Lisa Kudrow has revealed that she is re-watching Friends to celebrate her former castmate Matthew Perry.
The late actor, who played the beloved Chandler Bing on the sitcom, died in October at the age of 54.
An investigation is ongoing into his death, and an autopsy revealed he died of ‘acute effects of ketamine’.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kudrow opened up about her heartbreaking loss, and how she kept the memory alive through comedy – which also starred Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.
‘Honestly, I couldn’t watch it because I was too embarrassed to watch it myself. But if I make it about Matthew, then it’s fine,” he said. ‘And it’s just celebrating how hilarious he is – and that’s what I want to remember (about him).’
When asked about her thoughts on watching it back in the day, actress Phoebe Buffay continued to The Hollywood Reporter: ‘I laughed out loud, and everyone was funny. I was blown away by Courteney Cox. I was blown away by Jen.
‘Matthew, obviously, is very funny. No one knew the rhythm or rhythm of comedy before him. Matt LeBlanc is so funny. And David Schwimmer too. Sometimes I even laugh at what he has done.
‘So yeah, I mean, this is my own way of celebrating (the birthday), just watching. But it’s a shame. At home, if someone walks in the room and I’m watching Friends, it looks horrible, I think, doesn’t it?’
Kudrow still remembers filming the sitcom decades later, explaining that the cast would laugh together ‘all day’, with ‘tears running down our faces’.
He says a lot of this is due to Perry and his aim to make everyone around him giggle.
Expressing how he would like him to be remembered after his death, he added: “I think the world remembers him the way he wants to. I think that’s what happened (already).’
News of Perry’s death was announced on October 8, with the cast of Friends releasing a joint statement two days later, before paying their own tributes on social media.
‘We are all devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,’ he said.
“There is much to say, but for now we will take time to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
‘In time, we will say more, when we can. Right now, our thoughts and love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.’
In a separate condolence message, Kudrow thanked her close friend for ‘the best 10 years’, posting a throwback polaroid of their time together.
“The pilot, Friends Like Us, was shot right away, we were at the NBC Upfronts,” he began. ‘Then… You suggested we play poker and have fun at first. Thanks for that.
‘Thank you for making me laugh so hard at what you say, that my muscles hurt, and I cry every day.
‘Thank you for an open heart in a six-way relationship that requires compromise. And a lot of “talking”. Thank you for showing up to work when you were sick and then being so wonderful.
‘Thank you for the best 10 years anyone could have. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for everything I have learned about GRACE and LOVE through knowing you.
‘Thank you for the time I had with you, Matthew.’
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