In an emotional interview with Variety, Jennifer Aniston reflects on the untimely passing of "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry, dispelling any misconceptions and highlighting his happiness and pursuit of a healthy lifestyle before his death at 54.
In her first interview since the tragic passing of her "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston expressed her desire for the world to know that Perry was in a good place before his untimely death. Aniston shared with Variety that she hopes Perry is remembered “as he said he’d love to be remembered” — a man who lived well and helped others.
“He was happy. He was healthy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy — that’s all I know,” she shared, tears streaming down her face. Beside her, Reese Witherspoon, her co-star from "The Morning Show," offered support, holding her hand as she wiped away tears. Aniston added, “I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling. He was happy.”
She continued, “I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He was on a pursuit. He worked so hard. He really was dealt a tough one. I miss him dearly. We all do. Boy, he made us laugh really hard.”
On October 28, Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54. He was best known and dearly loved for his role in all 236 episodes of "Friends," where he starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow. In 2022, Perry candidly shared his battles with sobriety in his memoir titled "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir."
After his passing, the cast, as well as other actors and many reporters penned articles sharing their experiences with Perry and emphasizing the significance of his character, Chandler Bing. Furthermore, a foundation was established in his honor to assist individuals dealing with addiction.
“It’s so beautiful,” Aniston said of the outpouring of love. “I hope he can know that he was loved in a way he never thought he was.”
Moreover, Aniston attempted to articulate Perry's distinctive way of speaking, which became synonymous with Chandler Bing. “His way of speaking created a whole different world,” she said. “We went with his lead, in a way. It just added something to our joy.”
Witherspoon, who made guest appearances in two episodes of "Friends" in 2000, praised the entire cast of the popular sitcom.
She expressed admiration for the closeness and the intimate relation that the co-stars shared. "It’s incredible what was born of those friendships, and how you guys have always taken care of each other for years and years."
She also recognized the show and its cast for setting a high standard in the industry, emphasizing the mutual respect among everyone on the show. She cosidered herself fortunate to be part of the show as she "walked in like Alice in Wonderland, watching the most popular cast do this whole thing."
"I remember going home and going, oh, they’re in another league. They’re on another planet on comedy levels that I’ve never seen my entire life, pivoting on a dime and working on each other’s energy and it was extraordinary.”, she added.