‘Friends’ Creators Say 30th Anniversary Is “A Little Fraught” in Wake of Matthew Perry Death

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‘Friends’ Creators Say 30th Anniversary Is “A Little Fraught” in Wake of Matthew Perry Death

As a devoted fan of Friends for over two decades, I can’t help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of this iconic show. The passing of Matthew Perry, our beloved Chandler Bing, has undeniably cast a shadow over this joyous occasion.

On this coming Sunday, September 22nd, marks the 30th anniversary of the popular TV show “Friends”, a milestone that arrives amidst ongoing sorrow among fans and crew members following the passing of Matthew Perry, who sadly succumbed to complications related to the anesthetic ketamine just months ago. New details have emerged in recent times concerning Perry’s usage of ketamine in his final days, with individuals suspected of facilitating his access to the drug now facing arrest and charges.

The makers of the popular NBC sitcom, namely Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and executive producer Kevin S. Bright, are well-aware that Perry’s passing has brought a sense of sadness to an otherwise joyous occasion.

Kauffman expressed that it’s a significant loss and the 30th becomes somewhat challenging, during an interview with Crane and Bright which was broadcasted on the Today show on Friday. Bright further stated that he brought laughter to our lives each day.

Reflecting on Perry’s high-profile battles with addiction and his apparent improvement leading up to his demise, Bright commented, “He’d been waging a noble battle for such a long time, and it truly seemed, starting from the [2021 reunion], that he had at last discovered some tranquility.

Following Perry’s passing, as friends and admirers of the renowned Friends star expressed their tributes, Kauffman shared with Today that she had conversed with Perry just two weeks prior to his death, and the actor appeared to be cheerful and carefree. There was no sign of any burdens weighing him down. He seemed to be in a very good mental state, which makes this tragedy seem even more unjust.

At the moment, she remarked that he appeared much improved compared to recent times, which filled her with joy. He seemed emotionally stable, physically well, and had given up smoking, indicating sobriety. This transformation wasn’t just physical; he had been learning valuable lessons throughout this journey. What truly stood out was his newfound desire to assist other addicts, providing him a sense of purpose.

During the summer, five individuals were accused and indicted as part of an investigation concerning Perry’s demise. This investigation uncovered a wide-reaching criminal network operating beneath the surface.

As I sat down for an interview marking a milestone, with the prestigious U.K.’s Times, long before the latest arrests linked to the tragic death of Perry, my friends Kauffman and Crane openly shared Perry’s battles with addiction. In my role as a gamer, I can only imagine how difficult those times must have been for him.

It wasn’t until later that we realized we had formed a family in many aspects,” Crane explained. “At some point, we asked him if he wanted to quit the show, but he was firm and expressed that it held significant value for him.

As I reminisce, I can’t help but echo my words from a conversation with Perry over FaceTime just a couple of weeks before his passing, shared with Today last year. During that call, he seemed genuinely good to me. Now, I find myself hoping that fans remember one of the show’s cherished stars as vividly as I do.

Two thoughts crossed her mind regarding how to honor him: one idea is contributing to rehabilitation facilities for substance abuse – let’s combat the illness in his memory. The second thought is to watch ‘Friends’ and remember him not as a man who passed away tragically, but as a man who brought laughter and joy to everyone through his humor.

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2024-09-21 02:54