25 famous actors you didn’t know appeared on Friends

23. Penn Jillette

Encyclopedia Salesman – “The One With The ‘Cuffs” – S4E3

Many years before Penn Jillette appeared on Celebrity Apprentice, he made a guest appearance on Friends. Before that, he was mostly known for being one-half of the comedy-magic duo, Penn and Teller. Being the more vocal of the two, Jillette often acted in television, taking on small roles like that of an encyclopedia salesman.

In this unnamed role, Jillette tries to convince Joey to buy a set of encyclopedias. Joey happened to be home because a) he’s often unemployed and b) he was cleaning up the patio furniture he and Chandler had used in place of the furniture that was stolen after Joey was suckered into getting locked into an entertainment center.

Jillette’s sales pitch almost works, sending Joey into a series of flashbacks during which he realizes just how much smarter his friends are than he is. He’s tempted to indulge in some self-education via a new set of encyclopedias but he’s broke. After Joey points out to the salesman that he’s at home during the day and has patio furniture in his living room, Jillette offers to sell him one book from the set for $50. Joey takes the ‘V’ volume and Jillette goes on his way.

Aside from his many television projects with his partner, Teller, Penn Jillette is also an accomplished author. He’s written several books, many of them poking fun at religion. Among them are God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales and Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday!: More Magical Tales from the Bestselling Author of God, No!.