At a Glance
- January 18, 1996 episode became first lesbian wedding shown on network television
- Jane Sibbett and Jessica Hecht played groundbreaking couple Carol and Susan
- Sibbett marked milestone on January 19, 2026, calling it a “testament to love in all forms”
- Why it matters: The episode broke barriers and reached millions worldwide during an era of limited LGBTQ+ representation
Jane Sibbett is marking three decades since her Friends character helped make television history. The actress turned energy healer celebrated the 30th anniversary of Carol Willick’s wedding to Susan Bunch, the first lesbian marriage ever depicted on network TV.
The milestone episode, “The One with the Lesbian Wedding,” aired January 18, 1996. Sibbett portrayed Carol, Ross Geller’s first wife, who leaves him after realizing she’s in love with another woman. Jessica Hecht played Susan, Carol’s partner.
A Groundbreaking Moment
The wedding episode shattered barriers at a time when LGBTQ+ representation remained scarce on mainstream television. Carol and Susan’s ceremony became a cultural touchstone, introducing millions of viewers to a same-sex wedding during primetime hours.
Sibbett marked the anniversary on social media, posting: “It’s our 30-year anniversary! I love Jessica Hecht, and I am still so grateful that this testament to love in all forms touched the hearts of so many people around the world.”
The actress concluded her message with a reflection on enduring love: “When all the craziness subsides, the love will always remain.”
Defending the Role
The journey to bring Carol and Susan’s relationship to screen required fortitude. During a June 2025 interview with News Of Los Angeles, Sibbett revealed she faced significant backlash while promoting the episode.
“I was doing the rounds on talk shows and having to go toe to toe with people who were thumping their bibles at me,” she told News Of Los Angeles exclusively.
Her preparation for these confrontations came from personal experience. “I was defending for context because I was raised in that world. I wasn’t raised in a judgmental world. I was raised in knowing why you believe what you believe. So I was ready to go. I was ready to go to battle for what I love.”
Jessica Hecht’s Perspective
Hecht shared her own reflections during a July 2025 conversation with News Of Los Angeles. The actress expressed deep appreciation for her role in the iconic sitcom while acknowledging the unique position of playing a supporting character.
“I’m also grateful that I wasn’t a lead character in many ways, because the responsibility of that is more than most people could manage,” she explained.
She praised the main cast members – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, the late Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer – for handling their fame “gracefully.”
Cultural Impact
Carol and Susan’s relationship represented a watershed moment for LGBTQ+ visibility on television. The characters appeared throughout the series’ ten-season run, providing consistent representation during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Their wedding episode faced potential censorship concerns, yet NBC chose to air the ceremony complete with wedding vows and celebration. The network’s decision helped normalize same-sex relationships for mainstream audiences.
The storyline’s significance extended beyond entertainment, offering validation to viewers who rarely saw their experiences reflected on television. For many, Carol and Susan became symbols of progress during an era when marriage equality remained a distant goal.
Key Takeaways
The 30th anniversary of “The One with the Lesbian Wedding” highlights how far television representation has evolved since 1996. What began as a controversial storyline became a beloved part of Friends legacy, proving that inclusive storytelling can both entertain and educate audiences worldwide.
