FRIENDS Reunion: Jennifer Aniston & David Schwimmer Reveal They Were "Crushing Hard On Each Other" During the Show

After years of waiting, FRIENDS fans finally got to see their favorite cast together. Appearing for the reunion special named, The One Where They Get Back Together, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer recollected old memories on set and bonded over their shared past. The cast also revealed some interesting details about set romances.  

When asked if any of them ever engaged in off-screen romances, Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer surprised fans by divulging that they were crushing hard on each other at the time. The couple, who played the romantic pair, Ross and Rachel on-screen went on to narrate how it never really materialized off-screen.

"I mean, the first season, I had a major crush on Jen. At some point, we were crushing hard on each other," said Schwimmer, according to People. He added, "But it was like two ships passing, because one of us was always in a relationship and we never crossed that boundary. We respected that."

Schwimmer was met with LeBlanc labeling his statement as "Bulls**t." However, Aniston took over and went on to recollect a conversation she had with Schwimmer about their eventual first kiss. "Honestly, I remember saying one time to David, 'It's going to be such a bummer if the first time you and I actually kiss is going to be on national television,'" she said, according to CNA lifestyle.

Unfortunately, Aniston's words came true. "Sure enough, first time we kissed was in that coffee shop," she said. With the possibility of off-screen romance nearly slim, the couple focused on using their love for each other to deliver outstanding performances as Ross and Rachel.

"So we just channeled all of our adoration and love for each other into Ross and Rachel," said Aniston. Schwimmer also recounted the initial years when he and Aniston cozied up during breaks. "When we had breaks from rehearsal, there were moments where we would cuddle on the couch," he said.

Aniston added, "We would spoon and fall asleep on the couch." Moments later, footage of the two snuggling together rolled. At the time, Schwimmer asked, "I'm thinking, 'How did not everyone know we were crushing on each other?'"

To his surprise, Perry and Cox said that they were aware of it.

Further, Schwimmer and Aniston admitted it was their circumstances at the time that averted them from getting into a relationship. It "was a situation we couldn't do anything about," said the 54-year-old actor.

Aniston responded saying, "How great though, ultimately. Because if you had [acted on it] and it didn't work out, it would have not probably been as great [on the show]."

Though the couple did not get together in real life, Schwimmer and Aniston had an on-and-off romance in the sitcom until the final season. Their characters Ross and Rachel get back together for good after having a daughter together in the last episode.

Meanwhile, both the actors are reportedly single in real life. Schwimmer parted ways with his English artist wife, Zoe Buckman, in 2017 after tying the knot in 2010. Aniston, on the other hand, split from second husband Justin Theroux in 2018. She was previously married to Brad Pitt in 2005.

The reunion episode is now streaming on HBO Max. It was released on May 27, 2021.

References: 

https://people.com/tv/friends-reunion-jennifer-aniston-david-schwimmer-crushed-on-each-other/

https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/trending/friends-reunion-special-truth-about-ross-and-rachel-relationship-14897012

Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by (L) Handout and (R) Kevin Winter