From Brad Pitt to Baby Dakota Fanning: 7 actors you totally forgot were on 'Friends'

When we think of 'Friends', it’s impossible not to picture the core six, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer, holding court at Central Perk. The ensemble dominated television from 1994 to 2004 and became global icons in the process. But beyond the famous six, the sitcom also welcomed an impressive lineup of guest stars across its 10 seasons. From Oscar winners to future TV legends, some of Hollywood’s biggest names quietly made appearances on the show. Years later, many of these cameos are surprisingly easy to forget, until you revisit the episodes.

Ben Stiller appeared in season 3’s 'The One With the Screamer' as Tommy, Rachel’s new boyfriend. At first charming and attentive, Tommy slowly reveals an explosive temper that only Ross seems to witness. From yelling at animals to sudden outbursts, the role allowed Stiller to lean into his signature manic energy. His acting provided a fleur-de-lis to one of the highlights of the season.

Before she became Meredith Grey on 'Grey's Anatomy', Ellen Pompeo appeared in season 10’s “The One Where the Stripper Cries.” She played Missy Goldberg, a former college classmate of Ross and Chandler who once came between the two friends. The episode reveals that despite a pact not to pursue her, Chandler secretly kissed Missy years earlier. It’s a small but memorable role, especially considering Pompeo would soon headline one of television’s longest-running dramas.

Long before she became a major Hollywood star, Dakota Fanning appeared on 'Friends' at just 10 years old. In 'The One With Princess Consuela,' she played Mackenzie, the young girl living in the house Monica and Chandler consider buying in the suburbs. Her character shares a surprisingly sweet and emotional conversation with Joey, helping him process the group’s big life changes.

Julia Roberts guest-starred in season 2’s special episode 'The One After the Super Bowl: Part 2.' She portrayed Susie Moss, a childhood acquaintance of Chandler who had been teased by him years earlier. Under the disguise of flirting with him, Susie orchestrates an elaborate revenge plan that leaves Chandler humiliated. Roberts’ appearance was one of the show’s earliest major celebrity cameos and remains a fan favorite.

In season 1’s 'The One With the Birth,' Leah Remini played Lydia, a pregnant woman Joey meets at the hospital. As Carol prepares to give birth to Ross’ son, Joey unexpectedly bonds with Lydia while waiting. When Lydia’s own partner fails to show up, Joey stays by her side during labor, creating one of the episode’s more heartfelt moments. It’s an early cameo that showcased Remini’s natural sitcom.

During his real-life marriage to Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt made a cameo in season 8’s Thanksgiving episode “The One With the Rumor.” He played Will Colbert, a former high school classmate who harbors a long-standing grudge against Rachel. Will eventually reveals that he and Ross once founded the “I Hate Rachel Green” club. The meta-humor of Pitt appearing opposite Aniston made it one of the show’s most talked-about guest appearances.