Lisa Kudrow is finding solace in rewatching “Friends” episodes as a way to celebrate the humor and life of her late co-star, Matthew Perry. The actress, who played the quirky and lovable Phoebe Buffay on the iconic sitcom, has long avoided watching herself on the show due to the embarrassment of seeing her own performance. However, Perry’s recent passing has given her a new perspective and a reason to revisit the beloved series.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kudrow, 60, shared her heartfelt sentiments about rewatching “Friends” in honor of Perry. “Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself. But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s OK,” she said. “And it’s just celebrating how hilarious he was — and that is what I want to remember [about him].”
Kudrow has found herself laughing out loud while watching the show, marveling at the comedic talents of her fellow cast members. “I’m blown away by Courteney Cox. I’m blown away by [Jennifer Aniston]. Matthew, obviously, is just uniquely hilarious. No one ever knew that cadence or comedic rhythm before him. Matt LeBlanc is hilarious. And David Schwimmer, too. Sometimes I even laugh at what I’ve done,” she said.
Reflecting on her time on set, Kudrow recalled the joy and laughter that filled their days. “You’re just laughing all day long, basically, in between the scenes, because these are funny people. And especially someone like Matthew, whose goal was: How many laughs can I get in real life every day? So we were always laughing so hard, tears were flying out of our faces,” she remembered.
Perry, who played the sarcastic and witty Chandler Bing, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, with other contributing factors including coronary artery disease and buprenorphine, an opioid. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death as accidental, but an investigation is ongoing, with police believing multiple people should be charged in connection to his passing.
Kudrow believes that the world is remembering Perry in the way he wanted to be remembered. “I think the world is remembering him the way he wanted to be remembered. I think that’s happening [already],” she said.
The loss of Perry has deeply affected his “Friends” family. The cast, which includes Kudrow, Aniston, Cox, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer, released a joint statement expressing their profound grief. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” the statement read. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Kudrow also shared her own personal tribute to Perry, thanking him for the laughter and the lessons he taught her. “Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY. Thank you for your open heart in a six-way relationship that required compromise,” she wrote. “Thank you for showing up at work when you weren’t well and then being completely brilliant. Thank you for the best ten years a person gets to have. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for all I learned about GRACE and LOVE through knowing you.”
The actress’s decision to rewatch “Friends” as a way to honor Perry is a testament to the deep bond they shared. The show, which aired from 1994 to 2004, remains a cultural phenomenon, and Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing continues to bring joy to fans around the world. Kudrow’s reflections on her time on the show and her memories of Perry highlight the enduring impact of their friendship and the legacy of “Friends.”
As Kudrow continues to celebrate Perry’s humor and their shared memories, she hopes that fans will also remember him for the laughter and joy he brought into their lives. “That’s my own little way of celebrating [the anniversaries], just watching it. But it’s embarrassing. At home, if anyone walks in the room and I’m watching Friends, that’s a horrible look, I think, don’t you?” she said with a smile.
In the wake of Perry’s death, his co-stars have shared their own tributes and memories, emphasizing the strong bond they formed during their time on the show. Aniston, who played Rachel Green, revealed that she was texting Perry the morning of his death, calling him “funny Matty” and expressing her admiration for his resilience and humor. “He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling. He was happy,” she told Variety. “I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He was on a pursuit. He worked so hard. He really was dealt a tough one. I miss him dearly. We all do. Boy, he made us laugh really hard.”
Cox, who played Monica Gellar, also shared her thoughts on Perry’s legacy, calling him “one of the funniest human beings in the world.” She told CBS Sunday Morning, “He visits me a lot, if we believe in that. I talk to my mom, my dad, Matthew. I feel like there are a lot of people that are — I think that guide us. I do sense — yeah, I sense Matthew’s around, for sure.”
As fans continue to mourn the loss of Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow’s decision to rewatch “Friends” serves as a poignant reminder of the joy and laughter he brought to the world. Through her reflections and memories, Kudrow honors her friend and co-star, celebrating the unique humor and spirit that made Perry a beloved figure both on and off the screen.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, Page Six, People, OK! Magazine
