Laughter, leopard prints and 'Friends': unveiling Maggie Wheeler's memorable on‑screen presence

The talented actress who brought to life one of the characters of the iconic '90s TV show, "Friends", is Maggie Wheeler. The brunette with a big, teased hairdo reminiscent of Amy Winehouse's iconic style, had been Chandler Bing's first and reappearing love interest. If you search her character's name online — Janice Litman — "laughter" appears as a top hit. It's specifically the actress's laugh that took the internet by storm and securely lodged itself in viewers' memories.

Initially, she was scheduled to appear in only one "Friends" episode. However, the producers quickly recognised her potential and comedic talent, extending Janice's storyline. The star wore extravagant and daring outfits on set that accentuated her character's vibrant personality. The trends she favoured in the '90s — leopard prints, fur-collared jackets, leather trousers, and "baguette" handbags — are currently making a comeback.

- The atmosphere on set was marvellous. I've never experienced such an enjoyable environment surrounded by such friendly people. During breaks, we all congregated in the green room and played poker — recalls the actress.

The star has had roles in TV shows such as "How I Met Your Mother", "Ellen", and "Everybody Loves Raymond", and she's also done voice work for various cartoons. Although Maggie Wheeler remains professionally active and continues to grab short roles in sitcoms, the role of Janice was indeed her career's defining performance. The character's distinct speech pattern was a skill she developed, having nothing to do with Maggie Wheeler's natural voice.

The actress is the daughter of a writer and a Wall Street businessman, and their considerable fortune was left to her. At one time, she was linked to David Duchovny, but she has been blissfully married for over 33 years to an artist — a sculptor and photographer — Daniel Borden Wheeler. Today, the couple have two daughters.

What does Janice look like today? The 61-year-old actress still sports long hair. She champions natural looks and doesn't submit to any cosmetic procedures. In her private life, her style is decidedly more understated than the flamboyant character Janice. Leopard fur coats in her wardrobe have been swapped with classic ones and smart-casual outfits.

Occasionally, Maggie Wheeler shares private photos, pictures with celebrities, posts about social and political matters, and clips from '90s movies and TV shows on her social media profile, reminiscing about the golden era of her career.