In a candid interview on The View, actress Brooke Shields shared an amusing anecdote about her experience guest-starring on the iconic sitcom Friends. The 59-year-old revealed how she managed to win over the cast, particularly Matthew Perry, with a clever prank. Shields explained that she felt like an outsider when joining the tight-knit group and wanted nothing more than to be accepted and make everyone laugh. Her moment of inspiration came from observing Perry's playful antics on set. By turning his joke around, Shields not only succeeded in making him laugh but also earned the admiration of the entire cast. Despite some minor injuries, the experience left her with fond memories and a deeper appreciation for the show’s humor.
Shields appeared on The View on January 13th to discuss her time on Friends. She recounted feeling out of place among the established cast members who had developed a strong bond over the years. “I was such a fan of the show,” she said, “and all I wanted was for them to like me.” Perry’s recurring gag involved playfully throwing himself on the floor in front of a female cast member, pretending to look up her skirt—a stunt Shields noted would not be acceptable today. Inspired by this, she decided to give Perry a taste of his own medicine. In a bold move, Shields sprinted across the stage, threw herself on the ground, and pretended to look up Perry’s pant leg. Initially met with silence, the moment soon erupted into laughter, much to Shields’ relief.
The prank left a lasting impression on Perry, who later asked Shields how she knew to do that. Her response was heartfelt: “I’ve been watching you, and I just wanted to say thank you for bringing so much humor to the set.” Shields admitted that while the stunt resulted in rug burns on her knees, it was worth it for the joy it brought to the cast. This experience highlights the lengths actors sometimes go to in order to fit in and contribute to the camaraderie on a successful show like Friends.
Shields starred in the 1996 episode titled “The One After the Super Bowl,” where she played a stalker who believed Joey was the character he portrayed on television. The episode featured other notable guests such as Julia Roberts, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Fred Willard, and Dan Castellaneta. Shields’ appearance on The View coincided with the release of her new book, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed To Get Old, which delves into her personal journey of aging and self-advocacy. During her promotion for the book, Shields also spoke about the importance of addressing women’s health issues, emphasizing the need for better representation and understanding in the healthcare system.
Beyond the prank, Shields’ reflections on her Friends experience offer insight into the dynamics of working on a long-running and beloved series. Her willingness to take risks and engage with the cast in a lighthearted manner underscores the importance of building rapport in collaborative environments. Ultimately, Shields’ story is a testament to the power of humor and connection in creating memorable moments both on and off screen.