Nancy McKeon executives for the title role in the TV sitcom adaptation of the 1988 film "Working Girl"; the role, played by Melanie Griffith in the movie, instead went to then unknown Sandra Bullock for the TV series. In 1994, both McKeon and Courteney Cox auditioned for the role of Monica Geller on "Friends." The role went to the latter. When asked in interviews about the auditions, McKeon said, "I have no hard feelings. The role went to the right person. Courteney was brilliant. Now, I can't see anybody playing the role, not even myself." In 1995, she starred in her own
Monica Geller she remains best known. "Us Weekly" believes that Cox "made television history during her 10 year stint playing Monica". Meanwhile, Steve Weinstein of the "Los Angeles Times" credits Cox's comedic performance with helping disprove the stereotype that "Pretty women aren't supposed to be funny". In 1995, one year after "Friends" premiered, Cox appeared on the cover of "People's" "50 Most Beautiful People". According to "Alabama Biographical Dictionary" author Jan Onofrio, Monica helped "put [Cox] in the television spotlight and provided offers for more desirable roles." The "Daily News" referred to Cox as "one of the more successful 'Friends' since the