Tough Beginnings
Raising a child is filled with beginnings — their first smile, their first step, their first word. Every experience is a brand new one that is to be cherished and explored together. But, some beginnings are also a lot harder than you’d expect.

That first day of school, when they suddenly feel all grown up and you have to learn to let go, can be extra difficult for a loving parent. This dad has clearly got it handled perfectly. With a father like this, this kid will always know he’s loved and missed.
Reminder
Kids love their stuffed animal toys. It seems, though, that they’re not the only ones! This poster has shared how their dad still walks around with the adorable stuffed beluga whale that they gave him so many years ago.

The choice of animal might be a bit strange to us, but we still think this dad and his emotional support toy are absolutely adorable. It seems that even after 20 years of being a dad, he still misses his kid sometimes and needs a stuffed whale hug.
Keep on Smiling
Parenting is a mostly thankless task. Most of that effort takes years and years to actually pay off — by seeing your kid grow into an adult that actually implements your hard-taught lessons. That’s why it’s so important to appreciate the little things.

This mom has found all the payment she needs in her little boy’s smile, and we can’t think of a better currency! This sweetness is definitely worth every hardship and difficulty along the way!
A Better Place
Our teen and young adult years are often a difficult time of uncertainty in the pursuit of self-discovery and of purpose. What many of us need during this time is a strong and encouraging support system — with our parents at the center of it.

This dad definitely knows how to reassure his kid that they’re on the right track, no matter what it is. Beyond how heartfelt and heartwarming this compliment is, it’s also providing some pretty great advice to a struggling kid. We love your dad, too!
Ring Bearer
There are many ways for parents to show their children how much they love them. They can give them hugs and kisses. They can play and teach them. Or (and this is one of our favorites) they can save a childhood memento from their kids.

This loving dad found a fantastic way to have a reminder of his kid wherever he goes. Just like a wedding ring is a reminder of the promise of marriage, this keychain ring is a promise to always keep his kid in his heart.
Perfect Braid
Being a single parent can often feel like an endless uphill battle, just trying to stay afloat and doing your best to fulfill the roles of two parents at the same time. It’s an incredibly intricate braid of responsibilities.

A bit like the beautiful braid this dad learned how to create in his daughter’s hair! Just from this, you can tell that he’s truly doing his best to be there for his kid in the best way possible, even if it means learning a few new skills in the process.
It’s Official!
Families are a complicated thing. But, that’s not always a bad thing. It means that people can turn from just a group of people into a family in all sorts of wonderfully diverse ways. A wonderfully touching way is through adoption.

You can just tell from this photo how much this adoptive dad cares for his now-lawful son! The love and happiness shining in both their eyes from realizing they’ve both found their family is absolutely heartwarming!
Thank You, Mr. Mosby
One of the most wholesome shows we had growing up was The Suite Life of Zack and Cody on the Disney Channel. Much of that is thanks to the parental role that Mr. Mosby took upon himself when it came to the kids in the hotel.

While he had already helped his adopted daughter get her license on the show, Phill Lewis (who played Mr. Mosby) proudly shared that his real daughter can finally drive! We’re sure London Tipton would be just as proud as he is!
Proud Parent
Some of the most wholesome parents out there are definitely those who celebrate their children’s achievements and accomplishments while still being aware and acknowledging the hard work and hardships that were part of that process.

In this case, though, both these kings should be celebrated! Being a single father to a young man is no easy task, but this dad does it with passion, love, and a whole heap of caring. This is truly a moment to be treasured!
Looking Daper
@PhillyD just perfectly explained why we find these parents to be so wholesome! Just like him, they all know that taking on the role of parent with love and joy is one of the best ways to raise happy, kind kids.

We’re sure his fancy-looking son will agree that having a dad that is all-in when it comes to the highs and lows of raising a child is the best feeling ever. That’s one very lucky kid.
Hi Mad, I’m Dad!
We love seeing parents approaching parenting difficulties with love, empathy, and a dash of humor. Especially when it’s the height of humor — the dad joke! If we were this kid we’d definitely feel better after getting this wholesome card.

