**Will Friedle Remembers Iconic ‘Plays with Squirrels’ Moment from Boy Meets World**
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Will Friedle, renowned for his role as Eric Matthews in the beloved television series _Boy Meets World_, recently reflected on a particularly memorable moment from the show’s seventh season, one that has since become an enduring favourite among fans. During a recent episode of the rewatch podcast _Pod Meets World_, Friedle, alongside co-stars Danielle Fishel, who played Topanga, and Rider Strong, known for his role as Shawn, delved into the origins of the character “Plays with Squirrels” and his eccentric attributes.
In the seventh season episode titled “Seven the Hard Way,” viewers are treated to a flash-forward sequence in which Friedle’s character has transformed into a quirky hermit. Dubbed “Plays with Squirrels,” Eric Matthews emerges with a colourful personality, evoking both curiosity and laughter. As Friedle reminisced about this unexpected character arc, he readily admitted he had little foresight into how influential and memorable “Plays with Squirrels” would eventually become.
An amusing anecdote revealed by Friedle points to an unexpected source of inspiration for one of the character’s distinctive quirks. He cited a scene from the 1983 film _Trading Places_, featuring actor Dan Aykroyd in a strikingly offbeat moment. In this scene, Aykroyd plays a character in dire straits, dressed as Santa and consuming a salmon he has pilfered from a buffet. While riding a bus, he comically retrieves the fish from inside his jacket, attempting to eat it while grappling with the strands of his beard — a visual that left a lasting impression on Friedle.
“Pulling the lollipop out of the beard was my direct nod to Dan Aykroyd in _Trading Places_,” Friedle shared, explaining that the bizarre yet hilarious behaviour of his character was influenced by this earlier film moment. Notably, this detail was not part of the original script; it was a spontaneous addition that almost didn’t make it into the final cut.
Friedle recalls, “During the run-through, I was dressed in my regular street clothes, but with a beard and hair added. I slipped a lollipop in the beard, and the audience reacted with laughter. That’s when the lollipop became a permanent feature of the character.” This seemingly minor character detail evolved into one of the defining traits of “Plays with Squirrels,” showcasing the serendipitous nature of television production.
Despite appearing on screen for a mere six or seven minutes, Friedle expressed his disbelief at the enduring popularity of this role. He articulated the surprise at how many fans still connect with the character, saying, “I’ve met people who have gotten tattoos of ‘Plays with Squirrels’.” This level of affection reflects the impact that _Boy Meets World_ and its assortment of quirky characters have had on its audience over the years.
Friedle briefly revisited this unique character during a special cameo in the 2015 spinoff series _Girl Meets World_. In an episode titled “Girl Meets Mr. Squirrels,” he revived his offbeat persona for a new generation of viewers, further cementing “Plays with Squirrels” as a cherished part of the franchise’s legacy.
The nostalgic reflection by the _Boy Meets World_ cast serves as a reminder of the simple but profound ways in which television can create lasting connections with fans. The humour and heart woven into characters like Eric Matthews resonate well beyond the confines of the screen, affirming the show’s status as a staple of American coming-of-age storytelling.
As _Boy Meets World_ continues to be revisited by old and new fans alike, it is evident that moments like “Plays with Squirrels” are not just fleeting comedic gestures, but vital threads in the fabric of television history, reminding audiences of the joy and unpredictability that come with beloved characters.