‘Friends’ acrtress turned movie star to return to NBC

By Brian Frederick

NEW YORK, NY (Hollywood Today) 9/5/08 –  Every star from a hit series like “Friends” eventually tries their hand on the big screen. Unlike 99 percent of them, Jennifer Aniston succeeded in Hollywood and NBC is gushing over getting her back, for even a night. 

“What a thrill to have Jennifer back on NBC on a Thursday night.  She is the perfect comedic talent to work with the Emmy winning ’30 Rock’ cast, said Teri Weinberg, Executive Vice President NBC Entertainment.  Jennifer Aniston, star of NBC’s ‘Friends’ will appear in one episode of ’30 Rock.’

Aniston (“The Break-up,” “Bruce Almighty”) filmed her appearance for ’30 Rock’ in August and is the second person from the ‘Friends’ cast to appear on the sitcom, the first being David Schwimmer.  ’30 Rock’ is notable for having celebrity guest appearances on the show.  It is expected that Oprah may quest appear in this year’s season three.  Other notables to guest on the show are Molly Shannon, Jerry Seinfeld, and LL Cool J.

Season three of ’30 Rock’ will premier on October 30, Thursday 9:30 – 10:00 p.m. ET.

Aniston is playing “Fatal Attraction” stalker Claire Harper, as Liz Lemon’s – (Tina Fey) former roommate from Chicago who happens to show up in New York and pursues Jack Donaghy – (Alec Baldwin).  Both Baldwin and Fey each received Golden Globe awards for their acting roles on ’30 Rock.’

Fey who is also creator and executive producer of ’30 Rock’ said of Aniston.  “Jennifer is not only incredibly lovely to have around, she also has what the young people would call – mad skills.  We’re very excited that she is joining us.”

Aniston’s breakthrough role came as “Rachel Green” in ‘Friends’ after she spent the  earlier part of her career playing in various television sitcoms in a few character roles. Towards the end of her ‘Friends’ career, Aniston took up feature films.  Most notable, ‘Office Space and ‘Bruce Almighty.’  In the last year of shooting ‘Friends,’ Aniston became the highest paid television actress in network history, garnering $1 mill per episode.

In addition to Anniston’s role as Rachel Green on ‘Friends,’ she is also known for her marriage to A-lister Brad Pitt – 2000 -2005.

’30 Rock’ received a record 17 Emmy nominations in 2008 and is sure to be a main attraction for this year’s Primetime Emmy’s on ABC September 21.  The Creative Arts Emmys will be on September 13 and airs on September 20 on E!