Lisa Kudrow says Matthew Perry's death changed how she sees 'Friends'

Lisa Kudrow has opened up about how the death of her Friends co-star Matthew Perry reshaped her perspective on the iconic sitcom, revealing she now views the show with a sense of pride rather than criticism.

In a recent interview, Kudrow shared that she rewatched Friends after Perry’s passing in 2023, and the experience felt markedly different from how she had approached it in the past. Instead of focusing on her own perceived flaws in her performance, she said she was finally able to appreciate the show’s overall quality and the work of her fellow cast members.

“Before, I only saw what I did wrong or could have done better,” Kudrow explained, adding that revisiting the series allowed her to recognie just how strong the ensemble truly was.

She particularly praised her co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc, noting how much their performances stood out to her upon rewatch. But it was Perry’s work that left the strongest impression.

“And then Matthew, he was just beyond us all,” she said, describing his performance as something uniquely brilliant.

Kudrow added that Perry’s talent was so exceptional that the cast may never experience something quite like that again, underscoring the lasting impact he had on both the show and his co-stars.

The actor, best known for playing Chandler Bing, died in October 2023 at the age of 54. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and cast members alike, with many reflecting on his comedic timing and influence on the series.

For Kudrow, revisiting Friends after his death became more than just a nostalgic experience, it offered a new appreciation for the show’s legacy and the people who helped make it a global phenomenon.