Monica Geller minutes and forty-six seconds apart. Although the surprise addition of Monica and Chandler's twins was generally well received, critics questioned the fact that the babies are brought home from the hospital the same day as their delivery Monica is portrayed by American actress Courteney Cox. Crane and Kauffman had originally written the role of Monica for comedian Janeane Garofalo, their first choice, because they were attracted to her "edgier and snarkier" voice. However, Garofalo ultimately turned down the offer. Actress Jami Gertz was also offered the role but declined, while actress Leah Remini auditioned for Monica before ultimately being cast
Monica Geller September 1994, critics initially perceived Monica as the show's main character; "Entertainment Weekly's" Ken Tucker attributes this to the fact that Cox was the show's most famous cast member at the time. The actress has garnered largely positive reviews for her performance, with Tucker concluding that Cox successfully "plays straight woman ... with alluring modesty". Tony Scott of "Variety" commended the entire cast for "appear[ing] resourceful and display[ing] sharp sitcom skills ... especially Cox", while "The Baltimore Sun's" David Zurawik described her acting as "terrific". John Kiesewetter of "The Cincinnati Enquirer" praised Cox's ability to "deliver both verbal and physical