Jane (right) was part of one of the most prominent gay TV couples in the 90s (Picture: NBC)

Friends actress Jane Sibbett has revealed she had to stand up against her father who disapproved of her playing a lesbian on TV. 

The star has become a legend as Carol Willick, Ross Gellar’s (David Schwimmer) first ex-wife who left him after coming out as gay. 

In the 10 years that followed, she was seen in a loving relationship with her other half Susan (Jessica Hecht), getting a civil partnership and raising son Ben together. 

But with such a prominent gay character on TV in the 90s, she faced a lot of backlash – and Jane has revealed that even her family weren’t sold on her playing the role. 

Speaking to Australia’s TV Week, Jane explained: ‘There was suddenly a responsibility about being able to stand up against all of the people that were saying this was wrong, including my own father who had a really hard time with that. 

‘I was going toe to toe with people on talk shows in America, who were saying, you know, this and this and this is the reason why you shouldn’t be doing this.’ 

The landmark couple saw them co-parent baby Ben with Ross (Picture: NBC)

However, Jane remained strong, and wanted to use the opportunity to teach others to be more accepting.