Can we just point out how beautifully this dad validated his son’s feelings of anger and frustration and gave him ways to deal with them at the same time? That’s some impressive parenting! Well done, dad!
Quack!
Amazingly, parents can be wholesome even long after they’re gone! They’re such a massively important part of our lives, that even after they pass away, their quirks and interests stay with us and remind us of their love for us.

This dad certainly found a unique way to stay a part of his children’s lives even after his passing. Hopefully, his little symbol of good luck rubbed off on his kids too. If this doesn’t warm your heart, we don’t know what will.
Headrest
Much of parenthood is a thankless task where you only get to see the results of your mostly unappreciated labor years later. Yet, perhaps because of that, it requires a unique level of selflessness. Just look at what this father did.

Spending nearly an hour in this position could not have been comfortable at all. But, this dad did it — knowing that it would make his daughter’s flight even just a little better. We hope he got a “thank you” hug once they landed.
Best Ren Fair Ever!
What’s better than going to the local Renaissance Fair, dressing up, playing games, and seeing the cool shows? Doing all of that in your amazingly creative grandparents’ backyard! That way you’re surrounded by people you love. Plus, there are no lines or crowds anywhere.

Seriously, these grandparents are incredible for creating this amazing fun day for their grandkids and giving their actual child a bit of a vacation! This setup must have taken hours of thought and effort that they were only too happy to put in to make sure everyone enjoyed their day at the Ren Fair.
Care Package
Repeat after us — you’re never too old to be loved and cared for by your parents! Just ask your own parents, they’ll tell you that it doesn’t matter if you’re five or 50, you’ll always be their baby.

This poster even has proof of that with the snacks they received in the mail! We always knew that love was as sweet as a Pop-Tart. With all the sugar in this package, this poster isn’t likely to forget that sentiment any time soon.
Return to Innocence
One of the most wholesome trends the internet has produced in recent years has to be recreating old childhood photos as adults. This submission to the trend has to be one of the cuter ones we’ve seen.

What a wonderful way to celebrate a birthday — by looking back to how it started. Clearly, these two still have the incredible connection that they shared when the son was born. What a beautiful memory to cherish, twice!
The Scientific Method
As every good scientist knows, a hypothesis is nothing without some hands-on experimentation to check the validity of your claim. This four-year-old’s dad made sure his kid is all ready to take on CalTech by storm.

This is certainly one wholesome and funny way to entertain your toddler when you’re currently the only semi-responsible adult around. If dad is in charge of teaching physics, does that mean mom has taken on bioengineering lessons?
Cheerleader
When we’re young, we rely on our parents to help us with anything and everything, especially when it comes to school work. But, as we grow up, we also kind of grow out of their knowledge comfort zone.

Of course, that’s natural, especially when we go to university and learn about things they might have never even heard of. Still, this mom is willing to work extra hard to support her daughter in her education, even if it means reading complete gibberish.
Nurturing
Do you know what the ‘80s and ‘90s kids had instead of a sweet cat or a lazy dog? We had virtual pets, in the form of Tamagotchis! Honestly, though, as children, they definitely felt as time-consuming as real animals.

The fact that this mom kept her daughters’ tech pets alive and well for them is definitely proof of her endless love for her children. We do hope that she also found some enjoyment in taking care of these toys.
Best Friends Forever
Here’s one surefire way to make sure your kid will be a comics (and tigers) fan for life — name him after a cartoon character and give him an awesome stuffed sidekick/best friend/adventure buddy.

Hopefully, this kid will be just as philosophically savvy and as hilariously wild as his fictional counterpart. Judging by the amount of effort that was put into this Hobbes doll, it seems that at least grandma is excited to meet her brand new grandkid.
Maleficent the Magnificent
This parent’s post is doubly precious, in our opinion! Firstly, they clearly spent a ton of time and effort in creating this masterpiece of a costume! This looks like a professional film outfit and that’s amazing!

Secondly, they are absolutely ecstatic that their son wants to dress up for Halloween as a girl character! Truthfully, cosplay and costumes shouldn’t have any gender, and this parent clearly gets that.
Little Buddy
The best parents are always there to help and support you every step of the way — on your best days and your worst. But, each loving parent has their own unique way to show that much-needed encouragement.

