Lisa Kudrow’s Heartfelt Tribute to Honor Matthew Perry

In a June 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lisa Kudrow joyfully revealed that she had been re-watching episodes of “Friends” to reminisce about her time with the late Matthew Perry. Kudrow admitted that it had always been too embarrassing to watch herself on screen, but she found comfort in focusing on Perry’s performances. “Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself. But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s OK,” she explained. Kudrow emphasized that celebrating Perry’s remarkable comedic talent was what she wanted to remember most about him.

Kudrow highlighted the impressive acting skills of all her castmates but gave special recognition to Perry for his unmatched ability to make people laugh. She fondly recalled that Perry, known for his role in “Fools Rush In,” would come on the set with the goal of making his castmates crack up, even when they were not performing. According to Kudrow, Perry achieved this goal effortlessly every time.

While Kudrow found joy in re-watching “Friends,” she was also likely processing her grief through the series. Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist based in New York City and the director of Comprehend the Mind, exclusively told The List that Kudrow’s gesture was a testament to her deep bond with Perry. Dr. Hafeez explained, “By revisiting the series, Kudrow can relive meaningful moments and treasured memories, maintaining a sense of closeness with Perry despite his absence.” She further noted that Kudrow’s decision to publicly share her tribute could also help fans grieving Perry’s loss find a sense of community and comfort in celebrating his talents.