Actor Bruce Willis took on a guest role in Season 6 of Friends, portraying Elizabeth's father Paul Stevens across three episodes, despite normally commanding significant fees for his work. The unexpected unpaid appearance resulted from a wager Willis had made with his co-star from the film The Whole Nine Yards, Matthew Perry.

Perry later recounted this arrangement in his 2022 memoir, using the anecdote to illustrate Willis's character and professionalism. The account also served to address longstanding Hollywood rumours that Willis had been challenging to work with on set—claims that Perry's recollection appeared to contradict, suggesting a more cooperative and personable version of the acclaimed action star.