The Friends Legend You Likely Forgot Starred In Band Of Brothers

As far as great television series and movies that focus on war, specifically the events of World War II, "Band of Brothers" is likely at the top of the list for most fans. Created and executive produced by both Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, the series follows the lives of Easy Company, an actual group of soldiers who donned the same name during the war. It premiered on HBO back in 2001 and ran for 10 episodes, earning approval from both fans and critics (via Rotten Tomatoes), and serving as a starting base for some of the most popular actors in Hollywood during the 2000s, 2010s, and today. The main cast includes the likes of Scott Grimes, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Shane Taylor, and Donnie Wahlberg, among others.

The supporting cast holds even more recognizable names, with appearances from big stars like Michael Fassbender and Tom Hardy. During the show, Easy Company experiences the heartbreak, violence, and devastation of war, enduring casualties and barely making it out alive in certain situations, while ultimately seeing it through to the end of the war in the Pacific. "Band of Brothers" ended up earning six Emmy Awards during its run, with its cast going on to star in major films and television shows ranging from "Homeland" to "X-Men: First Class."

However, another major star of a different iconic television show also served as a supporting character in the HBO hit series. Here's what we know about the "Friends" legend you likely forgot starred in "Band of Brothers."

As "Friends" began airing in 1994, David Schwimmer was still in the middle of playing the well-known character of Ross Geller when he decided to take on the role of Captain Herbert Sobel in "Band of Brothers." Given that Sobel was an actual person in real life, Schwimmer's portrayal of him in "Band of Brothers" is accurate but also dramatized, of course, for effect (via frankdeangelis.com). 

Schwimmer's Sobel is the first person to truly train Easy Company hard as their drill instructor. He's difficult, often pushing Easy Company to their absolute limits and springing surprise runs and drills on them, trying his very best to break them right when they look like they might give up. Ultimately, Sobel makes it to the end of the war with Easy Company after butting heads plenty of times with Damian Lewis' Richard D. Winters — eventually having to salute him, as Winters is promoted to the rank of major.

Schwimmer is still most well-known for his role in "Friends" as Ross, although his time as Sobel is certainly one of his biggest parts during his career. He recently appeared in the "Friends" reunion special on HBO Max, although there has been no indication that the "Band of Brothers" cast might reunite to reflect on their experiences and how their careers have developed since that time. It would certainly be cool to see the fictional Easy Company reunite again for fans of the series.