David Schwimmer Gives Behind-the-Scenes Look at 'Friends' Reunion: 'Forever Grateful'

The gang’s all here! On Friday,David Schwimmershared severalbehind-the-scenes photosfrom the recently releasedFriendsreunion special on HBO Max, giving fans an inside look at just what it took to reunite the cast of the beloved sitcom. In one image, the 54-year-old actor shares a laugh with former costarsJennifer Aniston,Courteney Cox,Matt LeBlanc,Matthew Perry, andLisa Kudrowduring what appears to be a video conference call. David Schwimmer/instagram “Photo shoot with @markseliger (can u spot him?)” he wrote in the caption.

David Schwimmer Initially Passed on 'Friends' — and They Almost Cast 'ER' 's Noah Wyle!

But according to Saul Austerlitz’s new book,Generation Friends: An Inside Look at the Show That Defined a Television Era, Schwimmer was reluctant to sign onto Warner Brother’s sit-com pilot back in 1994. Friendscreators Marta Kauffman and David Crane had actually wanted him for a pilot calledCouplesearlier, but the network insisted they pick someone else at the time. While writingFriends, though, they kept Schwimmer in mind as their ideal Ross. “They were ready to offer him the role without even having to audition — a rare privilege for a young, untested actor,” Austerlitz writes.

David Schwimmer Is Not Dating Jennifer Aniston Despite Online Rumors, Rep Says

David Schwimmeris not currently datingJennifer Aniston, despite online rumors that theFriendscostars are seeing each other.After the tabloidCloserpublished a report earlier this week claiming that the two stars were romantically involved, a rep for Schwimmer, 54, told the U.K. outletThe Sunthat thereis “no truth” to the rumors.Schwimmer’s rep did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.In May, HBO Max’slong-awaitedFriendsreunionrevealed a secret offscreen crush between Aniston and Schwimmer, who played lovebirds Rachel Green and Ross Geller on the comedy series.

David Schwimmer Joins Celebrity Special of 'The Great British Baking Show'

David Schwimmer on Great Celebrity Bake Off.Photo: Channel 4 / Love Productions David Schwimmeris putting his apron on and heading into a very famous tent! On Tuesday, it was announced that theFriendsalum, 56, will compete inThe Great British Baking Show’s celebrity special in aid ofStand Up To Cancer. In total, 20 celebrities will star on the show, including Olympic diverTom Daley, formerLittle MixsingerJesy Nelsonand Bridget Jones actressJessica Hynes. A short video clip of the ‘bakers’ taking part in the charity special was released on the show’s Twitter account, with Schwimmer seen wearing a navy blue polo shirtunder his beige apron, which is covered in flour.

David Schwimmer Makes Rare Appearance at Star-Studded Restaurant Party in N.Y.C.

David Schwimmer.Photo:BFA BFA David Schwimmeris celebrating a sweet milestone! TheFriendsstar, 57, made a rare public appearance on Friday night to celebrate the one-year anniversary ofRaf’s Italian & French Bakeryin New York City. Schwimmer was all smiles on Friday night, wearing a black jacket and shirt with dark pants as he posed at a table with Jennifer and another guest in one photo and alongside another guest in a second photo.