So given its continued popularity, there’s a decent chance that, even in 2016, you still have a stake in the most heartbreaking thing to happen on the show ― when Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) and David (Hank Azaria) didn’t end up together. After David decided to go to the Belarus capital city Minsk for his career, Phoebe married Mike (Paul Rudd) ― a fine choice ― but it was still a sad end for the science-loving, glasses-wearing character.
Advertisement
Well, perhaps it comes as even more tragic news that it wasn’t even supposed to be that way.
In a recent interview with Azaria about his Emmy nomination for a role in “Ray Donovan,” The Huffington Post asked the actor what the Minsk happened. And apparently ...
David and Phoebe were supposed to end up together, but Paul Rudd was too charming to write out.
Responding to whether he knew it would be the end of David’s arc when he went to Minsk, Azaria told HuffPost, “No, I didn’t know that was the end of David. The plan always was kind of to bring him back.”
David does return in a small capacity on the show, but Azaria specifically meant that he was under the impression Phoebe and David would end up together.
Advertisement
“I think, honestly, what happened was Paul Rudd is so awesome that they sort of found a groove with him and [my character] became more of just the grist for that mill,” said Azaria, who added, “As opposed to the other way around.”
Was the actor as upset as his character to lose out to Paul Rudd?
“It actually did sting a little bit,” said Azaria. “Whatever part of me is David the science guy who went to Minsk, which admittedly is probably a small part of me [laughs], but that part of me wanted to end up with Phoebe. So I was sort of sad when I didn’t.”
Conceding that Rudd was just too charismatic to keep off the show, the actor said with a laugh, “He certainly has gone on to prove that he was comedically deserving of Phoebe’s love.”
Azaria did feel Rudd might be too good-looking, though. “He’s a handsome devil. He’s actually annoyingly handsome. He shouldn’t really be allowed to be that handsome. He’s like the Tom Brady of comedy.”
Advertisement
Hit Backspace for a regular dose of pop culture nostalgia.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.