Friends Creators Address Matthew Perry's Absence For 30th Anniversary

As I reflect on the untimely passing of Matthew Perry, my heart is heavy with sorrow and sympathy for his loved ones. Known to millions as Chandler Bing, he was not only a talented actor but also a beacon of humor that brought joy to countless people around the world.

The creators of Friends wish Matthew Perry was still here for them.

Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and Kevin Bright, the show’s creators, have been reflecting on the approaching 30th anniversary of the series on September 22nd. They discussed how the passing of Perry (the character) has influenced their perspective on the show.

Kauffman mused to Today during their September 19 broadcast, “It’s a significant sorrow.” He added, “The 30th now carries a bit of tension.

She added, “He made us laugh every day—David always said he was the funniest man in the room.”

During this time, Bright contemplated Perry’s long-standing battle with addiction during his professional journey, a subject the deceased actor discussed candidly in his later years. Notably, the producer observed that Perry was thriving during the 2021 reunion of the show.

Bright remarked, ‘He’d been waging a valiant battle for such a long time.’ It seemed at the gathering that he had finally discovered some tranquility.

Absolutely, the minds behind the show and those responsible for production took note of the significant role that Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow played in its achievements.

In Kauffman’s reflection, he mentioned that when the group of six performed together during the initial rehearsals, he felt a shiver run down his spine, thinking, “This feels extraordinary.

Earlier, Kauffman had also shared thoughts on honoring the deceased cast member appropriately.

“Support drug rehabilitation facilities – let’s combat this illness,” she said to The Times last month. “Another option is to watch Friends and recall him not as a person who ended his life in such a way, but as an individual who was incredibly humorous and brought laughter to all.

The creators of “Friends” aren’t the only ones mourning the loss of Perry; even the cast members like Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green) and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), are feeling the impact. On the 30th anniversary of the show, Aniston reminisced about her late friend, sharing a poignant memory.

She found it hard to believe that it had been thirty years since its television premiere, a memory she shared with Variety in June. That day, she and Matthew were having lunch together, and they knew Lisa was getting her hair done, so they popped into the salon unexpectedly. In the middle of it all, she sneaked up on Lisa, who was in the sink getting her hair washed, and playfully took over washing her hair.

Keep reading for more stars who have shared kind words of Perry since his October 2023 death.

“He would love that the world is talking about how talented he was. And he really was very talented. As the Friends reunion was approaching, we rewatched the show together. ‘F–k, I was so good!!!…See what I did there???’ We rewound and studied scenes. Our respect and appreciation of humor is something that connected us. Being with him as he rediscovered his brilliance was magical. But, I obviously knew that man in a very different way, too. While I loved him deeper than I could comprehend, he was complicated, and he caused pain like I’d never known. No one in my adult life has had a more profound impact on me than Matthew Langford Perry. I have tremendous gratitude for that, for everything I learned from our relationship. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Al Anon, an invaluable resource for those who love someone struggling with this destructive disease. Matty, I feel relief that you are at peace.Sincerely,Moll-o-Rama(…fication).”

Everyone is deeply heartbroken over the passing of Matthew. We were not just colleagues, but a close-knit group. There are many things we wish to express, but for now, we need to mourn and come to terms with this unimaginable loss. As time goes by, we’ll have more to say. At this moment, our thoughts and affection are with Matthew’s family, friends, and all those who cherished him worldwide.

Matthew Perry’s humor left me in stitches. His off-camera jokes about the absurdity of show business and male ego were both amusing and poignant, reminding us that we were two grown men applying makeup for a living. Despite being clean from substances, Matt had an enormous heart and a mind brimming with joy. Unfortunately, his kind soul made him susceptible to the battles he faced throughout his life. His struggle was heroic, though it remains unacknowledged by award shows. They ought to recognize such courage.

I am incredibly fortunate to have been part of the reunion show with six exceptional individuals, who shared an extraordinary, unbreakable bond. Spending time with Matthew was like realizing a long-cherished dream. He is kind-hearted, compassionate, and possesses a unique, comedic talent.

Gwyneth Paltrow posted on Instagram that she encountered Matthew Perry in 1993 during the summer at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts. She mentioned that they were both there to perform plays, and he was a hilarious, kind, and enjoyable companion. They went on adventures like swimming in streams, socializing at the college bar, and sharing a kiss in a field of tall grass. The summer was enchanting. At the time, Perry had filmed the pilot for Friends but it hadn’t aired yet; he was anxious about his impending success. His dream came true soon after. Their friendship lasted for some time before fading away, but Paltrow always looked forward to seeing him whenever they met again. She expressed her sadness today as many others are, hoping that Perry has finally found peace.

