David Schwimmer’s Act of Kindness Brightened the Set of “Friends”
Remember the iconic TV show “Friends”? Well, there’s a behind-the-scenes story that might make you smile. Patty Lin, a member of the show’s writing team during season 7, shares a heartwarming moment involving David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller.
Lin, in her new memoir titled End Credits: How I Broke Up With Hollywood, recounts her experience as an extra on the set of “Friends” during the filming of season 7’s episode “The One With All the Candy.” This episode aired in 2000. She remembers feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as she joined the energetic crowd in the hallway.
David Schwimmer, who was directing that episode, approached Lin and gave her instructions. Instead of just saying, “Hey, you,” Schwimmer addressed her by name. He asked her to move a little closer to the door, and Lin was overjoyed. It was a simple act of kindness that made her feel appreciated.
A Bond Beyond the Screen
David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston, who played Ross and Rachel, had a special bond both on and off the screen. Fans were surprised during the Friends reunion in May 2021 when they revealed they had feelings for each other outside of the show. But the story isn’t just about the actors’ connections—it’s also about the impact of Schwimmer’s kindness on the set.
Despite knowing the cast from table reads and shooting schedules, it was Schwimmer’s genuine kindness that made Lin feel truly seen. She emphasizes that it doesn’t take much for a celebrity to be a decent person. That moment with Schwimmer became the highlight of her time working on Friends, and she felt a sense of belonging to the show.
From Stressful Moments to Memorable Jokes
Lin also shares her experience dealing with the pressure of being part of the show’s writing team. One of the most stressful parts was the “Friends joke huddle,” where ideas were discussed. Lin was a drama writer by profession, which made the comedic huddle even more challenging.
However, during the taping of “The One With the Candy,” Lin’s joke got a stamp of approval. In that Christmas episode, Monica and Chandler put out treats for the whole building. Lin’s clever one-liner won over Marta Kauffman, one of the co-creators of Friends. The moment was a triumph for Lin, showing her ability to shine in a different genre.
A Peek Behind the Curtain
While Schwimmer’s kindness stood out, Lin also sheds light on some challenges faced by the cast. She explains that the actors often had negative feedback about the scripts and rarely suggested solutions. They would even debate whether their characters would say or do certain things, sometimes taking themselves a bit too seriously.
“Friends” had a successful run from 1994 to 2004, with a star-studded cast including David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc. Although Lin was part of the show for just one season, she went on to contribute to other notable series like “Desperate Housewives” and “Breaking Bad” before leaving TV writing in 2008.
A Memoir Full of Stories
Patty Lin’s memoir, End Credits: How I Broke Up With Hollywood, offers a glimpse into the world of TV production and the human side of celebrity interactions. Through her experiences, we see that sometimes it’s the small acts of kindness that can leave a lasting impact.