Howard Stern’s Memorable Interview with the Ladies of Friends: Behind-the-Scenes Crushes and Candid Moments
Howard Stern, known for his candid and often irreverent interviews, once hosted three of TV’s most iconic stars—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow—on his SiriusXM show. As the women from *Friends* sat down to chat, the conversation steered into playful and revealing territory, particularly when Cox opened up about her on-set crush during the filming of the 1994 comedy *Ace Ventura: Pet Detective*.
Courteney Cox’s On-Set Crush
During the interview, Howard Stern skillfully teased out some juicy details from Courteney Cox, known for her role as Monica Geller on *Friends*, about her time working on *Ace Ventura*. The film, which became a cult classic, starred Jim Carrey as the eccentric pet detective who embarks on a wild investigation to find the kidnapped mascot of the Miami Dolphins. Cox played Melissa Robinson, the female lead and Jim Carrey’s on-screen ally.
As Stern probed about her co-star in *Ace Ventura*, Cox coyly admitted that she had developed a soft spot for someone on set. She didn’t explicitly confirm if any romantic involvement took place but revealed that the two had grown close as friends during filming. “He cracked me up a lot,” Cox confessed with a laugh, suggesting that his humor played a key role in their connection. While she remained tight-lipped about whether anything more than friendship blossomed, Stern, in his typical fashion, joked that he would have acted on the opportunity if he had been in her shoes.
Jim Carrey: The Charismatic Co-Star
Jim Carrey, the actor in question, was at the height of his career in the mid-90s, thanks to his comedic brilliance and larger-than-life personality. His portrayal of Ace Ventura in the movie propelled him to superstardom, solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s top comedic actors. On the set of *Ace Ventura*, Carrey’s wit and charisma seemed to have made a lasting impression on Cox.
She recounted that, at first, Carrey appeared “plain” or low-key during the early days of production. But once the cameras started rolling, he transformed into the zany, energetic character that audiences came to adore. “It was like a switch flipped,” Cox said. “One minute, he’s Jim, and the next, he’s Ace.” This intensity and dedication to his comedic craft undoubtedly contributed to their on-set bond.
While Cox didn’t explicitly describe their off-screen interactions as romantic, the two formed a lasting friendship. Their chemistry as co-stars translated seamlessly into their performances, making their dynamic one of the highlights of the film.
Jennifer Aniston’s Take on Her Marriage to Brad Pitt
As the conversation on Stern’s show progressed, it wasn’t just Cox’s stories that captured attention. Jennifer Aniston, the beloved *Friends* actress who portrayed Rachel Green, also opened up about her high-profile marriage to Brad Pitt, which lasted from 2000 to 2005. During their five-year marriage, they were considered Hollywood’s golden couple, constantly making headlines with their glamorous appearances and affectionate relationship.
However, their relationship came to an end, and the split was one of the most talked-about celebrity breakups of the time. Despite the heartbreak and media frenzy that followed their divorce, Aniston explained that she and Pitt had managed to build a cordial friendship in the years that followed. She emphasized that their relationship, while no longer romantic, remained respectful and friendly, dispelling any rumors of lingering tension.
“We’re good. We’ve stayed friends,” Aniston told Stern, brushing off any assumptions that their post-marriage dynamic was fraught with drama. The two have been seen reconnecting at various public events over the years, including the 2020 SAG Awards, where a brief interaction between them sent fans into a frenzy. Aniston’s willingness to discuss her marriage and subsequent friendship with Pitt in a positive light showed her growth and ability to maintain a healthy post-divorce relationship, a rare feat in Hollywood.
Jim Carrey and Aniston’s Rumored Chemistry in *Bruce Almighty
Interestingly, the interview also touched on another film that linked Cox’s and Aniston’s lives. In 2003, Jim Carrey starred opposite Aniston in the hit comedy *Bruce Almighty*, where he played Bruce, a man who temporarily gains God-like powers. Aniston portrayed his girlfriend, Grace, and their on-screen chemistry sparked rumors about a potential off-screen romance.
Although nothing romantic was ever confirmed between Carrey and Aniston, the rumors were fueled by their impressive connection as a fictional couple. Their playful interactions and comedic timing made them a fan-favorite duo. During the interview, Stern couldn’t help but stir the pot, asking Aniston if anything ever happened between her and Carrey, but she laughed it off, insisting that their relationship was strictly professional.
Carrey himself had commented on his time working with Aniston, recalling that he occasionally saw her then-husband, Brad Pitt, visiting the set. In a separate interview, Carrey joked about how intimidating it was to have Pitt around, saying, “It was like having Superman on set.” Despite the rumors, Aniston and Carrey’s bond remained purely friendly and professional.
The Legacy of *Ace Ventura* and the Cast’s Chemistry
Reflecting on *Ace Ventura* nearly three decades after its release, it’s clear that the film’s success owes much to the chemistry between Jim Carrey and Courteney Cox. Their effortless back-and-forth banter and comedic timing made the movie an unforgettable experience for fans. *Ace Ventura* became a breakout hit for Carrey and played a pivotal role in establishing him as one of the top comedic actors of his generation.
While Cox’s revelation of her on-set crush may not have led to any confirmed romance, it adds an interesting layer to the story behind the film’s production. Fans of both Cox and Carrey have long wondered if the two ever explored a romantic connection, but their lasting friendship seems to have been the real takeaway from their time working together.
A Glimpse Into Hollywood Relationships
Howard Stern’s interview with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow offered fans a rare glimpse into the personal lives of three of the most beloved actresses in television history. From Cox’s coy admission of a crush on Jim Carrey to Aniston’s candid reflections on her marriage to Brad Pitt, the interview showcased the human side of these Hollywood stars.
In an industry often defined by fleeting romances and high-profile breakups, it’s refreshing to see the lasting friendships and mutual respect that can emerge from both on-set connections and former marriages. Whether it’s Courteney Cox and Jim Carrey’s close friendship or Jennifer Aniston’s amicable relationship with Brad Pitt, the interview demonstrated that not all Hollywood stories have to be dramatic or scandalous—sometimes, they’re simply about genuine bonds formed in the midst of fame.
Ultimately, the stories shared during this memorable SiriusXM interview highlighted the complexities of relationships, both personal and professional, in the world of entertainment.
