“It was important to us, and the producers, that we showed a couple that was in love.”
Friends star Jane Sibbett has revealed that her character’s lesbian wedding was met with resistance from “certain affiliates”.
The American actress and comedian recently reminisced on the iconic comedy series with other notable guest stars for The Guardian, such as Aisha Tyler (Charlie Wheeler), Paget Brewster (Kathy), Christina Pickles (Judy Gellar) and Cosimo Fusco (Paolo).
Sibbett’s character, Carol Willick – Ross’s ex-wife on the show – married her partner Susan (Jessica Hecht) in the second season, and it received controversy of its portrayal of same-sex marriage. Because of this, no kiss between them was shown.
However, the episode attracted over 30 million viewers – becoming the highest rated program of the week – and was notable for being the second gay marriage on a sitcom after Roseanne, which aired a gay ceremony five weeks prior.
“It was important to us, and the producers, that we showed a couple that was in love,” Sibbett told the publication, before admitting: “But certain affiliates wouldn’t air the episode with our [Carol and Susan’s] wedding. They completely blocked it out.”
She added: “I’m quite content. Obviously, I didn’t get paid the million-dollar paycheck, but I’ve had the best of Friends. I was able to raise my children and I got offered some really sweet projects.”
Friends is the most streamed television show in the world, despite airing 25 years ago.
The series starred Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, and was nominated for 62 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning for Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002.
Watch Carol and Susan’s wedding below.
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