Lisa Kudrow, renowned for her role as Phoebe Buffay on the iconic sitcom Friends, recently reminisced about her late co-star Matthew Perry in an interview on January 5. The conversation was part of her appearance on Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist.
Kudrow shared heartfelt memories of Perry, describing his extraordinary comedic brilliance. As fans continue to cherish the timeless legacy of Friends, her reflections offered a touching glimpse into the camaraderie between the cast, particularly with Perry.
She recounted how Perry's distinctive humor stuck with her after their first Friends table read:
"What Matthew was doing didn't sound like what I thought I was going to hear. It was like nothing I’ve ever heard before. I went, ‘Oh boy.’ Matthew was blow-away hilarious.”
Still a cultural phenomenon, Friends ran from 1994 to 2004.
Lisa Kudrow remembering Matthew Perry's unforgettable humor
Lisa Kudrow remembered her first table read with Matthew Perry, praising his unmatched comedy. Perry's razor-sharp wit as Chandler Bing stunned Kudrow and the cast. Kudrow described him as:
“So smart, so funny. Uniquely funny.”
Their chemistry translated seamlessly to the screen. One of their most beloved moments occurred in season 5 when Phoebe hilariously attempted to seduce Chandler. Kudrow noted:
“That scene became a fan favorite because Matthew knew exactly how to elevate it.”
Honoring Matthew Perry’s legacy
Matthew Perry's untimely death in October 2023 left an indelible void in the entertainment industry. At 54, Perry passed away due to the acute effects of ketamine. Lisa Kudrow revealed she began rewatching Friends after his passing to celebrate his humor:
“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. It’s just celebrating how hilarious he was.”
Friends co-stars and supporters have since paid several tributes to Perry.
Perry's family carries on his legacy through the Matthew Perry Foundation, which supports people battling addiction—a cause near and dear to his heart.
Read More: 10 heartbreaking moments in Friends that can make you cry
Running for 10 seasons, Friends captured the hearts of millions. Its humor, emotional depth, and stellar performances, including those by Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry, ensure its timeless appeal.
As fans continue to revisit the series, Kudrow’s reflections remind audiences of the joy Perry brought to the show. His legacy lives on, both through his work and initiatives like the Matthew Perry Foundation.
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