Jennifer Anistonhas an undeniable girl-next-door charm that has won audiences over for more than three decades now. She got her start in the early ‘90s, paying her dues with minor roles in forgettable sitcoms and unpopular movies. But her big break came in 1994 when she landed the role of a lifetime as the quirky, self-centered, yet lovable waitress Rachel Green on the massively popular NBC sitcomFriends. Suddenly, Aniston went froma struggling actress to a household name; her face was on magazine covers, and her signature haircut sparked trends worldwide.
Throughout the show’s 10-season run, Aniston demonstrated her impressive talents and Rachel Green became one of the most iconic characters of all time, earning the star an Emmy Award and a Golden Globes Award. But Aniston’s talents extended beyond the small screen as well. She starred in romantic comedies likeThe Break-Up,He’s Just Not That Into You, andWe’re the Millers. But this list is about her influence on TV, and now we’re taking a closer look at Jennifer Aniston’s all-time best television roles.
6Courtney Walker in ‘Molloy’ (1990)
7 Episodes
A young, aspiring actress named Jennifer Aniston made her wide-eyed television debut in 1990 with the short-lived sitcomMolloy. The show introduced audiences to Molloy Martin, an 11-year-old girl whose world is turned upside down after her mother’s death. She is forced to move from New York to Los Angeles to live with her father, stepmother, and step-siblings, and must navigate her new world and new surroundings with her chin held high. Molloy schemes to disrupt her new family’s peace, which leads to hilarious moments, and she gradually understands what it means to belong to a family.
A Glimpse of Aniston’s Early Charm
While the series itself may have flown under the radar, its portrayal of teenagehood is anything but forgettable.Molloyonly aired for seven episodes (three remain unaired), but it was enough to strike a balance between heart and humor. Aniston plays Courtney Walker, Molloy’s self-absorbed teenage stepsister,otherwise known as the stereotypical “mean girl.”Her portrayal of Courtney is layered with subtle humor and tension; she has her quirks but can also be vulnerable at times.
Overall,Molloydid not achieve widespread acclaim and few people knew it even existed, but the show is a fascinating footnote in Aniston’s career. The ensemble cast also includes Mayim Bialik, Kevin Scannell, Pamela Brull, and Luke Edwards.
5Various Characters in ‘The Edge’ (1992 – 1993)
20 Episodes
The Edgeis a bold and irreverent sketch comedy series that pushed boundaries with its satirical take on pop culture and television tropes. Created by David Mirkin and led by Julie Brown, it featured an ensemble cast including Jennifer Aniston, Jill Talley, Tom Kenny, and Wayne Knight. They would deliver outrageous sketches that ranged from parodies of TV commercials, and they’d play absurd recurring characters. The series had a touch of dark humor, which was evident in one of the running gags that saw the cast being killed off in different ways at the start of each episode.
A Cult Favorite with Lasting Impact
InThe Edge, Aniston showcased her ability to take on diverse comedic roles. She infused various characters with wit and charm and even tickled complex journeys with her innate talent. Her performance stood out for its timing and creativity, which set her on a path of success in traditional sitcoms. The sketch comedy had a chaotic and edgy tone; it embraced its unpredictable nature through sketches that were equal parts surreal and satirical.
It only lasted one season but earned a loyal following of comedy fans who admired its daring approach and innovative stand. Critics found the show to be full of “mostly sophomoric sketches” but they eventually eased up and noted that the series “does save the best for last.” Aniston’s involvement in the series this early in her career demonstrates her willingness to take risks.
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4Jeannie Bueller in ‘Ferris Bueller’ (1990 – 1991)
13 Episodes
Ferris Bueller
John Hughes’ iconic 1986 filmFerris Bueller’s Day Offis the inspiration for this ‘90s sitcom, titledFerris Bueller. It takes a meta approach to the same story by representing itself as the “real-life” inspiration behind the movie.Not a continuation in any way, it follows Ferris Bueller, a charming high school student who outsmarts his parents and authority figures at school while navigating teenage life with his best friends in Santa Monica.