This dad is clearly the creative type. Using a 3D printer to create an adorably tiny elephant to help your kid out of a funk certainly requires quite a bit of artistic flair. Honestly, we think he should sell those little guys to every teen to have while they study.
Return Investment
With the housing market so wild in recent years, many young people choose to stay with their parents as it’s bound to be cheaper, even if they’re asked to chip in with rent and utilities.

This mom, though, went above and beyond. Not only did she teach her son how to properly manage his spending when he was young, but she has also now taught him the value of investing — both time and money — in your loved ones!
Jack of All Manly Things
A parent’s first and most important job (other than making sure their kid has everything they need to survive and possibly thrive), is to teach their kid how to be an independent adult in the future. For those planning on driving, car maintenance should definitely be one of those lessons.

This dad isn’t only making sure his kid knows what to do in case he needs to change a tire, but he also does it in a way that builds up his son’s confidence and encourages him. This is what manhood is all about.
The Best Day
Sometimes, the best bonding opportunities between parents and their kids happen by happy accident — and if you don’t learn to notice and appreciate them when they come along, you might miss out on an incredible memory.

These two are definitely good at seeing and appreciating those special moments together. We just love how what might have been an inconvenience has turned into an amazing experience for both of them. So sweet!
Thanks, Internet Dad!
We all need a kind ear and some good advice every once in a while, especially from our parents. An unlikely place to find that has to be the internet, where wholesome life advice is often overshadowed by so much bad content.

After reading this, we’ll definitely be working hard to find kind and sweet life partners that would make our adoptive internet dad proud! This man is clearly a national treasure and should be loved and appreciated forever.
Bravery
Courage comes in a lot of forms, and it’s a parent’s job to make sure that their kid knows when courage means being daring, and when it means being cautious. In both cases, though, bravery really just means being true to yourself and your needs.

This dad definitely knows how to make sure his child is comfortable making the best decision for themself, whatever it may be. We absolutely agree with Glennon — this is some good parenting!
Need a Ride?
If there’s one thing in life we can rely on, it’s how steadfast good parents are. No matter where you are or what you need, they’ll be there with a kind word and a warm hug. Or, with a car to take you home from the airport…

While it seems that @Mudraaah isn’t all that great at picking boyfriends, she’s definitely gotten lucky in the parent department. We absolutely love that he was there, just on the off chance that his kid did end up needing him.
A Winning Strategy
Family game night is a beloved and cherished tradition in many families. While some have a cool and light approach to it, other families can get seriously competitive about the whole thing. Clearly, this dad is really passionate when it comes to winning.

We bet this kid suggested a game their dad has never played in the hopes of finally winning against their seriously competitive father. This dad, however, has come prepared to beat his kid in a perfectly friendly game of Risk.
Father of the Bride
Weddings are definitely some of the most emotional times for both the couple getting married and their families. So, this time of elevated emotions is a great occasion to be reminded of how loved you are by your parents.

Thanks to this wonderful photographer, this bride and her father can forever cherish the amazingly beautiful and touching moment when he saw his little girl in her wedding dress for the first time. We just love the sheer joy that this photo captures.
Banana Baby
Some parents are harsh and disciplined, others are soft and encouraging, and some turn into complete goofballs the moment they hold their baby for the very first time. This dad clearly fits into that last category.

Beyond looking absolutely hysterical in their twin banana suits (anyone else getting Bananas in Pajamas flashbacks?), this daddy-daughter duo is absolutely adorable! After all, a family who cosplays as fruit together sticks together.
Best Pool Ever
In the summer heat, one of the best ways to get your kids to cool off is to get them a little blow-up pool for the backyard. Thankfully, most convenience stores carry them during the hot months.

But, if you really want to make a splash in your neighborhood, getting this amazing kiddie pool is definitely the way to go. Just look how excited this kid is to hose down any imaginary fire that comes their way!
Choices
Families are often complicated, with some members choosing to leave while others opt to stick around. This complexity can often lead a child to feel unwanted and unloved. Thankfully, this girl had someone who decided to hang on tight.

