Friends has 6 iconic characters who have their separate fanbase as they are all relatable with their real-life problems. With the iconic theme song and popular cameos, the show is still adored by fans. However, can a fan of the show imagine any one of the characters portrayed by a different actor? Well, had the sitcom hired this The Idol star instead of Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, the character would have been a lot different from the one we love today.

Joey Tribbiani, portrayed by Matt LeBlanc, is an aspiring actor in the show. His innocence and unwavering love for his best friend Chandler, make him a lot more memorable. But what if some other actor would have portrayed him?

The Idol star wanted to be Joey Tribbiani in Friends

Although those who love the ’90s sitcom with all their hearts would not try to imagine any other actor playing their favorite characters, there was almost a chance. Crested by The Weekend and others, the HBO show, The Idol featured a character named Chaim. Now, the actor who portrayed the character in the HBO show also featured in the NBC sitcom. He is none other than Hank Azaria. According to Cosmopolitan, the 59-year-old actor auditioned for the role of Joey Tribbiani, twice.

The role ultimately went to the Man With A Plan actor who won hearts with his unforgettable performance. In an interview, Azaria admitted Joey’s role was the only role he auditioned for twice. When the first time he auditioned, the casting director rejected him. However, he believed he had Joey’s essence, thus, went in for the second time as well. But the second time also he got rejected. Despite not getting the role of Joey Tribbiani, The Simpson star ended up being a part of the show.

Do you remember Phoebe’s boyfriend, whom she loved the most, but moved to Minsk? Yes, David, the Science Guy. Azaria ultimately played the character which earned him an Emmy nomination as well. So, yes, he failed to be Joey, but he aced it as David, the Science guy. But the question is, did Hank Azaria like Matt LeBlanc as the Italian-American actor in the show?

Did Hank Azaria admire Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani?

From “How you doin’?” to “Joey doesn’t share food“, replacing LeBlanc is a “moo point” for his fans now. However, when the Brockmire star saw LeBlanc in the first few episodes of the show, he did not think the Top Gear actor was the right choice. But he soon changed his mind after seeing the actor becoming one with his character and truly embracing the role.

Not only Azaria but also fans loved the 56-year-old actor so much that he ended up getting his own spin-off show, Joey, as well. However, it created differences with his co-stars, as Matthew Perry mentioned in his memoir. But they solved the issues and came closer to each other. And David, the Science Guy, went to Minsk, breaking Phoebe’s heart, for a long time.

Do you think Hank Azaria could have been the face of Joey Tribbiani? How the character would have been different had he played the role? Tell us in the comments below.