Friends director Jim Burrows shared that the iconic sitcom's cast felt 'destroyed' upon learning of the death of co-star Matthew Perry, known worldwide for his role as the sarcastically charming Chandler Bing.
Perry's unexpected passing has left a void in the Friends family and in the hearts of millions who grew up quoting his character's witty one-liners.
Since the initial success of Friends in the 90s, where Burrows directed the show's first episodes and helped set the tone for what would become a cultural phenomenon, the cast and crew have maintained a bond akin to family. It's a connection that remained strong even after the series' conclusion in 2004.
This kinship made the news of Perry's passing even more devastating for his co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc.
In a poignant joint statement, the Friends cast expressed their deep sorrow: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.
"There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
Echoing the sentiment of a bond that transcends the screen, Burrows, also celebrated for directing episodes of Frasier, Cheers, and Will & Grace, shared his own grief, likening the loss of Perry to losing a brother. "I had texted the girls the day we found out. They were destroyed. It’s a brother dying,” Burrows told Today.
Burrows paused to reflect on the magnitude of Perry's absence, saying, "I had to have a couple of days to just let it soak in. He was part of a family, and he was the first one to not be part of that family anymore."
Perry's talent extended beyond the laughs; he was a multifaceted performer who brought depth and humanity to his roles. The director hailed him as 'a wonderful actor, a funny man, and a dear friend to a lot of people.'
Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer and director Kevin Bright, shared their last memories of Perry, highlighting the sheer unfairness of his early departure. Kauffman recalled to Today, "He was great. He was happy and chipper, he didn't seem weighed down by anything. He was in a really good place which is why this seems so unfair."
The loss has been felt deeply across the industry, with Kauffman and Crane venerating Perry as "a brilliant talent" and cherishing "the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment."
The collective mourning of Perry's death is testament to his profound impact not just on Friends, but on television and those who knew him. The sentiment of the creators' joint statement resonates with all who feel the weight of his absence: “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Perry's legacy, encapsulated in his endearing portrayal of Chandler Bing, will continue to be a comforting presence in living rooms around the world, reminding us all that even with the loss, his work continues to bring joy and laughter.
