There’s no denying it—Jennifer Aniston is an absolute legend in Hollywood. When you look back at her career, it’s impossible not to marvel at how she transformed from a fresh-faced ingenue into one of the most celebrated actresses of our time. Recently, the Golden Globe-winning star got candid about her journey, especially her early days on Friends, and how that show shaped her life forever.

Building Confidence on 'Friends'

In a heartfelt interview with InStyle for their 25th anniversary issue, Jen opened up about finding her footing during those formative years on Friends. “I started to find my confidence when I was on Friends, for sure,” the now-54-year-old beauty confessed. “It was like being part of this incredible trust exercise. We were all in it together, holding each other up. There was so much comfort in knowing we weren’t alone—we were building something special as a team.”

jennifer-aniston-friends-nostaolgic — Matt Baron/Shutterstock

For Jen, who was just 24 when Friends premiered in September 1994, the experience was nothing short of magical. “I miss a lot about that time,” she said wistfully. “It was such a pure joy to have a job where I felt so connected to everyone around me. I miss spending time with people I loved and respected deeply. Nowadays, I’m super nostalgic. Even the smallest things can make me go, ‘Aww.’”

Read also:
Unpacking The Anna Malygon Leak A Closer Look At Privacy Ethics And The Digital Age

Growing Up in Front of the World

Jen also reflected on what it was like starting her career so young. “I pretty much grew up in this business in front of everyone,” she joked. “And let me tell you, puberty is awkward enough—imagine doing it all publicly. It wasn’t easy, but I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.”

She went on to talk about the incredible journey Friends took her on. “When Friends first started, we were all wide-eyed and bushy-tailed,” she recalled of her costars Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer. “We had no idea what was coming. We were just along for the ride, and it was the most incredible adventure.”