Friends actor talks about the shows lasting impact 20 years after the release 

Actress Jessica Hecht wasn't among the leading cast of Friends, and yet that didn't stop her from leaving her mark on the legacy show. Jessica Hecht portrayed the supporting character of Susan Bunch on Friends and is still remembered as the partner to Ross's ex-wife Carol and the co-parent of Ben. Although she was at times portrayed in a negative light in the storyline involving her, Ross, and Carol, she managed to garner enough love from the audiences so as to make her a memorable part of Friends.

Hecht recently spoke with People magazine, during the course of which she expressed gratitude for not being among the leading cast of the popular show, also relating to the show's enduring legacy even after two decades. Here's everything that we know.

Jessica Hecht immortalized Susan Bunch on Friends

Reflecting on her time spent on Friends, actress Jessica Hecht told People magazine that she initially hadn't expected the show to skyrocket to such heights of fame and popularity. She remarked:

"I don't watch things that I've made more than just to say, ‘Oh God, okay.' That show affecting so many people's lives and the actors on that show affecting so many people's lives ... I watch it with awe, and I understand the need for that ... I'm also grateful that I wasn't a lead character in many ways, because the responsibility of that is more than most people could manage... the fact that they were each unique within that beautiful cluster was truly an accomplishment."

Now fifty-nine years old, Hecht retains nothing but gratitude for being able to contribute to the popular sitcom. Her character, Susan Bunch, was responsible for delivering several hilarious punchlines and gags. Hecht was seen on more than a dozen episodes. During the debut season of the show, Carol ended up divorcing Ross to be with Susan but soon discovered that she was pregnant with Ross's child, Ben, who was subsequently born towards the end of the season. She was also seen on the second season episode titled The One With the Lesbian Wedding, which saw her getting married to Carol. Hecht futher commented:

"I'm also grateful that I wasn't a lead character in many ways, because the responsibility of that is more than most people could manage."

This is particularly true of such a popular show as Friends, since the leading cast, comprising Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, the late Matthew Perry, and Matt LeBlanc, have often hinted at the pressures of fame. Hecht mentioned that she admired all of them for handling their fame "gracefully."

Jessica Hecht had a successful career on stage after Friends

Apart from her time on the sitcom Friends, star Hecht has led a fulfilling and successful career on stage. She has been nominated for this year's Tony Award for her performance in the play Eureka Day. Hecht expressed being shocked at her nomination:

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"It's very rare that anyone gets acknowledged in life for anything they do, so why should this be different?"

The 2025 Tony Awards will take place on Sunday, June 8, and will be broadcast on CBS.

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