If you think you know Friends like the back of your hand, there’s always that one little detail that makes you question how well you really know the show. For instance, did you know that one actress actually played two completely different characters throughout the series?
June Gable’s Iconic Roles on Friends
One of the most unforgettable characters in Friends is Estelle, the eccentric, chain-smoking talent agent who worked with Joey (Matt LeBlanc). Estelle’s gravelly voice, which only Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) could perfectly imitate, became an instant classic. From her unmistakable look to her distinctive hairstyle, it’s hard not to remember her. But what if I told you that June Gable, the actress behind Estelle, actually played another role before that? A lot of fans completely missed it!
From Talent Agent to Nurse
Before Estelle made her first appearance in season 2, episode 10, Gable had already portrayed a completely different character in the show. In the very first season, she played a nurse who helps Carol (Jane Sibbett), Ross’s ex-wife, during the birth of their son, Ben. Imagine being a Friends superfan and completely missing that connection. It’s one of those hidden gems that only the most diligent viewers would catch.
A Broadway Star with a Versatile Career
June Gable’s talent doesn’t end with her roles in Friends. Beyond the sitcom, she’s a celebrated Broadway actress, having earned a Tony Award for her performances. In addition to her stage career, she appeared in a variety of other TV shows, including iconic series like Miami Vice and Dream On. Fans may also have seen her more recently in the film Maestro, directed and starring Bradley Cooper. Gable’s career is a testament to her versatility as an actress—whether on stage, screen, or as part of the unforgettable ensemble cast of Friends.
Hidden Gems in Friends
Throughout its 10 seasons and 236 episodes, Friends was filled with little Easter eggs and subtle references that continue to delight fans decades later. From secret messages hidden in the opening credits to playful nods to real-life events—like the marriage of Courteney Cox and David Arquette—Friends was full of little surprises. The show’s detailed world-building made it an endlessly rich source for fans to discover new things. For example, the set of the apartment building even features a nod to Home Alone—a fun Easter egg for anyone who remembers the beloved 1990 holiday film.
Revisiting the Show
If you want to catch June Gable in both of her roles, you can find Friends in its entirety on Max, where all the episodes are available for streaming. Whether you’re rewatching your favorite episodes or looking for those hidden details you may have missed the first time around, the show still offers something new even for the most seasoned fans.
Friends was full of surprises, and June Gable’s dual roles are a perfect example of how even the smallest details can enrich a show’s legacy.
