Resurfaced video shows Billie Eilish’s mother, Maggie Baird in a Friends role

Finneas took to the comments to defend his family against accusations of nepotism.


Pop Culture & Art July 07, 2024
Image: Reuters

Maggie Baird, Billie Eilish’s mum, appeared in an episode of Friends in 1999.

Two years prior to the birth of the Oscar-winning singer, her mother Maggie had a minor role in the season six episode titled "The One Where Joey Loses His Insurance" of Friends, appearing as casting director number two.

In the episode, Joey Tribbiani (played by Matt LeBlanc) experiences a hernia but lacks health insurance to cover it, prompting him to audition for a dog food commercial.

Unfortunately, the intense pain prevents him from lifting the large bag of dog food. When he suggests pointing to it instead, the casting director appears unimpressed. Joey soon realizes he hasn't gotten the role.

A clip posted on Instagram highlighted Maggie's early role, prompting fans to enthusiastically include Billie, 22, and her brother Finneas O’Connell, 26, among the list of celebrities with surprising connections in the industry.

However, Finneas responded in the comments to defend his family against accusations of nepotism.

“Ah yes, the classic, one day of work on one episode of friends to make someone rich and famous- the whole gag of this video is none of you had any idea at all who she was,” the award-winning composer commented.

Their parents, Maggie, aged 65, and her husband Patrick O’Connell, aged 66, both had minor roles in several TV shows and films in the past.

Maggie also had roles in series like The X Files, portraying Sharon Pearl, as well as appearing as a doctor in Charmed and playing Sandra Hicks in Bones.

Meanwhile, Patrick appeared as a reporter in Iron Man, a bartender in The West Wing, and played the character Leo in General Hospital.

Additionally, the entire family, excluding Billie, appeared in Maggie's 2013 film Life Inside Out, which explores a mother bonding with her troubled son through music.

Today, siblings Billie and Finneas are making their mark in the music industry, and earlier this year they won an Oscar for the song "What Was I Made For" from the Barbie soundtrack. Finneas co-created the song, which was performed by Billie.

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