We love that she understands the gravity and importance of the choice that her stepdad made in being her dad and loving her as if she was his biological daughter. Thank you to all the amazing step-parents out there!
A Taste of Home
Celebrating the holidays on your own for the first time can take some serious adjustments. Especially, when you just aren’t able to recreate those precious childhood holiday memories without your family.

This poster’s mom, though, simply refused to let her kid give up on some much-needed holiday cheer. She managed to bring a little Christmas magic to her kid in an incredibly beautiful and wholesome way.
Breaking the Cycle
It seems like having your own kid to suddenly deal with brings about basically every childhood trauma that you’ve had and been working very hard to ignore. It can be especially hard to rewire how to respond to mistakes when you were never allowed to make any.

This mom is clearly very proud of her calm and loving response to her kid making a terrible mess — as she absolutely should be! While it’s a long, uphill battle to detangle this past pain, this woman is clearly willing to put in the work!
Keeping Warm
It seems that it’s not just parents and grandparents that can be super wholesome adult role models for people. Parents-in-law are just as sweet and loving toward their children-in-law, and we absolutely love to see that!

This mother-in-law went above and beyond to make sure her son-in-law stayed warm, despite the cold weather. The fact that she knitted those fuzzy socks herself is just the cherry on top of an already pretty wholesome cake.
Story Time
The best parents find ways to spend time with their children, even when it feels almost impossible to make the time. A favorite shared hobby in families is reading with a parent. This father didn’t give up on his story duties even far from home.

We love that he didn’t care that everyone around in the waiting area could hear him make silly voices as he read to his kids through the phone. This is a man who knows what the most important thing at that moment is!
Waiting Up
It seems that parents don’t just suddenly stop worrying about you the second you turn 21. In fact, if they could, they would probably do their best to keep their eyes on you until you’re 100!

Looks like the only family member that ended up being strong enough to stay up so late was the cat! We do appreciate these parents doing their best to ward off sleep just a little longer. Aren’t they absolutely adorable?
The Best Cakes Are Homemade
When you’re strapped for cash, birthdays can feel like a huge burden, especially when there’s an expectation of big gifts and other fancy treats. But, the truth is that real birthday joy comes from having your friends and family surround you with love.

This dad definitely understands this truth. The effort to make his kid’s big day special absolutely counts more than any store-bought cake could have! Plus, that cake is seriously impressive — he has a bright future in cake-making!
Flight Buddy
We all need a hand to hold or a security blanket to hug at times. Yes — even adult parents. So, what’s a better comfort item than one made by a loving family member, especially a child?

It certainly helped this dad fight through his fear of flight — and for 43 years no less! We just can’t get over what a beautiful symbol of love this little doll is for both the father and his now-adult child.
Party Time
For those of us who have a pet, that sweet little animal can become such a major part of our world that it’s practically a member of our family. That means they should be just as celebrated as anyone else.

This doggy’s grandparents definitely went all out to celebrate their grand-dog’s birthday with friends, treats, and even some party favors and decorations! How can we get an invite to sweet creature’s next birthday?! This looks absurdly fun!
Minions
It isn’t always easy for parents to keep track of their kids’ current obsessions. But, in the case of those yellow little cartoon characters, it’s been hard to miss how excited every kid in the world gets over them.

This dad took his kid’s love extremely seriously and created matching costumes for them to wear to the movies! How adorable are these two? They better win a costume contest with the thought and effort that was put into these! Did you see their goggles!?
Grandpa Santa
Have we already said that grandparents are the best? They’re basically super parents because they’ve been through the whole process at least twice — once with their kid, and then with their kid’s kid! This grandpa is definitely willing to go all out for his granddaughter.

We love his absolute commitment to authenticity by growing his own bushy white beard instead of getting some fake facial hair! This little girl is going to have the best Christmas ever after she sees this!
Hand-Me-Down
Our baby clothes might not mean all that much to us, but they hold a special place in our parents’ hearts. It reminds them of when we were brand new to the world and didn’t talk back to them.

Joking aside, this dress must have been incredibly sentimental for this poster’s mom, if she had kept it for so many years — and in such good condition, too. It must have been incredibly touching to see her grandkid wear that same outfit!
Ready, Set, Go!
A great technique to motivate kids is to turn things, like chores or homework, into a game. But, with a family like this, it seems that every day is a joyful game!

