Multi-talented actress and musician Selena Gomez has revealed that she was heavily influenced by the iconic ’90s sitcom Friends while filming her hit Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place.
In a recent appearance on the Wizards of Waverly pod, Gomez talked about how her love of Friends helped her develop her comedic timing and acting skills.
Gomez, who played the lead role of Alex Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place, says she’s a huge Friends fan and often watches reruns of the show on set. has been shown to have a significant impact on
But despite her admiration for the show, Gomez said she had to be careful not to overtly reveal her love for Friends. “It triggered certain people,” she explained on the podcast. “I had to be like, ‘I’m not going to talk about it too much.'”
Interestingly, Gomez also made comparisons between Waverly Place’s Wizard character, Alex Russo, and Rachel Green, one of Friends’ iconic characters. Although the two characters have very different personalities and backgrounds, Gomez noted some similarities in their demeanor and mannerisms.
“There might be a little Rachel Green in Alex Russo,” Gomez said. “Just in the way she dresses and the way she’s funny, but also has her moments of being serious.”
Love for Friends
It’s clear that Gomez’s love of Friends had a profound impact on her career and her approach to acting. While Wizards of Waverly Place may have been a children’s show, Gomez’s ability to infuse her performance with the same kind of wit and humor that made Friends such a beloved sitcom is a testament to her talent as an actress.
In the years since Wizards of Waverly Place ended its run, Gomez has continued to build an impressive career in the entertainment industry, with roles in films like The Dead Don’t Die and A Rainy Day in New York, as well as hit singles like “Lose You to Love Me” and “Rare.”
And while she may have had to be coy about her love for Friends while filming Wizards of Waverly Place, there’s no doubt that the show played a significant role in shaping her into the talented performer she is today.
Despite the challenges, Gomez credits Friends as being a major influence on her acting style and comedic timing. “1,000 percent,” she said. “Now I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of them, and I freak out to this day.” She added that even her younger sister has become a fan of the show, saying, “I think she’s got a crush on David [Henrie, who played Gomez’s brother].”
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Not Surprising Really
Gomez’s admiration for Friends is no surprise, as the show is widely regarded as one of the most beloved and influential sitcoms of all time. The show, which aired from 1994 to 2004, followed the lives of a group of friends living in New York City, and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
The show’s popularity has continued to this day, with a new generation of fans discovering the show through streaming platforms like Netflix.
Furthermore, Gomez’s revelation about her love for Friends is a reminder of the enduring impact that the show has had on popular culture. The show’s timeless humor and relatable characters have made it a classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
And for young actors like Gomez, it has served as a source of inspiration and a masterclass in comedic timing and delivery.
Gomez’s love for the show is well-documented, and she has often spoken about her admiration for the series and its cast. In January 2020, Gomez appeared as a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which was being guest-hosted by Friends star Jennifer Aniston. During the show, Gomez declared her love for the character of Rachel, played by Aniston, saying “Rachel was my life.”
Gomez went on to share a heartfelt story about how she used to watch Friends every Thursday night with her mother, and how much the show meant to her. “I would watch it on channel 33 at 10:30 every night on Thursday with my mom,” she said. “And I cried when the whole season was over. It’s iconic.”
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Gomez and Aniston
Aniston, who played Rachel on Friends, was clearly touched by Gomez’s story, and the two stars exchanged flowers as a symbol of their newfound friendship. “I love you, you’re amazing,” Aniston told Gomez.
Since then, Gomez and Aniston have continued to support each other’s work and maintain their friendship. In an interview with People magazine in 2020, Gomez revealed that Aniston had given her some valuable advice about dealing with the pressures of fame. “She just kind of looked at me and was like, ‘You’ll figure it out. Just give it time,'” Gomez said.
Gomez’s admiration for Friends is a testament to the show’s enduring popularity and cultural significance. The show has become a cultural touchstone for generations of viewers, and its characters and storylines continue to resonate with audiences today. And for Gomez, it has served as a source of inspiration and comfort throughout her life.
Photo: EW
