As the beloved sitcom Friends approaches its 30th anniversary on September 22, the occasion is marked by both celebration and sorrow, especially following the passing of Matthew Perry, who portrayed the iconic Chandler Bing.
Perry’s death in 2023 has profoundly impacted both fans and the show’s creators, adding a somber note to what would otherwise be a jubilant milestone.
Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin S. Bright, reflected on the significance of this anniversary and how Perry’s absence has cast a shadow over the celebration.
Marta Kauffman expressed her sadness, saying:
“It’s a huge loss, and it does make the 30th a little fraught.” — Marta Kauffman
Bright fondly remembered Perry’s unique ability to bring laughter to the set every day, stating:
“He made us laugh every day.” While Perry’s struggles with addiction were well-known, Bright shared that, in the years before his death, it seemed like he had found peace. “He’d been fighting the good fight for so long… it really did feel like… he had finally found some peace,” he noted.
Kauffman recalled a conversation with Perry just two weeks before his passing, in which she described him as “happy and chipper,” and in a positive state. She added, “It seemed so unfair… He looked good. He quit smoking. Yes, he was sober.” Perry’s sudden death left his colleagues and fans in shock.
In the aftermath of Perry’s passing, investigations linked his use of ketamine to an underground criminal network, and several individuals were indicted in connection to his death. Despite this, Kauffman and Crane emphasized that Perry’s life should be remembered for his talent and the joy he brought to millions through his work on Friends.
Kauffman reflected on how best to honor Perry’s memory, suggesting two ways: “One of them is to donate to drug treatment centres — let’s fight the disease,” she said. “And the second way is to watch ‘Friends’ and remember him not as a man who died like that, but as a man who was hilariously funny and brought joy to everybody.”
As fans and creators alike honor the 30th anniversary of Friends, they also cherish the memories of Matthew Perry, not only for the struggles he overcame but for the laughter and warmth he brought to millions.