This dad definitely knows how to make loving each other fun! Plus, it must have been really fun for this mom to see all her boys run toward her at break-neck speeds. This is one race where everyone’s the winner!
Guess the ‘Friends’ Guest Stars From These Distorted Photos
Friends is one of the most iconic sitcoms in the world. We all know Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe as if we were members of the gang. So, to test your Friends knowledge, we took the liberty of creating a little guessing game for you all to play along with.
The One With the Screamer
This character had a recurring role on the show and starred in a total of 10 episodes between 1994 until 2004. She was known for her colorful clothing, heavy makeup, and over-the-top bouffant hairstyle.

June Gable as Estelle Leonard
June played Joey’s chain-smoking agent Estelle who stole the hearts of many with her goofy character and inability to get Joey a decent gig after his stint on The Days of Our Lives. In this particular episode, after seeing a play, Estelle thinks that Rachel and Monica were actors in it.

Once she learns that they weren’t, she iconically responds “Oh, what a shame! Because with her face and her chest, I could really put something together.” Before Friends, Gable received a Tony nomination for her work on Broadway!
The One With Ross’s New Girlfriend
Our woman in question here is seen for a few episodes in season two. She happened to go to grad school with one of the other Friends characters and she was even in charge of the digs.

Also, a certain someone on the show really disliked her and was actually the reason why she and the character she was dating broke up. In the end, all is well as she finds love with a man named Russ. Hint, hint!
Lauren Tom as Julie
Lauren played Ross’s cute girlfriend, Julie, on Friends but that’s not the only credit under this actress’s belt. Her breakthrough roles came in the movies Cadillac Man and The Joy Luck Club.

She has also appeared on popular TV series like Grey’s Anatomy and CSI but it’s her voiceover work that has really put her name on the map. Tom has done voice work for the Disney movie Mulan II, the sitcom Futurama, and Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.
The One With Ross’s Thing
When this next actor was asked about his character on the show, he said that he “was a man of tremendous focus and conviction.” He also added that he was sad that his “chapter was never closed.”

Due to this, he often wonders what his character would be up to these days. Sounds like this actor sure did enjoy his time on Friends, which makes sense since he was featured in a total of six episodes.
Jon Favreau as Pete Becker
In 1997, Favreau appeared as the software millionaire who Monica dates for a few episodes in season three. Jon’s career skyrocketed after his time on the show, as he played himself in a Sopranos episode and then went on to make his directorial debut with Made.

His 2003, his Christmas comedy film Elf starring Will Ferrell furthered his success as a director. He has since directed the first movie for Marvel Cinematic Universe entitled Iron Man. In 2014, he also wrote, directed, and starred in the comedy-drama Chef.
The One Where Rachel Has a Baby: Part 2
This actress featured on the show for six episodes in season eight. For those of you who are big fans of the show, you’ll probably know that this was the season in which Rachel was pregnant with Ross’s baby.

While this actress’s character was loved on Friends for being funny and opinionated, her acting roles outside of the show have usually been pretty small. With that being said, this Queens-born actress has been featured in many popular TV series.
Amanda Carlin as Dr. Long
When Amanda Carlin was cast to play Rachel’s obstetrician during her pregnancy in season eight, it instantly boosted her acting career. Fans of the show remember Dr. Long during the episode when she delivered Rachel and Ross’s baby during Rachel’s extremely long labor.

Since her guest-starring role on Friends, Carlin has featured in shows like CSI, Chicago Hope, and in 2019, she starred in Mom opposite Friends alumni Anna Faris.
The One With the Sonogram at the End
This character may have only appeared in six episodes throughout the show’s entirety, but without his role in Friends, it might not have been as successful… Interestingly enough, this actor revealed that he was brought in to audition for the roles of both Ross and Chandler.

He nearly got the part of Ross but at the last minute, the casting directors told him there was one more guy that had to read. That said guy ended up being David Schwimmer!
Mitchell Whitfield as Barry Farber
Whitfield didn’t end up playing the lovable Ross Geller but he did nab the role of Barry Farber, Rachel’s ex-fiance — the well-off Jewish orthodontist who she ends up ditching at the altar on their wedding day.

