Jennifer Aniston Reflects on Almost Joining SNL Cast Before 'Friends' Stardom

Jennifer Aniston, the acclaimed actress known for her iconic role as Rachel on the beloved sitcom 'Friends', has recently opened up about a little-known chapter in her career. In a candid interview on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, Aniston, now 56 years old, revealed that she was once offered a spot on the cast of the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live.

Aniston shared that she had preconceived notions about how women were treated on the show, which she described as a "very male-dominated" environment. She even went so far as to confront SNL creator Lorne Michaels, telling him that she would only join the cast if it was "in the Gilda Radner day", referring to the legendary female comedian who was a cast member in the show's early years.

Despite her reservations, Aniston acknowledged that she was "so young and dumb" at the time and that she didn't fully understand the significance of the opportunity. In a separate interview, she recalled telling Michaels that she believed "women need to be treated better here" on the show.

Ultimately, Aniston's 'Friends' fame took precedence, and she went on to become one of the most beloved television actresses of her generation. However, her near-miss with SNL remains a fascinating footnote in her storied career, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry during that era.