Lisa Kudrow Couldn’t Watch Friends For Years. What Changed Her Mind After Matthew Perry Died

Lisa Kudrow Couldn’t Watch Friends For Years. What Changed Her Mind After Matthew Perry Died

As a long-time fan of “Friends,” I can’t help but feel a deep connection to the show and its cast. The news of Matthew Perry‘s passing last year was a shock, and it brought back so many memories of watching the hilarious antics of Chandler Bing and the rest of the gang.


Friends remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. Not only was it incredibly popular when it aired, but reruns and streaming have given the show another life for younger generations. So many people have watched the entire series over and again, but Lisa Kudrow apparently was previously not one of them. Despite playing Phoebe for ten years on the NBC comedy show, Kudrow avoided watching the series herself. However, this changed after Matthew Perry’s tragic passing last year.

Matthew Perry stood out among the cast of “Friends” with his character Chandler, known for his wit and sarcasm. After Perry’s passing in 2023, fans rediscovered his entertaining performances on the show and the lighthearted energy he brought to the production. This resonated with Kudrow as well; despite avoiding “Friends” for a long time, Perry’s death prompted her to rewatch the series once more.

Previously, I found it impossible to watch that show at all. When I’d tune in, I’d feel a slight pang of interest, only for my mind to wander off and think, “That’s enough.” I just couldn’t take it. But something changed after Matthew passed away. All of a sudden, I could revisit the show because it wasn’t about me anymore. It centered around him, and for some reason, that made it bearable. Consequently, since his passing, I’ve spent countless hours engrossed in Friends marathons.

Actors including Kudrow often dislike watching their own acting performances due to their critical nature towards their work. However, after the passing of her friend Perry, Kudrow has expressed a new perspective. Instead of focusing on herself, she primarily watches to keep Perry’s memory alive and cherish the humor he brought into the world through “Friends.” Revisiting the show functions as a time capsule for that era and serves to preserve Perry’s spirit.

Conan O’Brien didn’t act in “Friends” himself but is close friends with Lisa Kudrow. During the show’s run, he recalled a conversation they had when Kudrow first joined the cast. She shared her excitement about Matt LeBlanc’s humor, and O’Brien noted how amused Kudrow was by him.

When you began hosting that program, you gave me a call in excitement. You couldn’t stop praising Matthew, sharing how hilarious he was. A tiny pang of envy stirred within me.

O’Brien is a comedic legend, so there was no cause for envy among the audience. Instead, Perry’s wit and humor stood out from the get-go, making “Friends” a beloved series that continues to be watched time and again. The bond between the “Friends” cast was strong, and rewatching the show now serves as a heartfelt tribute to Perry’s life and the memories they created during the 10-year run. Perry’s passing adds a deeper significance to each viewing, highlighting his remarkable talent that touched countless lives.

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2024-07-24 00:37