Even though they break up in season one, we do see them romantically rekindle in future seasons. Now, before you feel too bad for him for not getting the part of Ross, he went on to star in Curb Your Enthusiasm, CSI, and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.
The One With Joey’s Fridge
This actress-in-question starred in five episodes of the show in season six. She played a younger character than the others in the gang. On Friends, she was known for being the secret admirer of one of her teachers.

This actress has since revealed that when she was called to do a chemistry read with one of the Friends characters, she was told to look “as hot as possible” and that the information sent her “into a tailspin.”
Alexandra Holden as Elizabeth Stevens
Holden played Ross’s student-turned-girlfriend in season six. Her recurring role on Friends helped the actress get further roles on popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Rizzoli & Isles, Friday Night Lights, and The Mentalist.

Holden has also starred in the films Drop Dead Gorgeous, The Hot Chick, and In a World. The actress has actually been making movies since 1997 when she was just 20 years old.
The One With the Blackout
This character was first credited as “The Weird Man.” To the characters on Friends, he was quite the nuisance because he often complained about noises that he heard and told far-fetched lies.

The actor has since revealed that when the producers made the decision to kill off his character in season two, he threw a fit and shouted at them. At least his time on the show would never be forgotten after that scene!
Larry Hankin as Mr. Heckles
We hope you realized that we were referring to Mr. Heckles, the moody neighbor who lived in the apartment underneath Monica and Rachel’s. Larry Hankin was the actor who played the legendary role for a total of five episodes.

Besides his role on Friends, Hankin is also known for starring in Seinfeld, as well as scoring a leading role in the 1979 film Escape From Alcatraz. Larry shocked audiences when he returned to the Friends set in light of the reunion special.
The One Where Ross Is Fine
This character had quite a prominent recurring role on the show, appearing in nine episodes from 1995 until 2003. Also, the role helped cement this actor’s career in Hollywood and he has since gone on to star in mega-films.

Interestingly enough, his character on the show is actually related to one of the cast members and in season 10, he famously says to one of them that he hasn’t “slept in four years.”
Giovanni Ribisi as Frank Jr.
We hope you figured out that we were talking about Phoebe’s funny half-brother Frank Jr. After the public recognition that Ribisi received from Friends, he went on to act in several other series including My Name Is Earl and Entourage.

However, you’ll probably recognize him from his roles in the hit comedy film Saving Private Ryan, Ted 2, and the Avatar franchise. Looks as if starting out on Friends did wonders for his career!
The One With the Birth
From 1994 until 2001, this actress had a recurring role on Friends. She starred in 15 episodes in total and her romantic relationships were highlighted on the show. So, it makes sense that this actress got to know her castmates pretty well.

So much so that she recently revealed following the Friends reunion special, that she “had a sense” that the chemistry between Ross and Rachel was “more than acting.”
Jane Sibbett as Carol Willick
Sibbett got her acting break in the late ‘80s when she starred on the soap series Santa Barbara, for which she received a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Soap Opera Digest Awards. She went on to star in more series like Herman’s Head and several films.

But, when she landed the part as Ross’s wife-turned-lesbian Carol Willick, Jane became a household name. Her last acting credit was recorded in 2017 when she starred in Winter Wedding. Since then, Jane has been teaching theater in Hawaii.
The One After I Do
This actress starred in Friends for seven episodes during season eight. She played a colleague of Monica on the show and her character had such good chemistry with a certain other castmate on the show that the actress thought she’d remain until the end.

She was quoted saying that, “Our relationship just kind of kept going, and eventually I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to be the seventh friend.'” While that didn’t end up happening, her time on the show certainly helped her career.
Bonnie Somerville as Mona
We first meet the character, Mona, at Monica and Chandler’s wedding. Then, Mona and Ross begin a relationship just when he learns that Rachel is pregnant with his child.

The relationship was doomed to fail and when Ross asks Rachel to move in because of the baby, Mona calls things off. Since starring in Friends, Bonnie has also appeared in NYPD Blue, The O.C., Code Black, and Cashmere Mafia.
The One With Phoebe’s Ex-Partner
Between 1997 and 2004, this next actor starred in six episodes of the iconic sitcom. While we don’t want to reveal too much about him, what we will say is that he posed a threat to the relationship between Ross and Rachel.

