Photo:NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Friendsaired 236 episodes during its 10-season run, and the oneMatthew Perrysaid he enjoyed most was, ironically, an episode when his signature verbal humor was least on display.
During the season 1 episode “The One with the Blackout,” Perry’s characterChandler Binggets stuck in an ATM vestibule with Victoria’s Secret modelJill Goodacreduring a city-wide power outage.
“The interesting thing about that episode was I didn’t speak much; it was mostly in voiceover,” Perry toldEntertainment Weeklyin 2004 asFriendswas nearing its finale.“We prerecorded what I said, and I had to react.”
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It didn’t hurt that Perry’s scene partner was Goodacre, he admitted in the interview (which was republished inPEOPLE’s special edition issuetimed to the NBC Sitcom’s 25th anniversary in 2019).
“Let’s face it: Jill Goodacre is hot, so it wasn’t that difficult,” he said, adding, “I [remember] spitting my gum out, and it stuck to the wall. It was my choice to just stay frozen in fear and embarrassment. … What was great about that night was that I was also able to watch the other three quarters of the show, which was these five great actors doing ensemble work that was amazing. This was the first time I realized, ‘Gee, this is really clicking.’”
Perry earned an Emmy nod for his work onFriendsin 2002, and the show became an indelible part of his legacy as an actor.
He reunited with his costarsJennifer Aniston,Courteney Cox,Lisa Kudrow,Matt LeBlancandDavid Schwimmerin 2021 for anHBO Max special, though the castmatesspent quality time together off screen through the years, often popping up at each other’s premieres and birthday dinners.
‘Friends’ stars David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc in 1999.
Perry, 54, was founddeadat his Los Angeles-area home on Oct. 28 and waslaid to reston Nov. 3 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. All five of hisFriendscostars were in attendance for the service.
Earlier that week, theybroke their silencetwo days after his death with a joint statement to PEOPLE.
The statement continued, “In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
In the weeks that followed, Perry’s costars alsoindividuallypaidtributeto the actor on Instagram, highlighting his immense talent and kindness.
LeBlanc’s bittersweet farewell was simultaneously earnest and laced with humor.
“It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend,” he wrote on Nov. 14. “I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never.Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free.Much love. And I guess you’ll be keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”
source: people.com
