Remembering Matthew Perry On Friendship Day: How the Cast of Friends Honored Their Beloved Co-Star
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/4th August 2024
The loss of Matthew Perry in 2023, who passed away due to a fatal dose of ketamine, left an indelible mark on the cast of Friends. Known for its enduring camaraderie both on and off-screen, the show’s stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer have each paid heartfelt tributes to their late friend and co-star. As Friendship Day approaches, the reflections from the Friends cast offer a poignant reminder of the deep connections forged during the show’s run.
Jennifer Aniston, who portrayed Rachel Green, was particularly open about her grief and remembrance. In an interview with Variety, she shared a deeply personal moment, recalling her final text exchange with Perry. Aniston described Perry as someone who was “really healthy and getting healthy,” despite the struggles he faced. Her tribute highlighted not only his comedic talent but also his dedication and resilience. Recently, during an appearance on the Actors on Actors series, Aniston became emotional while discussing Perry’s impact, emphasizing the importance of celebrating his life and legacy.
Courteney Cox, who played Monica Geller, also expressed her sentiments with warmth and affection. In a conversation with CBS Sunday Morning, Cox mentioned feeling that Perry “visits” her often since his passing. She fondly remembered him as one of the funniest people she had ever met and expressed gratitude for the time they spent together on the show. To commemorate him, Cox shared a video clip of their memorable scenes on social media, reflecting on their cherished moments together.
Lisa Kudrow, who brought the quirky Phoebe Buffay to life, recounted her initial reaction to Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing. On Conan O’Brien’s podcast, Kudrow admitted to being struck by Perry’s unique approach to the character, which she found both original and hilarious. She also revealed that rewatching Friends has become a way to celebrate Perry’s comedic genius, underscoring her desire to remember him for the joy he brought to the show.
Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani, took to Instagram to share a personal farewell to Perry. In his tribute, LeBlanc expressed how honored he felt to have worked alongside Perry and reflected on their time together as some of his most treasured memories. His post conveyed a mix of sadness and fondness, ending with a light-hearted mention of a debt Perry owed him, adding a touch of humor to his heartfelt goodbye.
David Schwimmer, who portrayed Ross Geller, shared a touching Instagram post that highlighted Perry’s generosity and remarkable talent. Schwimmer praised Perry’s comedic timing and his ability to transform ordinary dialogue into memorable moments. He reminisced about the impact Perry had on their lives, both professionally and personally, and ended his tribute with a humorous nod to Perry’s character, imagining him playfully observing the clouds from above.
As the Friends cast continues to honor their late colleague, their heartfelt tributes reflect not just the depth of their grief but also the enduring bond they shared with Matthew Perry. Through their memories and celebrations of his life, they keep his spirit alive, reminding fans of the joy and laughter he brought into their lives.