Maybe it was because of his good looks, the fact that he worked in close proximity to Rachel, or possibly because he had a big crush on her. Whether or not you liked this charming character, he does resurface again in season 10.
Steven Eckholdt as Mark Robinson
Steven Eckholdt played Mark on Friends, a co-worker of Rachel at Bloomingdale’s. Due to Mark’s good looks, Ross becomes jealous of him and this leads to Ross and Rachel breaking up (the first of many).

After his stint on Friends, Eckholdt went on to star on many more beloved TV shows like Desperate Housewives, The West Wing, Two and a Half Men, and Bones. It’s pretty clear that this silver fox is popular on the silver screen.
The One With Chandler in a Box
When Chandler first sees this character in Central Park, he decides that he wants to ask her out. However, he later learns that she was waiting for a date with none other than his best pal, Joey.

The actress who ended up starring on Friends for six episodes had this to say about her time on the show — “It was my first real acting job. I remember so little because I was so scared! The cast was so kind to me.”
Paget Brewster as Kathy
Paget broke onto the acting scene when she was cast for the recurring role as Kathy. Initially, she was Joey’s girl but she then transitioned to dating Chandler. Due to this boyfriend swap, the two friends have a falling-out and Joey nearly moves out.

While her role on Friends helped the actress become known, it was her role as Special Agent Emily Prentiss on Criminal Minds where she really broke out.
The One With Rachel’s Inadvertent Kiss
This character is seen as a timid and serious man who interviews one of the co-stars for a job at Ralph Lauren. While the actor only features in six episodes, he is seen from the fifth season onward. Even though he features throughout a few seasons, he is not meant to be a very likable personality.

However, the actor behind this character is not only recognized for his time on Friends but also for his roles on Seinfeld and The West Wing.
Steve Ireland as Mr. Zelner
Steve Ireland plays Mr. Zelner, Rachel’s intimidating boss at Ralph Lauren. Viewers are first introduced to him in season five when he interviews Rachel for a potential position and she accidentally kisses him on the cheek. Despite the awkward moment, she still gets the job.

Ireland landed a part in the 1999 film The Deep End of the Ocean alongside Michelle Pfeiffer. His last recorded acting credit was in 2014 when he starred in a short production entitled Bunion.
The One With Rachel’s Crush
This next character plays a love interest of Rachel’s but what’s more interesting is that the two actors actually dated in real life. When asked about their off-screen romance, the actor told a publication, “I was just happy to be on the team (of Friends). The only bummer was Jennifer and I were breaking up at the time.”

We see his character on the show for a total of five episodes. The actor also said that while his co-stars were “compassionate” to him, the experience was “painful.”
Tate Donovan as Joshua Burgin
Donovan played Joshua Burgin in season four of Friends despite his recent breakup at the time to Jennifer Aniston, a.k.a. Rachel Green. The actors dated for two years prior to his guest appearance and were even engaged at a certain point. Donovan was also engaged to another beautiful film star, Sandra Bullock.

You may also recognize him from the O.C series but what many don’t know about this handsome actor is that he also directs. He even directed episodes in hit TV shows like Gossip Girl and Glee.
The One Where Heckles Dies
This actor was known on Friends as the janitor of the class building. While his character looked tough on the outside, he was believed to be a great guy. Despite his fight with Rachel at the dumpster, audiences saw a softer side of him when he learned how to dance alongside Joey.

He starred in the show for a total of five episodes in several seasons. In real life, this actor is known for his defined mustache and strong Chicago accent.
Mike Hagerty as Mr. Treeger
In case you hadn’t yet cracked it, we are talking about Mike Hagerty’s character, Mr. Treeger. Although he does not appear in the final episode of the show, he is in fact the last character mentioned.

We hear his name as the person with whom Monica wants the gang to leave her apartment keys. Hagerty is also known for his small roles in big shows such as Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The One With the Candy Hearts
This character had a recurring role on Friends and starred in a total of 12 episodes throughout the show’s entirety. However, this was not her only claim to fame in the ‘90s. The actress also starred in shows like ER, Seinfeld, and Law & Order.

