Top 10 Jennifer Aniston
Ferris Bueller 1990-1991One of Aniston’s first TV roles was when she co-starred in a television adaptation of the 1986 hit movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Charlie Schlatter took on the title role, which was played by Matthew Broderick in the film version, and an unknown Aniston starred as the main character's sister, Jeannie Bueller. Although viewing figures were at first strong, the actress only got the chance to star in 13 episodes as the series was quickly cancelled. Regardless of the programme’s short lived success, it gave Aniston one of the small breaks she needed to make it big time.
Leprechaun 1993Aniston’s feature film debut was panned by critics but has gathered a cult following from fans of slasher movies. A story line that features an evil leprechaun and a stolen bag of gold coins, coupled with a barely recognisable Aniston – pre-nose job perhaps? – has resulted in the film being a symbol of her acting career before the success of Friends. If you’re tempted you can watch it right now as part of our On-Demand service.
Friends 1994-2004One the most successful TV series of all time, Friends propelled its six starring actors to global stardom when the show took off in 1994. Aniston won over hearts with her character Rachel Green, and demonstrated her quick-wit and impressive comedic ability. You couldn’t talk about Friends without mentioning the infamous hairstyle it gave birth to. Her character’s hair was one of the most popular trends of the '90s, with women around the world requesting the ‘Rachel.’ The actors have remained good friends in reality – Aniston is even Godmother to Courteney Cox and David Arquette’s daughter Coco – and they avoided hostile headlines by negotiating equal pay, which began at $22,500 per episode and ended up a whopping $1million! Aniston won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her role as Rachel.
Picture Perfect 1997Knowing her niche, Aniston joined a credible cast including, Kevin Bacon and Illeana Douglas for this easy going rom-com. Kate’s (Aniston) career is at a dead end. When she goes for a promotion her boss passes her up, saying she’s not reliable because she doesn’t own her home or have a husband. To give her a shot at climbing the career ladder, her co-worker Darcy invents a story about Kate being engaged to a guy named Nick (Jay Mohr) – a man Kate had her picture taken with at a friends' recent wedding. Of course, when the story gets wilder and wilder Kate has to call on Nick and pretend they are, in fact, engaged to fool her colleagues.
The Object of My Affection 1998It’s a case of falling in love with the wrong guy in The Object Of My Affection, when Aniston’s character Nina Borowski falls head over heels for her gay flat mate George, played by the ever-so-charming Paul Rudd. When Nina becomes pregnant and faces single motherhood things get even more complicated. Although it received mixed reviews from critics, the film’s realist issues and Aniston and Rudd’s great chemistry make this film the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday night on the sofa.
The Good Girl 2002This low budget movie was shot in 33 days and was a breath of fresh air from Aniston as she showed us that she can do more than make us laugh. Focusing on the sad and lonely character of Justine Last, The Good Girl centers on a depressed married women who embarks on an affair with her younger colleague. With an impressive cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Zooey Deschanel and John C. Reilly, it’s a gritty drama about sex and depression. The sizzling chemistry between Aniston and Gyllenhaal is enough to get you a little hot under the collar.
Along Came Polly 2004In 1994 Ben Stiller appeared as a guest star on Friends as Rachel’s date. Ten years later the pair reunited, but this time for the big screen. Reuben (Stiller) is left devastated after his wife dumps him on their honeymoon so he returns home intent on putting his life back together. When he bumps into Polly (Aniston) – an extravert old school friend complete with pet ferret – Reuben’s life starts going in a very new direction. Also starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Debra Messing, Alec Baldwin and Hank Azaria, the film didn’t favour well with critics but it was a financial success.
Friends with Money 2006Returning to a low budget production, Aniston took on the role of Olivia, a lonely women working as a maid and struggling to make ends meet. Joining a stellar cast of female actresses, including Catherine Keener and Frances McDormand, Aniston was a far cry from the ditsy Rachel Green we’re used to seeing. Friends with Money opened the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and received mostly positive reviews from critics. It was the first film Aniston did following her break up with husband Brad Pitt, causing paparazzi to bombard the set. Some can even be spotted in the film.
The Break - Up 2006This movie hit headlines for two reasons; firstly, Aniston took the role shortly after her break up from Brad Pitt, and secondly, because of her real life romance with on-screen lover, Vince Vaughn. Packaged as a comedy, The Break Up shows two sides of a couple’s break up – warts and all – and perfectly portrays how completely different men and women can be. It also gave Aniston the chance to show off her toned physique, in a scene where she walks past Vaughn completely naked. There have been rumours of a sequel, reuniting Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, but as yet, nothing has been confirmed.
Marley & Me 20082009 has been a busy year for Aniston with three films out, whilst working on two others. But Marley & Me is easily the highlight. This film was adapted from the much loved best seller Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog, an autobiographical book by journalist John Grogan. It accounts a couple’s relationship during the 14 years they have their dog Marley. Aniston teamed up with Owen Wilson to make the perfect all-American couple. The film was a huge financial success and grossed $14.75 million on its first day of release in America, setting the record for the best Christmas Day box office ever. Be warned though, this is a weepy so you’ll need a box of tissues at the ready. Tegan Kniveton |