witherspoon played Rachel’s younger, and very spoiled, sister perfectly. It was like getting a taste of what Rachel would be like if she had never chosen to be independent. Also, the on-screen sister tension was very believable.
9. Kathleen Turner as Charles Bing/Helena Handbasket
Chandler’s cross-dressing father is the bane of his existence, and is portrayed perfectly by actress Kathleen Turner. Mr. Bing is at all of Chandler and Monica’s wedding events, and him and Nora (Morgan Fairchild) do their fair share of embarrassing their son with their fighting, and their wardrobe.
8. Alec Baldwin as Parker
Phoebe meets Parker at the dry cleaners after her physic tells her she’s going to meet an amazing guy. Alec Baldwin plays Phoebe’s very very enthusiastic date. Even Phoebe describes him as, “like Santa Claus… on Prozac… at Disneyland… getting laid.” And if Phoebe thinks he’s weird, he has to be weird.
7. Ben Stiller as Tommy
Rachel becomes jealous when Ross invites a date to Joey’s play, so she finds a date last minute, Tommy. Tommy is a “screamer” according to the episode title. The relationship comes to an immediate end when he yells at Chandler and Joey’s chick.
6. Isabella Rossellini as herself
In “The One with Frank Jr.,” Ross is making a list of the celebrities he’s allowed to sleep with, and bumps the Blue Velvet actress for Winona Rider because she’s too international. When, much to everyone’s surprise, she walks into the coffee house, Isabella perfectly blows off Ross for “that guy over there.” Claps for you Isabella Rossellini.
5. Bruce Willis as Paul Stevens
Paul is Ross’s girlfriend, Elizabeth, father. Paul and Rachel begin to date, and he is awesome. He plays the perfect terrorizing father. It’s so amazing when he cries for an entire episode. The over-protective father character is such a great contrast to all of the main characters’ fathers. Paul's the man.
4. Jon Favruae as Pete Becker
This is more for the character, not the actor. Personally, I love Pete. He is the sweetest guy in whole world. Nuff said.
3. Winona Ryder as Melissa Warburton
Best. Friends. Guest star. Ever. Seriously episode should have won a million Emmy’s. The complete turn around of the character at the end is amazing. Also the fact that Melissa suggests that Rachel might have molested her in front of Phoebe is just hilarious.
2. Paul Rudd as Mike Hannigan
Phoebe and Mike are the best couple ever (sorry Monica and Chandler). It’s so great how much Mike loves Phoebe. Mike is just the best guy. I know when he didn’t want to get married at first he was kind of a jerk, but he makes up for that when he proposes to her in Barbados.
1. Robin Williams as unnamed(?)
The Billy Crystal-Robin Williams scene wasn’t in the original script, the actors just happen to be in same building and made a special appearance. Robin Williams is absolutely fantastic in this scene. His accent and crying about his wife is hysterical. He is by far the best celebrity guest star on "Friends" hands down.
