10 Potential TV Castings We’re SO Glad Didn’t Happen
6. Hank Azaria As Joey (Friends)
There were quite a few notable actors who auditioned for Friends. Courtney Cox initially read for Rachel, as did Leah Remini and Jane Krakowski, while Ellen DeGeneres auditioned for Phoebe and Vince Vaughn for Joey. Jon Cryer also turned down the role of Chandler, so it could have been very different bunch.
Arguably the best casting not to happen though was voice of Moe Szyslak: Hank Azaria as Joey. Not because Azaria would have been bad in the role, but because him missing out allowed him to be later cast as David the Scientist, one of the best recurring love interests in the show.
Azaria was so interested in the role he auditioned twice. The first time he felt he blew it, so when he heard they were still looking a couple of weeks later, tried again. It was this second go around which kept producers interested and eventually got him a phone call about the role of David.
Azaria has since admitted feeling a little bitter watching the first series; on a rewatch, most fans would admit the earliest season doesn’t hold up. He was turned around by the second season though, and ended up playing a fantastic part.