Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay has shared that she auditioned for the role of Monica Geller in Friends. During an appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Hargitay shared that she auditioned and screen-tested several times for the part. The actress also shared that she was initially focused on a career in comedy.
Mariska Hargitay reveals she tested for Monica’s part in Friends ‘so many times’
Mariska Hargitay, widely known for her portrayal of Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, recently revealed that she came close to joining Friends.
Appearing on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Hargitay revealed that she auditioned and screen-tested multiple times for the sitcom. She auditioned for the role of Monica Geller, which Courteney Cox ultimately played.
Reflecting on her early years in Hollywood, Mariska Hargitay said that comedy had been her focus. She had participated in several sitcom auditions, including for Seinfeld and The Single Guy.
Hargitay said, “I always thought I would end up being on a sitcom or doing comedy. I was like, I want to do drama, but it has to be funny because that’s what I felt like my gifts were.” The Emmy-winner said she used to tell people she would become a comedian because she was “funny” and “pretty.” She had even pursued training with the Groundlings, a Los Angeles–based improv troupe.
During her early struggles as an actor in Los Angeles, Hargitay recalled meeting a psychic. She explained, “He said to me… ‘You see that face you’re doing right now? You see that face?’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ He goes, ‘You’re going to be famous for that face. You’re moving to New York and you’re gonna be famous for that face.'”
However, Mariska Hargitay continued to focus on comedy until she was cast in Law & Order: SVU just six months later.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari on Reality Tea.
