Maggie Wheeler: Unforgettable laugh and fashion of Janice in 'Friends' lived beyond the '90s
9:15 AM EST, February 10, 2024
Maggie Wheeler is the name of the actress who played one of the characters on the iconic '90s TV show, "Friends". The brunette with voluminous, teased hair, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse's hairstyle, was Chandler Bing's original and recurring love interest. Looking up her character, Janice Litman, online, the word "laughter" shows up immediately. Indeed, it is the actress's laugh that became famous on the internet, firmly imprinting itself in the viewers' memories.
It was the role of a lifetime
Initially, she was only scheduled to appear in one episode of "Friends". However, the producers quickly recognized her potential and comedic talent and expanded Janice's role in the show. The actress appeared on set in eye-catching, extravagant, and bold outfits that perfectly encapsulated her character's vibrant personality. The 90s trends she flaunted - leopard prints, fur-collared jackets, leather pants, and "baguette" handbags - have since made a boomerang return to fashion.
The atmosphere on set was wonderful, according to the actress. She treasured the joy of working in such a pleasant environment among friendly colleagues. During breaks, they would gather in the green room to play games of poker, the actress reminisces.
Wheeler also appeared in TV shows like "How I Met Your Mother", "Ellen", and "Everybody Loves Raymond". Further, she lent her voice to animated series. While Maggie Wheeler continues to pick up minor roles in comedies, Janice's part was the highlight of her career. Her character's unique speech pattern was, in fact, a developed skill, unrelated to Wheeler's own natural voice.
37 years have passed off her screen debut
Wheeler, the daughter of a writer and a Wall Street businessman, inherited a fortune from her father. She was once romantically linked to David Duchovny, but has been married for over 33 years to artist Daniel Borden Wheeler, a sculptor and photographer. The couple have two daughters.
So how does Janice look today? The 61-year-old actress has kept her long locks intact. Wheeler promotes natural beauty and refrains from any aesthetic procedures. Privately, her style is markedly less flamboyant than her character Janice from the series. Leopard fur coats in her wardrobe have been switched out for classic coats and smart-casual wear.
Occasionally, Maggie Wheeler shares private photos, star-studded moments, social and political commentaries, as well as clips from '90s movies and TV shows on her social media profiles, reflecting on the peak of her career.
