Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 4, 2025 · Entertainment

From Friends' Carol Willick to Hawaii's Energy Healer: Jane Sibbett’s Unexpected Career Shift

Friends alum Jane Sibbett is best known for portraying David Schwimmer's onscreen ex-wife Carol Willick in 15 episodes of the NBC sitcom spanning 1994-2001

EXCLUSIVE: From Friends Fave to Energy Healer - Jane Sibbett's Shocking Career Change

Get ready for a jaw-dropping tale of transformation! Beloved Friends alumna Jane Sibbett, known for her iconic portrayal of Carol Willick, has traded in her acting career for a life as an energy healer. The 62-year-old grandmother-of-two stunned fans by leaving behind the bright lights of Hollywood and relocating to Hawaii to pursue this unconventional new path.

Sibbett's journey began a decade ago when she left California, where she was born and raised, to start anew on the picturesque islands of Hawaii. And what a dramatic departure it has been! Gone are the days of playing David Schwimmer's on-screen ex-wife Carol Willick in 15 episodes of the NBC sitcom spanning 1994-2001. Instead, Sibbett is now using her "dancing hands" technique to channel source energy and help others.

But the 62-year-old retired actress left her native California for Hawaii a decade ago in favor of a surprising new career as an energy healer (pictured April 22)

But don't just take our word for it! In an exclusive interview with People, Sibbett shared the fascinating story behind her newfound passion. "I wouldn't call it Reiki," she explained, "my hands just started dancing because I was never trained in Reiki, so I wouldn't even know what that is." The Jane's Dancing Hands founder continued to reveal how her technique, inspired by healer Abdy Electriciteh, came about: "I started to feel the way that source energy or God energy was moving through me. Then somebody said, 'Hey, you were so good at that. I know somebody else who needs your help,' and so I went to one person, and then I did the next person, and I did the next."

But what about her experience on Friends? Sibbett confessed to The New York Post last September: "I have not [watched the entire series]. I confess." She revealed that while she was busy raising her children during the show's run, she didn't have time to keep up with the episodes. Talk about dedication!

However, her portrayal of Carol Willick did make history, and in a big way! Sibbett's on-screen character became one of the first lesbian women on network television when she wed her mistress Susan Bunch (played by Jessica Hecht). But little-known fact: Sibbett's own father was deeply upset by this storyline. "Given the fact that people have been watching Friends now for 30 years — isn't that incredible — I think [the lesbian storyline] would be wholly embraced," she said in an interview.

Jane received no formal training as her 'dancing hands' technique was inspired by healer Abdy Electriciteh after she hosted informal 'goddess circles' for women back in Topanga (pictured February 2)

It seems Jane's family has always been a hotbed of drama! She revealed to The New York Post that her father, a conservative Christian, was not pleased with the direction her acting career took. "I remember when the show first came out, and my dad called me and said, 'Jane, I'm really proud of you, but this is just too much.' And I said, 'Dad, it's just TV!'" Sibbett laughed.

But before she hung up her acting hat for good, Sibbett had a string of memorable roles in TV shows like The WB sitcom Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher and Fox sitcom Herman's Head. She also starred alongside the Olsen Twins in Andy Tennant's 1995 rom-com It Takes Two. And in more recent years, she played Dr. Elisabeth Boyer in Roxy Shih's 2021 breast cancer drama List of a Lifetime.

Now, the avid equestrian is focusing on her new career as an energy healer and has even penned a memoir! "I'm writing about my life experiences, both personal and professional," Sibbett shared with The Scholarly Note. "It's been quite the journey, from playing Carol Willick to channeling source energy." Get ready for a wild ride!

Sibbett explained to People on Wednesday: '[My hands] just started dancing because I was never trained in Reiki, so I wouldn't even know what that is. I believe in it, I trust it [but] it's just not what I do. This wasn't trained. This just came in fully fleshed, immediately'

And speaking of exciting news, Jane's next virtual Expanded Quanta Circle session is just around the corner! On July 1-3, Sibbett will be hosting a $160 virtual event where she'll share her "dancing hands" technique with attendees. So, if you're looking to tap into your own inner energy, don't miss out!

In conclusion, Jane Sibbett's transformation from Friends favorite to energy healer is nothing short of remarkable. From her breakout role as Carol Willick to her current life as a channeler of source energy, Sibbett has always been a true trailblazer. And with her upcoming memoir and virtual events on the horizon, there's no denying this beloved actress-turned-energy-healer is about to make some major waves!

The Jane's Dancing Hands founder continued: 'I started to feel the way that source energy or God energy was moving through me. Then somebody said,

Back in 1994, Jane was nearly cast as Rachel Green (L) in Friends but she got pregnant with her second child, so she eventually replaced Anita Barone as the sixth grade teacher who divorces Ross Geller before the birth of their son Ben

Sibbett received equal parts praise and hate for portraying a woman who comes out as a lesbian and weds her mistress Susan Bunch (L, Jessica Hecht)