Over the course of all ten seasons of Friends, fans have been taken on a wild ride through the romantic ups and downs of the show’s beloved six main characters. One of the more intriguing storylines came when Emily Waltham entered the picture, tying the knot with Ross Geller during season four. This storyline carried through into season five, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. But what happened to Helen Baxendale, the actress who brought Emily to life on the sitcom? Let's dive deeper into her story and find out.
Introducing Emily Waltham: Helen Baxendale Joins 'Friends'
In 1998, Helen Baxendale stepped into the world of Friends, portraying Emily Waltham, a character that quickly became a fan favorite. She appeared in 14 episodes before saying goodbye to the series in 1999. Emily was introduced as the niece of Mr. Waltham, Rachel Green's boss at Bloomingdale's. Her character added a new layer of drama to the show, especially during one of its most unforgettable episodes—the wedding episode. In a moment that has become iconic, Ross accidentally said Rachel's name instead of Emily's at the altar, uttering the infamous line, "I, Ross, take thee, Rachel..."
Unfortunately, Ross and Emily’s on-screen relationship didn't last. Their marriage ended in season five when Emily expressed her lack of trust in Ross. Helen’s decision to leave the show came as she prepared for a major life change—becoming a mom. She was pregnant with her first child while filming the series and decided to return to the UK to focus on her family. Her eldest daughter, Nell Williams, was born in September 1998, with her partner, David L. Williams.
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Helen Baxendale's Life After 'Friends'
Following her time on Friends, Helen and David went on to welcome two more children: a son, Eric, born in 2001, and another son, Vincent, born in 2006. Interestingly, Nell followed in her mother’s footsteps and ventured into the world of acting, appearing in Game of Thrones and The Revolting World of Stanley Brown. Helen often looks back on her time on Friends with fondness but also acknowledges how it feels like a distant memory in her life.
