Frank Grillo has had a long career in the entertainment industry with parts in Prison Break and The Purge films. His recent contribution to the zeitgeist, however, was being cast as a grieving father, Rick Flag Sr., in James Gunn’s world of DC. This clout is undeniable, but could have looked quite different if things had panned out in an alternative universe. Over three decades ago, a little show known as Friends had been casting Joey Tribbiani, and Grillo found himself up for the role.

In a twist of fate, the Peacemaker actor had accompanied an actor friend of his to the audition, where he caught the eye of the casting agent. Grillo told the story on “Lights, Camera, Bar Stool,” and recalled that the director quickly recognized him as an actor and instructed him to read the sides and audition.

“And I did, and they called me back again. I didn’t have an agent or anything. And they called me back a third time, and then I went to do what was — it’s called a test — and I tested for it. And at that point, I go, ‘This is easy. I’m gonna be an actor,’” Grillo laughed. Obviously, things didn’t go his way, but Grillo credited that moment as fundamental for his career path.

It incited him to pursue a career where he would go on to be an icon in genre film and television. Holding no grudges whatsoever, Grillo complimented Matt LeBlanc, who is one of the most recognizable faces on television. The perfect actor to play the part, LeBlanc has earned his celebrity status. Grillo, however, is no sludge either, and has earned a different kind of fame.

Frank Grillo Has Earned a Place In Television Fans’ Hearts

Though Frank Grillo hasn’t reached quite the status of Matt LeBlanc, that is arguably the hardest bar to clear. Instead, the actor obtained a different sort of appreciation for playing more serious roles. After deciding to pursue acting more seriously when testing for Friends, he eventually clinched the role on Fox’s bingeable television series, Prison Break. Grillo played Nick Savrinn in Season 1, a lawyer immersed in the conspiracy at the center of the series. He would go on to be a familiar face in horror spaces as a cult figure and even had his time in the sun in Marvel.

James Gunn, however, gave him the role of a lifetime in a popular DC character. Debuting in the animated series Creature Commandos, Grillo commanded the role of Rick Flag in a piece of inspired casting. Well-practiced with combat in film, the actor was the perfect choice to play Rick Flag Jr.’s (Joel Kinnaman) father out for revenge. His addition to Season 2 of Peacemaker added even more emotional resonance to a series brimming with it.

Peacemaker (John Cena) had already gone through heavy character development, reflecting on his regret for his part in Rick’s death but comes under fire even further when Rick Sr. takes over A.R.G.U.S. Rick Sr.’s grief powers the sophomore season as he rightfully tries to get some solace in taking out Peacemaker. Grillo finally gets his due in a popular series, even if it wasn’t the sitcom heard around the world. Friends will always be a fan-favorite, and viewers can catch the influential sitcom on HBO Max.