Following Matthew Perry’s heartbreaking demise, the hit NBC sitcom, Friends had never been the same. Though fans made their peace by rewatching their beloved episodes, the show's creators and cast mates continue to grapple with their grief. As Friends marks its 30th anniversary, the milestone is bittersweet. The loss of Perry, who brought Chandler's wit and charm to life, still resonates deeply. Cast members and creators alike struggle to come to terms with his absence. 

As the world celebrates Friends' enduring legacy, those closest to the show are reminded of the irreplaceable talent and friend they lost too soon.

Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and Kevin S. Bright, the creative forces behind Friends, in a joint interview on Friday's Today show, acknowledged the somber tone that settled over the show's 30th anniversary due to Matthew Perry's passing. For them, it was a loss they could never make peace with, and "it did make the 30th a little fraught," Kauffman shared. The team further reflected on Perry's enduring legacy.

Bright recalled Perry's struggles with addiction, noting he had seemingly found peace in recent years. "He'd been fighting the good fight for so long,” he said, continuing further that ever since the 2021 cast reunion, there had been an indication that Perry had achieved a state of peace. Perry's colleagues remembered his humor, with Bright adding how he put a smile on everyone's face every day. 

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Not just creators, but Matthew Perry's castmates too are yet to have enough of the actor. 

The Friends family continues to grieve the loss of Matthew Perry, with cast members revealing intimate insights into their relationships with the late actor. David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller, recently shared a candid perspective on his dynamic with Perry on Cush Jumbo's podcast Origins. Schwimmer admitted Perry was more reserved off-camera, contrary to his on-screen camaraderie.

Schwimmer's conversation shed light on Perry's private nature, as he expressed surprise over Perry's high praise for his professionalism and comedic timing. Jumbo recalled Perry calling Schwimmer a "linchpin" in scenes, a sentiment rarely expressed directly to him. Almost a year after his controversial death, cast members are still processing their grief and cherishing memories of their beloved co-star.

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What are your thoughts on the creators' sweet tribute to the actor? Let us know in the comments below.