Maggie Wheeler’s journey to creating the iconic character of Janice on *Friends* is a fascinating story of creativity and perseverance.
In a revealing interview, Wheeler shared that her distinctive high-pitched, nasal voice was not a casting requirement but rather her own idea. At the time, Wheeler was primarily getting small cameo roles on various TV shows and had recently been dismissed from her regular gig on *Ellen*. The job loss left her in a vulnerable position, but it also presented a unique opportunity. When she learned that the *Friends* team was searching for a fast-talking, New York-style character, she decided to take a bold approach, knowing she had little to lose.
Embracing the freedom of her situation, Wheeler showed up at the *Friends* audition with her unique voice fully intact. She described how she used the high-pitched voice during her audition, fully committing to the character of Janice. The show’s creators, Marta Kauffman, Kevin Bright, and David Crane, watched her performance with poker faces, making Wheeler feel that she had lost yet another opportunity. However, her risk paid off when she received a callback and eventually secured the role of Janice.
The journey to becoming Janice, however, was not without its challenges. Wheeler confessed that she had a habit of breaking character, which made her nervous about maintaining her composure on set. Her first scenes with Matthew Perry, who was known for his own comedic antics, were particularly daunting. Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing, would often consume multiple fake espressos during their scenes, which made Wheeler fear she would laugh and ruin the take. To prevent this, she devised Janice’s exaggerated laugh as a strategic tool. This laugh not only became a defining characteristic of Janice but also helped Wheeler mask any unintended breaks in her performance.
Wheeler’s clever adaptation and dedication to her character led to Janice becoming one of *Friends*’ most memorable recurring characters. She described her decade-long stint on the show as “ten years of glorious, amazing work,” reflecting on the profound impact the role had on her career. Her innovative approach to Janice and her ability to navigate the comedic landscape of the show contributed significantly to the character’s enduring popularity and the show’s overall success. Through her unique voice and laugh, Wheeler left a lasting legacy on television, demonstrating how creativity and adaptability can transform a role into something truly iconic.
