Friends, as a prime-time show of the 90s, had many specialties. From the star-studded affair to historical paychecks, it also became an emblem for prominent features of cameo roles. As many big-impact celebrities made their appearances in the show creating a buzz, Dakota Fanning too, became one of the big names who had their names etched on the credits for Friends.

Fanning’s debut in the NBC sitcom came in the series’ final stretch. But for an unbelievable reason, her own sister, Elle Fanning, refused to watch the episode as was once revealed by Elle Fanning herself.

Why did Elle Fanning deny watching Dakota Fanning’s cameo in Friends?

Friends was really a stardust-filled presence of the 90s television. Starting from Brad Pitt, Paul Rudd, and Julia Roberts, it also made some star kids feature in the show, including Dakota Fanning and Cole Sprouse. However, in a 2019 interview with Porter Magazine, Elle Fanning revealed how she settled on “boycotting the show” and “refused to watch the episode” featuring her sister. While it could look like the classic case of sisterly strife, it also was added with a tinge of jealousy. 

As per her interview, Elle Fanning auditioned for the role of Phoebe Buffay’s triplets. What led to her decision to “boycott” was how Dakota Fanning landed a role later in the show instead of her. Considering she was already hurt by the refusal, her sister’s fitting to the role came as a salt rub on the wound. Hence, Elle Fanning was more of the opinion that “I am not watching this.”.

Years have passed since the incident, and the sisters have moved on from the sibling rivalry. Moreover, along with her bold confession, also came an admission of how she wanted to work with Dakota Fanning on-screen.

Back when Elle Fanning disclosed her desire to work with Dakota Fanning

No household has ever been truly free of blood feuds. Especially true in the case of the Fanning sisters. However, given that the train of jealousy has finally left the station, there is no doubt that their childhood grudge has also worn off. The sense of alliance came from her interview with W Magazine that same year. Elle Fanning’s declaration of desire to work with her sister began with her dream of starting a production company.

She said how she wanted to name it after her grandmother, “so it could be Gaba Productions”. But then onwards, she also became an active cheerleader for Dakota Fanning’s projects. So much so that she would often raid her sister’s jewelry closet. While a moderate amount of jealousy hurt no one, it is indeed more favorable to witness the sister’s connection rather than focusing on their competition.

Did you know the reason behind Elle Fanning’s refusal to watch Dakota Fanning’s episode? Let us know in the comments below!