Aniston Embodies One-Half of a Sibling Rivalry
Jennifer Aniston plays Jeannie Bueller inFerris Bueller, the main character’s older sister, who is perpetually frustrated by his ability to get away with everything. Their sibling rivalry adds a layer of humor to the show as Jeannie constantly schemes to expose Ferris’ antics. Aniston’s portrayal of Jeanie brings wit and exasperation to the role. She has antagonistic tendencies but a good heart, which makes her character very relatable.
The show, like the movie, leans heavily on breaking the fourth wall, with Charlie Schlatter’s Ferris addressing the audience directly and referencing the film’s iconic style. It’s also one of the ‘90s shows that lasted only one season, but because of its bold interpretation of a beloved classic, it retains some magic. However,Ferris Buellercould not escape comparisons toFerris Bueller’s Day Off, and while it had potential, it was in no way better than its cinematic predecessor.
3Madeline Drego Cooper in ‘Muddling Through’ (1994)
10 Episodes
Muddling Through
Set in rural Michigan,Muddling Throughis a sitcom that centers on Connie Drego, an ex-convict trying to rebuild her life after serving time for shooting her cheating husband, Sonny. After three years in prison, Connie returns to her family’s diner-motel, Drego’s Oasis, where she faces the challenges of reconnecting with her two daughters and navigating small-town life. Aniston takes on the role of Madeline Drego Cooper, Connie’s eldest daughter, who has been holding the family and the business together in her mother’s absence while dealing with her own marriage.
A Hidden Gem in Aniston’s Catalog
Speaking of Madeline’s marriage, she’s the wife of Duane Cooper, the cop who arrested Connie and whose sworn statement against her led to Madeline’s mother’s conviction. Madeline also has a younger sister named Kerri. Aniston’s performance is both heartfelt and grounded as she finds herself caught between familial duty and personal aspirations. There are moments where you see her sharing an authentic mother-daughter dynamic with Stephanie Hodge, who plays Connie.
As soon asMuddling Throughfinished filming, Aniston landed the role of Rachel Green inFriends. And the latter aired just two weeks before this sitcom ended.Muddling Throughwas short-lived, airing only 10 episodes. But it holds a special place in the actress’s career as a role that preceded her breakout onFriends. It received modest praise for its humor and character-driven storytelling.
2Alex Levy in ‘The Morning Show’ (2019 – Present)
30 Episodes
The Morning Show
An Apple TV+ original,The Morning Showis set against the backdrop of a high-stakes morning news program and it captures the lives of its anchors and the dicey world of broadcast journalism. Jennifer Aniston stars as Alex Levy, a seasoned anchor fighting to maintain her position after a scandal that shakes the network to its core. She is accompanied by Reese Witherspoon’s Bradley Jackson, an impulsive and unpredictable field reporter.
Aniston Leads a Thought-Provoking Drama
The Morning Showis a complex and multilayered drama that explores power and corruption and how it affects the relentless pursuit of fame and success. As Alex, Aniston is tasked with carrying the emotional weight of the series, and the star rises to the challenge by delivering a performance that is both nuanced and utterly compelling.
The show’s storylinealso captures the #MeToo movementand other pressing societal issues, making it a must-watch. This is the first time Aniston has held a long-running TV position sinceFriends, and her portrayal is so transformative that it earned her a SAG Award win and Emmy nominations.
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1Rachel Green in ‘Friends’ (1994 – 2004)
236 Episodes
A sitcom that defined a generation,Friendsfollows six twenty-somethings as they pilot their love lives, careers, and friendships in New York City. Jennifer Aniston plays Rachel Green, a fashion-forward, fiercely loyal, and perpetually lovelorn waitress who starts the series by leaving her fiancé at the altar and moving in with Monica to gain some control over her life. Rachel goes from being a waitress at Central Perk to a thriving professional in the fashion industry over the course of ten seasons.
Aniston’s Legacy as Rachel Green
When it comes to Aniston’s most iconic TV role, theone that stands above the rest is Rachel Green. From the momentFriendspremiered, her performance was an instant classic. Her impeccable comedic timing, coupled with her ability to infuse the character with genuine emotion, made her an integral part of the show’s success. The chemistry among the ensemble cast, including Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer, was brilliant as well.
Friendsremains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, and its humor is central to this enduring popularity. Aniston’s role as Rachel and her on-screen romance with Ross Geller not only cemented her as a household name but also contributed to it winning Emmys and Golden Globes.
