Jennifer Aniston called her experience on Friends the "gift of a lifetime" when accepting the Icon Award at the People's Choice Awards this weekend. The actress – who played Rachel Green for 10 years on the hit sitcom – says she has the show to thank for her successful career.

"This town puts out a lot of awards but People's Choice has always been special to me," Aniston said. "As actors, we don't do this for the critics or for each other or to make our families proud... we do this for the money. I'm kidding! We do it for you guys, we really do."

2019 E! People's Choice Awards - Showpinterest
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2019 E! People's Choice Awards - Showpinterest
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preview for Jennifer Aniston's hair story

The actress then went on to thank the Friends cast, explaining that she credits the show and that experience for paving the way for her career.

"If I have any claim to this word icon, it was only because I was able to be on an iconic show with an iconic cast and an iconic haircut. I mean, Friends was truly the gift of a lifetime and I would not be standing up here without that fantastic show and that fantastic cast. It's paved the way for everything I've had the chance to do since."

Aniston was presented with the award by Adam Sandler, with whom she has starred in several movies with. In his speech, he called the actress "one of [his] best friends".

2019 E! People's Choice Awards - Showpinterest
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