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
The Pilot (Friends) and thought she was a better fit for Monica. After reading for Monica instead, she won the role. Nancy McKeon also read for the part. Jennifer Aniston read for the part of Rachel after initially being considered for Monica. Her contract with the CBS TV series "Muddling Through" meant that any role with "Friends" would be in second position to the series. The CBS show was not scheduled to be broadcast until mid-1994, after NBC's announcement of whether "Friends" would be greenlit; if "Muddling Through" became a ratings success and CBS enforced Aniston's contract, "Friends" would have had to recast