David Schwimmer reflects on Friends’ 30th anniversary while mourning Matthew Perry’s untimely death.
David Schwimmer, known for his role as Ross Geller in the iconic sitcom Friends, has opened up about the bittersweet experience of celebrating the show’s 30th anniversary, just months after co-star Matthew Perry’s devastating death. Schwimmer, 58, revealed these emotional reflections during an interview on Smallzy’s Surgery radio show.
The actor recounted how he found himself in Los Angeles during the milestone occasion in September 2024. “I happened to be back in Los Angeles around the day that marked the 30th year of when we aired,” Schwimmer shared. Feeling the weight of nostalgia and grief, he reached out to Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani on the show. Together, they shared a quiet evening, reminiscing and raising a toast to their shared history.
Embed from Getty Images“It’s amazing,” Schwimmer said, his voice tinged with gratitude. “It’s amazing to me that people are still watching and find it funny and comforting. I feel nothing but gratitude, really.” Despite the enduring legacy of Friends, the absence of Perry, who played the beloved Chandler Bing, cast a sombre shadow over the celebration.
Matthew Perry tragically passed away in 2023 at the age of 54 due to a ketamine overdose. His untimely death shocked fans worldwide and left his co-stars grappling with profound loss. Schwimmer reflected on their relationship, revealing that Perry was often reserved and rarely vocal about his feelings.
In a poignant moment, Schwimmer recalled an earlier interview in which he learned that Perry had praised his professionalism. The actor admitted he was taken aback. “That’s interesting for many reasons, to hear that,” he said. “It’s a huge compliment, and I’m surprised to hear it because Matthew was reserved with me. He wouldn’t say that to me directly. But I appreciate that a lot.”
Schwimmer’s reflections offer a window into the camaraderie and complexities that defined the Friends cast. While the sitcom brought laughter to millions, its stars were not immune to the struggles of life off-screen. Perry’s death serves as a stark reminder of these challenges, even amidst the glitz and success of Hollywood.
As fans continue to revisit the show’s timeless humour, Schwimmer and his fellow cast members are left to navigate the delicate balance between celebrating their enduring legacy and mourning the loss of a dear friend.
