Randy Vasquez Says Being Fired From ‘Friends’ Season One Terrified Jennifer Aniston

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I was so fascinated to hear Randy Vasquez talk about almost being on Friends! He shared this amazing story about actually getting cast for the fourth episode, but then being let go right after the first table read. Can you imagine?! He said he was on the phone getting the bad news in his dressing room when Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow actually came in, and they looked totally upset about the whole cast shake-up. It’s wild to think how close things could have been different!

The actor remembered that the show hadn’t yet become the huge success it is now, and the main actors were still getting comfortable in their roles. He said Jennifer Aniston seemed especially embarrassed by what happened, probably because everyone on set was starting to realize how unpredictable the entertainment industry could be. Even though they were disappointed, Vasquez wished the up-and-coming stars well, and the cast genuinely appreciated his kindness.

Just as he was leaving the Warner Bros. studio, Matthew Perry stopped him and offered support. Perry recounted his own difficult experience – being flown to Florida for a movie role, only to find out upon arrival that his character had been cut. He encouraged Vasquez to stay strong, and that simple act of kindness stuck with him for years.

Although she didn’t get the part on Friends, Esai Morales went on to have a successful acting career, appearing in popular shows like JAG, Acapulco H.E.A.T., and Love Boat: The Next Wave. Meanwhile, the six main actors of Friends became incredibly famous and remained close friends throughout the show’s ten seasons.

After Matthew Perry’s death, Jennifer Aniston shared her thoughts on their final get-together in 2021, saying that while she was deeply saddened by his loss, she felt comforted knowing he was finally free from his long-standing health struggles.

Randy Vasquez is still working steadily in acting, appearing in both TV and theater roles. He recently received praise for his performance in the debut of The Little King of Norwalk at the Latino Theater Company in late 2025.

Friends continues to be a major part of pop culture, still drawing in millions of viewers on streaming services and in reruns. Beyond the show’s success, stories about the challenges faced during its early production and the actors’ supportive relationships offer a glimpse of the human side of Hollywood. For Vasquez, a near-miss role on the show represents a small but important moment in a career marked by perseverance and lasting success.

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2026-01-30 23:14