Jean-Claude Van Damme thought his 1996 single-episode performance on the hit television program “Friends” was rather embarrassing, even with all the superstars who came on as guests.
In “The One After the Super Bowl: Part 2,” Jean-Claude Van Damme appeared in a scene with Courteney Cox’s character, Monica, and Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel. The main plot point of the show was Rachel and Monica falling in love with Van Damme when he came to New York City to make a movie.
Ultimately, their competition for his attention results in a falling out over who gets to go on a date with him.
Van Damme looks back at his acting
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Jean-Claude Van Damme said that he felt uncomfortable with his acting abilities in light of his performance in the show, saying, “My acting was terrible.” I appeared really corny, like, “Hey, girls.” I nearly feel embarrassed by myself. Then those women came up to me on set and gave me a kiss on the lips. I was unsure of how to respond or what to do. It was rather uncommon. They were quite gracious.”
When Van Damme first appeared on the television program “Friends,” which ran from 1994 to 2004, he acknowledged that he knew nothing about it. He gave an explanation, saying, “They told me this was the hottest show in the world at the time when I arrived on the set and saw those two lovely ladies.”
I was ecstatic,” the Kickboxer celebrity remarked. “You ought to do an episode with them,’ my agency advised me. You are going to portray this character.”
Even if he might not think much of his series cameo, Van Damme called the whole thing a “good memory.” He mentioned how friendly and approachable the “Friends” group was because they were all involved in the show’s production every day.
He declared, “I came into a location where everything functioned like a highly skilled mechanical engine. It was incredible.” Other cast members of “Friends” were Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry.
What is The One After the Super Bowl?
An extended segment from “The One After the Super Bowl” is featured in the second season of the American comedy “Friends.” On January 28, 1996, it made its television debut on NBC right after Super Bowl XXX. The main storyline of the episode is about Ross, who learns that Marcel, his former pet monkey, is starring in a film that is now shooting in New York City. In an effort to mend his relationship with his cherished monkey, Ross tries to land a part in the movie.
Influenced by past failed attempts, NBC purposefully decided not to launch a new series in the highly sought-after post-Super Bowl timeslot in order to optimize television ad income. Rather, they chose to air a special episode of a well-liked and well-established show. Renowned figures such as Jean-Claude Van Damme, Julia Roberts, Chris Isaak, Brooke Shields, Fred Willard, Dan Castellaneta, and Julia Roberts were among the star-studded guest appearances on this specific program.
“The One After the Superbowl” broke all previous records with an astounding 52.925 million viewers or an astounding 47 percent of the total audience. Consequently, it remains the most-seen episode of the season and is the highest-rated Super Bowl post-game program in history.
Critics offered “The One After the Superbowl” a wide variety of criticisms. Some compared it to The Love Boat and expressed concern that the large number of guest stars may have detracted from the overall quality of the episode. On the other hand, some viewers found the episode’s comedic elements to be enjoyable.
A particular guest star, Brooke Shields, created an impression on NBC with her performance, so much so that they chose her for the lead in a new comedy, Suddenly Susan.
