<Tr> <Th> Grandmothers </Th> <Td> Ida Green </Td> </Tr> <P> Rachel Karen Green is a fictional character, one of the six main characters who appeared in the American sitcom Friends . Portrayed by actress Jennifer Aniston, the character was created by show creators David Crane and Marta Kauffman, and appeared in each of the show's 236 episodes during its decade - long run, from its premiere on September 22, 1994 to its finale on May 6, 2004 . Introduced in the show's pilot as a naive runaway bride who reunites with her childhood best friend Monica and relocates to New York City, Rachel gradually evolves from a spoiled, inexperienced "daddy's girl" into a successful businesswoman . During the show's second season, the character becomes romantically involved with her friend Ross, with whom she maintains a complicated on - again, off - again relationship throughout the entire series . Together, the characters have a daughter, Emma . </P> <P> The role of Rachel was originally offered to actresses Téa Leoni, the producer's first choice, and Courteney Cox, both of whom declined, Leoni in favor of starring in the sitcom The Naked Truth, and Cox in favor of playing Rachel's best friend Monica in Friends . A virtually unknown actress at the time who had previously starred in five short - lived sitcoms, Aniston auditioned for the role of Rachel after turning down an offer as a cast member on the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live . After acquiring the role and before Friends aired, Aniston was temporarily at risk of being recast because she had also been involved with another sitcom, Muddling Through, at the time, which was ultimately canceled and allowed Aniston to remain on Friends . </P> <P> Critical reception towards Rachel has remained consistently positive throughout Friends' decade - long run, with The A.V. Club attributing much of the show's early success to the character . However, some of her storylines have been criticized, specifically her romantic relationship with her friend Joey during season ten . Rachel's popularity established her as the show's breakout character, who has since been named one of the greatest television characters of all time, while the character's second season haircut spawned an international phenomenon of its own . Named the "Rachel" after her, the character's shag continues to be imitated by millions of women around the world and remains one of the most popular hairstyles in history, in spite of Aniston's own resentment towards it . Rachel is also regarded as a style icon due to her influence on womenswear during the 1990s . Meanwhile, the character's relationship with Ross is often cited among television's most beloved . </P>

Who was going to play rachel in friends
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