Tom Selleck’s role as Dr. Richard Burke on Friends is a standout fan-favorite, but there’s one surprising fact about his time on the show that many fans still can’t believe. Despite his iconic status as a heartthrob on Magnum, P.I., Selleck was originally hesitant to join the sitcom due to concerns about breaking his tough-guy image. However, his portrayal of the charming yet slightly older love interest to Monica Geller quickly became one of the show’s most memorable and beloved storylines.

What many fans don’t know is that Selleck was only supposed to appear in a few episodes, but his chemistry with Courteney Cox (Monica) was so undeniable that he was brought back for multiple seasons. This surprising turn of events not only cemented his place in Friends history but also showed fans a different side of the actor, balancing humor with romance in a way few could have anticipated.