Friends Cast Plans 'Memorable' 20th Anniversary Celebration Sans Matthew Perry (Exclusive)

In April 2021, the six cast members of Friends reunited at the Warner Bros. Studio lot in L.A. to film the highly anticipated reunion special. The special was set to premiere the following month with great excitement from fans. During the two-day filming, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry shared memories from their time on the popular sitcom, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

Even though almost two decades had passed since they last worked together, it felt like no time had gone by at all. The chemistry between Aniston (55), Cox (59), and Kudrow (60) was as strong as ever, with the trio exchanging fashion and beauty tips. Meanwhile, LeBlanc (56), Schwimmer (57), and Perry kept the atmosphere light with their jokes and banter.

Even after hours of interviews, the soundstage echoed with laughter, the same one where the original series had been filmed since its second season.

The cast of the popular sitcom was known for being as close off-screen as they were on. However, last October, their tight-knit group was devastated by the sudden death of Perry at the age of 54. The beloved actor was discovered unconscious in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home, and an autopsy later revealed that he had passed away due to the acute effects of ketamine. Other contributing factors listed were drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder.

Perry struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years, and he shared in his 2022 memoir that he was consuming 55 Vicodin pills daily during the peak of the show.

After his unexpected passing, Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer have united to support each other through their sorrow. They are currently planning how to commemorate the approaching 20th anniversary of the Friends finale, which drew in 52.5 million viewers on May 6, 2004.

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The thought of having a reunion or a formal get-together without Matthew is both sad and comforting. According to a source in the latest issue of We magazine, there will be a big gap without him. However, the group knows that Matthew would have wanted them to continue and honor the show. This is something they are keeping in mind as they move forward.

After Perry's passing, all the actors shared heartfelt messages on Instagram. Aniston, who the source says was deeply affected by the loss, wrote, "This one really hurts. [Perry] was a part of us. We were always the 6 of us." The source also mentioned, "She was devastated for months." Even now, it's something she struggles to come to terms with.

Cox expressed that she misses Perry every day, while Kudrow and Schwimmer thanked him for bringing laughter into their lives. LeBlanc also shared that it was an honor to have Perry as a friend, adding that he will always remember him with a smile and never forget him. He concluded by saying, "Spread your wings and fly brother, you're finally free."

Together, they found comfort in each other's company. The passing of Matthew served as a reminder of how precious life is and the importance of staying connected. It reinforced the unbreakable bond they share and the necessity of looking out for one another.

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They frequently communicate with each other, chatting in group messages and having one-on-one conversations. According to a source, Jennifer and Courteney stay in touch all the time, and they are also good friends with Lisa.

In February, Aniston and Schwimmer appeared together in a commercial for Uber Eats that was shown during the Super Bowl. During the same month, Cox posted a selfie with Kudrow on her social media account.

The source reveals that the actors are mindful of upcoming birthdays and anniversaries. They have been having ongoing conversations about how to celebrate the milestone of the finale.

According to the source, the cast members, including Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer, will definitely find a way to mark the occasion. They are expected to share something on social media and have a private get-together. The show's 30th anniversary since its debut in 1994 will be in September.

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The insider shares that despite their individual successes post-Friends, nothing compares to the experience they had on the show. They fondly look back on it with a lot of love and give credit to Matthew for his contributions.

Their goal is to honor and preserve Matthew's memory. In November, the Matthew Perry Foundation was established to continue his legacy of supporting those battling addiction.

In a 2022 interview that resurfaced after his death, Perry expressed his desire to be remembered for the ways he tried to help others. In 2013, he transformed his Malibu home into a sober living facility for men.

Perry's castmates are proud of the legacy he left behind both on and off screen. A source mentioned that they are dedicated to upholding Perry's values and spreading his message. Despite missing him greatly, they find comfort in knowing they had the privilege of sharing their lives with such a special individual.

For more on the cast of Friends, watch the exclusive video above — and pick up the latest issue of We, on newsstands now.

Editor's P/S:

The article paints a poignant picture of the enduring bond between the cast of "Friends," even after the tragic passing of Matthew Perry. The depth of their grief and the way they have come together to support each other is a testament to the genuine love and friendship they have shared for decades. It's heartwarming to know that despite the loss, they are determined to honor Perry's legacy and continue to spread his message of hope and recovery.

Moreover, the article highlights the profound impact "Friends" has had on the cast's lives. Even after all these years, they fondly remember their time on the show and the special connection they formed with each other. Their ongoing efforts to commemorate the show's milestones, including the upcoming 20th anniversary of the finale, demonstrate the enduring power of their friendship and the show's cultural significance.