At Adele’s Las Vegas concert on October 28th, following news of Matthew’s death, she took a moment during her performance to pay tribute to him, reminiscing about his influence in her childhood. She shared with the audience that one of her friends, Andrew, who passed away when she was 12 years old, had an exceptional knack for imitating Chandler from Friends. Whenever someone was down or having a tough day, Andrew would cheer them up by impersonating Chandler. Adele expressed that she would forever remember this character, as it holds a special place in her heart.

Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed one of Matthew Perry’s most cherished romantic characters on ‘Friends’, posted on Instagram, “What a tragedy. The world will mourn you, Matthew Perry. The happiness you brought to countless people during your brief lifetime will endure. I feel incredibly fortunate for every creative encounter we shared.

Following Perry’s demise, Salma Hayek, his co-star in “Fools Rush In”, mentioned that it required a couple of days for her to fully comprehend and deal with this deep sense of sorrow.

“There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them,” she wrote in an Oct. 30 Instagram post. “I was very moved last year when Matthew shared on his Instagram stories how much he loved ‘Fools Rush In,’ and how he thought that that film we did together was probably his best movie.”

Over the years, he and I often looked back on that special period in our lives with a strong feeling of nostalgia and appreciation, she went on to say. My friend, it’s tragic that you left us too early, but I will always treasure your humor, resilience, and kind soul. Goodbye, dear Matthew, we shall never forget you.

In the days leading up to his passing, I, too, had a heartfelt conversation with Matthew. Weeks later, I find myself deeply saddened, for he was truly someone I cherished.

Kathleen Turner, who portrayed Chandler Bing’s parent on ‘Friends’, expressed to ‘People’ that “He possessed a great sense of humor and kindness. He appreciated others, which I believe is crucial, particularly for an actor.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 star remembered her time spent with the Emmy nominee.

“Matt always had THAT sense of humor,” she wrote on Instagram. “Matt and I had a date and it was on Valentine’s Day. He wanted to get a reservation at a restaurant in Malibu but couldn’t so my dad got the reservation for him. We went and he talked about my dads Irish persuasiveness the majority of the night. Our friendship spanned a long time. A lifetime really. I know many are hurting, especially our little gang. He will be missed by many and definitely by us. Yes. I could be more poetic or say things better but right now, shock and sadness prevail.”

Morgan Fairchild, the actress who portrayed Chandler Bing’s mother on Friends, expressed her sorrow over the untimely demise of her on-screen son. She posted on social media, “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my ‘son’. The sudden death of such a gifted young actor is a profound shock. I extend my love and condolences to his friends and family, particularly John Bennett Perry, who I had the pleasure of working with on Flamingo Road and Falcon Crest.

Actress from “The Whole Nine Yards”, who collaborated with Bruce Willis and Perry in the 2000 movie, posted an emotional tribute following Perry’s demise.

I’m deeply saddened by the news about Matthew Perry passing. When I was young, while he worked alongside my father on The Whole Nine Yards and its sequel, he was incredibly kind, funny, and sweet to me and my sisters. His humor in those movies still brings me laughter today. Although he faced numerous challenges throughout his life, his comedy brought immense joy to many. I wish him peace now.

In simpler terms, during an interview or conversation, Paget Brewster (the character actress who portrayed Kathy in the fourth season of “Friends”) reminisced about the moments she shared with her co-star while working on the set together.

She expressed deep sadness about Matthew Perry, sharing her thoughts on X. “He always brought warmth and humor to me as Chandler on Friends, and continued to do so whenever we crossed paths in the following years,” she wrote. “I encourage you all to read his book – it reflects his compassionate spirit. However, I don’t think he’ll find peace just yet… He’s already busy bringing laughter to everyone from above.

Perry’s Odd Couple costar reflected on his legacy, sharing a statement to social media.

She posted on X, “Our unusual family has endured a profound sorrow today,” she wrote alongside a picture of the cast. “The entire entertainment industry mourns. I find myself at a loss for words beyond this: Matthew Perry was a kind soul who deserved more tranquility in life. 54 years is too soon to leave us. We love you, Matthew! Rest In Peace, MatthewPerry.

The Violet star praised the actor for opening up about his sobriety journey after his passing.

On her Instagram Story, Olivia Munn expressed that he had battled addiction intensely, and displayed great courage in sharing this truth openly. She expresses deep sympathy for the pain his family and loved ones must be feeling upon learning this devastating news. The situation is truly heart-rending.

2024-09-20 20:48

Friends Creators Address Matthew Perry’s Absence For 30th Anniversary

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