‘Friends’: Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer’s Most Iconic Moments
Friends is arguably one of the most popular television shows of all time. The relationship dynamic between two of the lead characters, Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), has entertained and delighted fans for years.
Here are some of the couple’s most iconic moments, including a real-life event that still has fans speculating whether or not the two will end up together.
When Rachel kissed Ross at the laundromat
The chemistry between Ross and Rachel is always palpable, and the couple finally shares their first kiss in season 1, episode 5.
Ross pretends that rats have infested the laundry room in his building so he can teach Rachel how to do her laundry. She has to learn these basic life skills for the first time to assert her financial independence from her parents.
Another woman takes the machine Rachel claimed, and Ross stands up for Rachel, who is too timid to say anything. She gets upset when she discovers that she accidentally included a red sock in a load of white clothing, turning the entire load pink. When the same woman tries to steal Rachel’s cart, she finally sticks up for herself.
Rachel is so exhilarated by her newfound strength and independence that she grabs Ross by the collar and kisses him for the first time.
When Ross and Rachel kissed in Central Perk during a rainstorm
In season 2, episode 7, Ross and Rachel have been going back and forth fighting their feelings for each other. At this point, Ross is dating Julie and considering getting a cat with her, signifying the seriousness of the relationship.
Rachel goes on a date to try to forget about Ross, but instead gets drunk and leaves a message on his answering machine. Ross listens to the message in front of Rachel and learns her true feelings for him. But Julie is waiting downstairs for him to go pick out a cat, so he leaves Rachel without telling her what he thinks.
That night, as Rachel closes down Central Perk, it starts to storm. Ross comes to tell Rachel that he didn’t get a cat, and they argue about why they never revealed their feelings to each other before.
Ross storms out and Rachel locks the door after him, but he returns and she lets him in. They kiss passionately while the rain pours romantically outside.
When Ross was going to be Rachel’s prom date
The main plot of season 2, episode 14 revolves around the gang watching the home video of Monica and Rachel getting ready for their high school senior prom. While everyone else looks on eagerly, Ross is reluctant to let them see the tape.
When Rachel’s date, Chip, is late to pick her up, Mr. Gellar convinces Ross that he should step up and take Rachel instead. Ross is in college and doesn’t want to reveal his crush on Rachel. Nevertheless, he borrows his father’s tuxedo and gallantly prepares to escort Rachel to the prom.
When Chip shows up at the last minute, Ross looks sad and dejected about missing his opportunity to be Rachel’s date. Until watching the tape, Rachel never knew that Ross wanted to take her.
When real-life Ross and Rachel admitted they had crushes on each other while filming the show
The chemistry between David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston wasn’t limited to the screen. In the recent Friends reunion, Schwimmer admitted to having a crush on Aniston during filming.
“I had a major crush on Jen,” Schwimmer revealed to the entire main cast during the unscripted reunion. “At some point we were both crushing hard on each other.”
But much like their characters, the two actors were hesitant to act on their feelings. “One of us was always in a relationship and we never crossed that boundary,” said Schwimmer. “We respected that.”
Aniston indicated that she returned Schwimmer’s feelings by saying, “We channeled all of our adoration and love for each other into Ross and Rachel.”
Now that both actors appear to be single, could the fans’ dreams of the real-life Ross and Rachel getting together actually come true?
