AceShowbiz - Friends star Lisa Kudrow shared how she finds comfort in rewatching old episodes of the iconic TV show following the death of her beloved co-star Matthew Perry.

Appearing on the U.K.’s Capital FM radio show on March 27, Kudrow, 62, revealed that the marathons of Friends airing after Perry’s passing helped her cope with the loss. “There were marathons [on TV] and that was really comforting watching the show,” she said. “Also because it makes me laugh, and there he was.”

Matthew Perry, who died in 2023, was widely known for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom, which also starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc. Kudrow reflected on Perry’s comedic talent, calling him “so funny, I mean, the funniest.” She added with a touch of humor, “Sorry to everybody else, but truly.”

The actor’s death in October 2023 shocked fans and colleagues alike. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner later confirmed that Perry died from “the acute effects of ketamine.” Subsequently, five individuals were charged in connection with his death.

Lisa Kudrow has spoken openly about her mourning process and the solace she finds in remembering Perry’s happiness at the time of his death. On the “Armchair Expert” podcast in December 2023, she said, “I’m more comforted that he was happy the day he died.” She explained, “He got to die happy.”

Interestingly, Kudrow admitted she didn’t watch every episode of Friends during its original run, citing her busy personal life. “I had a kid and none of us were [watching],” she said. “It was, like, ‘Oh, it’s Thursday night [at] 8 o’clock?’ We were on too early.”

However, after watching the show years later, Kudrow now appreciates the humor and warmth of her character, Phoebe Buffay. “Phoebe is a funny character,” she said. “Everyone is making me laugh my ass off.” She emphasized the significance of the show’s ability to provide an emotional escape, noting how it delivers laughter and connection. “It’s just important, kind of, healing,” she added.

Following Perry’s death, Kudrow was among the cast members who posted heartfelt tributes on social media. In November 2023, she reflected on their early friendship during the pilot of Friends. “Shot the pilot, Friends Like Us, got picked up then immediately, we were at the NBC Upfronts,” she wrote on Instagram. She fondly remembered Perry suggesting they play poker, which helped them bond. “Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY.”

She continued, expressing gratitude for the time they shared and the lessons she learned from him. “Thank you for your open heart in a six-way relationship that required compromise. And a lot of ‘talking.’ Thank you for showing up at work when you weren’t well and then, being completely brilliant.” Kudrow called their decade-long collaboration “the best 10 years a person gets to have.”

She concluded her tribute by thanking Perry for trust, grace, and love. “Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for all I learned about GRACE and LOVE through knowing you. Thank you for the time I got to have with you, Matthew.”

Other Friends cast members also expressed their devastation over the loss of Perry. A joint statement from Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer described their bond as more than just castmates, calling themselves “a family.”

The enduring impact of Friends continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, underscoring the importance of friendship, laughter, and connection — themes that Kudrow highlights as especially meaningful in the wake of Perry’s passing.