Monica Geller approximately half of the show's episodes, and has since proven popular enough to be adapted into an internet meme. While each main character eventually evolved into household names the longer "Friends" ran, the once-obscure actors by whom they were portrayed gradually established themselves as celebrities. According to "Elle", the combined popularity of Monica and Cox established them both as television icons during the 1990s. Additionally, baby name books now commonly associate the name "Monica" with the character. As the role in which Cox "found fame", Monica remains the actress' most iconic role to-date, as well as the part for which
Ross Geller Ross's most significant relationship during the series. His attraction to her is established early on; Ross met Rachel through his sister Monica, who was Rachel's best friend in high school. He developed an unrequited crush on her, but never followed through on it. After leaving college, Ross married Carol, whom he had met at college, and had seemingly put his feelings for Rachel aside before he met her again in The Pilot. They have an on-again, off-again dynamic throughout most of the show. In the Season 1 finale, Ross has to go to China for his work so he asks