When she was called in by the casting directors of Friends, she was asked to audition for the role of Monica. Today, she still laughs about it and has said that the part belonged to Courteney Cox.
Jessica Hecht as Susan Bunch
Jessica Hect is not only famous for playing Susan Bunch, Carol’s lesbian partner on Friends, she’s also known for her role as Gretchen Schwartz on Breaking Bad and Carol on The Boys.

Hecht has also tried her hand at theater and has made several appearances on Broadway for shows like Brighton Beach Memoirs, Othello, and The Price. She is also set to guest star this year as Susan Abbott on the TV show Younger.
The One With the Cop
This next actor plays a loveable cop on the show for a total of four episodes. He also plays the love interest of Phoebe during this time but unfortunately, his eagerness for them to move forward with their relationship ends up giving her the ick.

When this actor was asked about how the cast of Friends was to work with, he kindly said “I was just impressed [with them]. People think that s—t happens on its own. They’re very, very, very good comedic actors.”
Michael Rapaport as Gary
Comedian Michael Rapaport played Phoebe’s sweet boyfriend Gary in season five of Friends. Since the ‘90s, Rapaport has featured in over 60 films. His notable ones include Tarintino’s 1993 crime drama True Romance, as well as Dr. Dolittle 2, and The Heat.

His breakthrough role on TV came in 2008 with Prison Break. He also tried his hand at directing when he directed the 2011 documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest. Rapaport is currently also a reporter for Fox Sports.
The One With the Blackout
This actor is distinguished by his strong foreign accent and for dating one of the Friends group members in season one. Audiences see him for four episodes and despite his character’s lack of English, he is a fan favorite.

Since the show’s reunion special, 25 years post its inception, a lot of the actors have recently revealed stories to the press regarding their characters on the show. This particular actor told The Today Show that he was able to say whatever he wanted in his native language while on Friends!
Cosimo Fusco as Paolo
Cosimo played Rachel’s handsome Italian boyfriend in season one. The two met because he lived in the same building as Monica and Rachel. Even though the attraction between the two characters is strong, their relationship isn’t more than a fling.

Cosimo is both an actor and director and he has not only acted in American productions but in German and Italian productions as well. He is best known for his roles in the films Gone in 60 Seconds and Angels and Demons.
The One at the Beach
This actress plays a character on the show who features for three episodes in season three. She comes on the scene as Ross’s love interest but Rachel becomes very jealous of her and even convinces her to shave her head.

You’ll also recognize this actress from her roles in the well-known films Wedding Singer, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and Zoolander. She acted opposite her husband of 20 years in two of these films.
Christine Taylor as Bonnie
We hope you got this one right because Christine Taylor has been acting on our screens since 1989, with the Nickelodeon series, Hey Dude. Taylor has also been married to the one and only Ben Stiller for 21 years.

Though they announced their separation in 2017, it seems as though the two are giving things another shot. Christine also recently starred in the 2020 comedy film Friendsgiving, which was produced by Stiller.
The One With Monica and Chandler’s Wedding: Part 2
This next star played the parent of one of the characters. The two had a tumultuous relationship on-screen and as it turns out, this actress’s time on the show wasn’t too peachy either.

When asked about her time on the show, she admitted, “I’ll be quite honest…I didn’t feel very welcomed by the cast.” She went on to say, “I think it was simply that they were such a tight little group that nobody from the outside mattered.”
Kathleen Turner as Charles/Helena Handbasket
Kathleen Turner played the part of Chandler’s drag queen father for two episodes in Friends. Turner is also a stage actress and director who has been nominated for two Tony Awards, an Academy Award, and won two Golden Globes.

While Turner’s successful career dates back to the ‘80s, you might recognize her from her role as Charlie’s Runkle’s boss in Californication. It’s hard to not remember Kathleen with her distinct, raspy voice.
The relationship between children and their parents, no matter at what age, is a complex one. Filled with ups and downs, it’s one of the most complicated relationships we humans have. But, it can also be filled with wonder, caring, and endless love. Just take a look at these absolutely wholesome parents that completely made our day!