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'Friends': A look at Ross Geller's 6 most memorable moments in iconic sitcom

NBC's 'Friends' centres on six friends enduring relatable issues in love, work and life
UPDATED MAY 28, 2024
Let's take a peek into some of the most memorable moments of Ross Geller from 'Friends' (@nbc)
Let's take a peek into some of the most memorable moments of Ross Geller from 'Friends' (@nbc)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Who can forget the memorable phrase phrase 'We were on a break!' from the legendary TV sitcom 'Friends,' which aired its last episode on May 6, 2004, but is still ingrained in fans' brains.

Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the comedic series revolves around six friends navigating the trials of adulthood. It emphasizes the idea that friends will be there for you, no matter how challenging life gets.

One of the most iconic characters in the series is Ross Geller, portrayed by David Schwimmer. Ross is a nerdy paleontologist who shares an on-and-off romance with Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston).

Not only is Ross a PhD-holding paleontologist, but he also becomes the victim of three unsuccessful marriages during the series, So, if you're a fan of Ross' antics, let's take a look at his most memorable moments from the iconic comedy show.

We were on a break!

Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)
Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)

This iconic and recurring gag in the show is based on the tumultuous love story of Ross and Rachel. In Season 3, Ross and Rachel's relationship is tested by jealousy and insecurity, resulting in a heated confrontation with Rachel suggesting to take a break.

Ross, distraught, meets a hot girl and spends the night with her while under the influence of alcohol and emotional distress.

Rachel is distraught when she learns about Ross' one-night affair. Ross' attempts to justify himself by constantly saying, "We were on a break!" become his excuse for his actions and a source of tension between him and Rachel throughout the series.

Ross Geller got Tan

Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer in 'Friends'  (@nbc)
Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer in 'Friends' (@nbc)

Ross' quest to become tanned using a spray tan is one of the most amusing scenes in the 'Friends' series.

Inspired by Monica Geller's (Courteney Cox) gorgeously bronzed complexion, he decides to get a spray tan and goes to a tanning parlor but opts for a spray tan over a conventional tanning bed.

However, things quickly take a humorous turn when Ross misinterprets the tanning salon attendant's directions, culminating in a hilarious series of events in which his tan becomes uneven.

His humiliation and irritation are evident as he attempts to explain the incident to his friends, who are amused yet sympathetic.

The leather pants

David Schwimmer in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)
David Schwimmer in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)

Ross' decision to wear leather trousers on a date results in one of the most hilarious situations in the comedic series.

As part of his New Year's resolution to try something new every day, Ross decides to push his boundaries by purchasing and wearing tight leather trousers on a date.

During the date, Ross becomes hot and uncomfortable in his tight leather trousers, prompting him to retreat to the restroom to cool off and remove his trousers.

However, after a while, Ross attempts to put the trousers back on, only to realize to his horror that they've shrunk from the heat

In a state of desperation, Ross phones Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), who proposes applying lotion and then powder to help the trousers slip on more easily.

However, Ross's attempt at following Joey's advice results in a messy disaster, creating a paste-like substance that only worsens his predicament.

The image of Ross fumbling to pull up his leather trousers while slathered in lotion and powder is both comical and cringe-worthy.

Ross Geller's Teeth Whitening

381455 01: From left to right, David Schwimmer, as Ross, Matt LeBlanc, as Joey, and Matthew Perry as
David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)

In this episode, Ross over-whitens his teeth to impress a date, resulting in a blindingly white grin that glows under black light.

Ross applies an over-the-counter teeth-whitening treatment, but instead of following the directions, he keeps it on for an unusually lengthy period.

As a consequence, his teeth become unusually white and nearly shining. This visual comedy also exemplifies Ross's awkwardness and inclination to go overboard with self-improvement attempts.

Rose Geller's prom video act

as Ross Geller in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)
David Schwimmer as Ross Geller in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)

A heartwarming moment in the series occurs when the gang gathers to watch an old home movie of Monica and Rachel preparing for their prom. Ross steps up after Rachel's date cancels on her. He dresses in his father's tuxedo, anxiously preparing to surprise her.

However, just as he is ready to leave to accompany Rachel to the prom, Chip Matthews (Dan Gauthier), her date appears.

Rachel hurries away with Chip, leaving Ross alone at the top of the stairs, heartbroken. This episode is one of the most poignant in the series, as it concludes with Rachel kissing Ross, adding a crucial chapter to their love story.

Ross Geller's British Wedding

(@nbc)
Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer in a still from 'Friends' (@nbc)

Ross Geller's wedding to Emily Waltham (Helen Baxendale) in London is notable for the dramatic twist that happens during the ceremony.

Ross and Emily's wedding in London ends spectacularly when he unintentionally mentions Rachel's name instead of Emily's during the vows.

This event not only underlines the complexities of his emotions for Rachel but also sets the tone for their turbulent and continuous relationship.

The 'I Hate Rachel Green' Club

(@nbc)
Brad Pitt and David Schwimmer in a still from 'Friends' 
(@nbc)

One of the most famous and amusing scenes from the legendary comedy is the surprising introduction of 'I Hate Rachel Green.'

The episode follows Will Colbert (Brad Pitt), an old high school acquaintance who is invited to Thanksgiving dinner by Monica.

The narrative unfolds through revelations about past grievances and high school relationships.

It's revealed that Will struggled with weight issues and felt marginalized in high school. Similarly, Ross, also feeling ostracized and harboring unrequited emotions for Rachel, befriended Will.

They established the 'I Hate Rachel Green' Club as a means to connect over their shared grievances, much to the irritation of Rachel, who was unaware of the situation.

'Friends' is now streaming on Netflix

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