Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI
Courteney Cox recently shared that her beloved Friends costar Matthew Perry still "visits" her often. In a heartwarming interview with CBS Sunday Morning on Sunday, May 19, Cox, 59, expressed her admiration for Perry's humor and kind heart. Despite his struggles, she feels grateful for the many years they worked closely together. Perry portrayed Chandler Bing, while Cox played Monica Geller, in every episode of the show's 10-year run. Cox fondly mentioned that Perry's visits are a comforting presence, hinting at a deeper connection beyond the screen.
When asked about her spirituality during an interview, the actress shared her belief that her deceased loved ones continue to support and guide her in life.
"I often find myself talking to my mom, dad, and Matthew. It feels like they are still with us, guiding us along the way," Cox explained. "I definitely feel Matthew's presence around me."
Cox and Perry were part of the ensemble cast of Friends, which also included Jennifer Aniston as Rachel, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, and David Schwimmer as Ross. When the news of Perry's passing surfaced in October 2023, the cast came together to share their sorrow.
"We are all deeply devastated by Matthew's departure. We were more than just colleagues; we were a close-knit family," the cast conveyed in a joint statement to We. "We will share more in due course, when we are ready... For now, our hearts and thoughts are with Matty's loved ones, friends, and fans worldwide."
Two weeks later, Cox took to Instagram to share a clip from the series along with a personal anecdote about her time with Perry.
Expressing her gratitude, she wrote, "I am so thankful for every moment I spent with you Matty and I think about you every single day. When you work closely with someone like I did with Matthew, there are countless moments that I wish I could share. But for now, here's one of my favorites."
In the scene she posted, viewers could see the beginning of Monica's relationship with Chandler. Cox mentioned, "Before we started filming, he whispered a funny line for me to say. He would often do little things like that. He had a great sense of humor and he was always kind."
The Friends series finale, titled "The Last One," aired on May 6, 2004. Recently, an insider shared with Us how the cast planned to celebrate the finale's 20th anniversary while honoring their late friend and former costar, Matthew.
In the April issue of Us, the source mentioned that the idea of a reunion or a formal gathering without Matthew is bittersweet. There will be a significant void without him. However, the source also mentioned that the cast knows Matthew would have wanted them to continue and celebrate the show. This sentiment is at the forefront of their minds as they move forward.
Editor's P/S:
Courteney Cox's revelation about Matthew Perry's ongoing presence in her life is a touching testament to the enduring bonds forged on the set of "Friends." Despite Perry's untimely passing, his spirit continues to live on through the memories and connections he shared with his former castmates. Cox's belief in the afterlife and the continued support of deceased loved ones adds a poignant layer to her experience, suggesting that Perry's influence extends beyond the physical realm.
The upcoming 20th anniversary of the "Friends" finale will be a bittersweet occasion for the cast, who will undoubtedly feel the absence of their departed friend. However, as the source mentioned in the article, Perry would have wanted them to celebrate the show's legacy and continue to honor his memory. By finding ways to acknowledge Perry's contributions while embracing the joy and laughter that "Friends" brought to so many lives, the cast can keep his spirit alive in a meaningful and enduring way.