As Friends marks its 30th anniversary, Jennifer Aniston is opening up about the emotional weight of this milestone and the enduring impact of the iconic sitcom—especially in the wake of co-star Matthew Perry’s passing.
In a heartfelt conversation with Abbott Elementary creator and actress Quinta Brunson for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Aniston became visibly emotional when asked how it feels to watch Friends today. “Oh, God, don’t make me cry,” she said, tearing up, as Brunson gently offered to steer the conversation elsewhere.
But for Aniston, the tears were a mix of sadness and deep gratitude. “I just started thinking about… I’m OK, these are happy tears,” she said, dabbing her eyes with a tissue.
The anniversary arrives only months after Perry’s unexpected death in October. The actor, best known for his role as the sarcastic yet lovable Chandler Bing, was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home. His death was later attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine,” according to a December autopsy report, sparking ongoing investigations into the source of the substance by multiple U.S. agencies.
Aniston, who played Rachel Green throughout the show’s ten-season run, spoke with poignant sincerity about how surreal it feels that the series debuted three decades ago. “I remember the day it was going to premiere on NBC… the excitement we had—it feels like yesterday,” she recalled. “The fact that it’s had this long, wonderful life and it still means so much to people is one of the greatest gifts. All six of us. We never could have imagined.”
The chemistry and camaraderie between the core cast—Aniston, Perry, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc—became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Friends as one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. But for Aniston and her co-stars, the connection went far beyond the screen.
Following Perry’s death, Aniston shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram, posting a vintage photo of the two, a clip from the show, and a screenshot of a humorous text message exchange. “Oh boy, this one has cut deep,” she wrote in the caption. “Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I’ve never experienced before.”
She emphasized the value of embracing grief, writing, “Being able to really SIT in this grief allows you to feel the moments of joy and gratitude for having loved someone that deeply.”
Just weeks later, in an interview alongside Reese Witherspoon, her co-star on The Morning Show, Aniston revealed Perry had been in a good place emotionally and physically before his death. “He was happy. He was healthy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy—that’s all I know,” she said. “I was literally texting with him that morning. Funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling.”
Those final messages now carry a heartbreaking weight, reflecting a sense of optimism that contrasts sharply with the tragedy that followed. The suddenness of Perry’s passing has left a lasting impact not only on fans but also on those who knew him best.
The enduring relevance of Friends is a testament to its timeless themes of friendship, love, and personal growth—qualities embodied by its ensemble cast. For Aniston, the show’s continued resonance is both humbling and healing.
As the world remembers Friends and its three-decade legacy, Aniston’s reflections serve as a reminder that behind the laughter and iconic one-liners are real relationships, real memories, and real loss. In celebrating the show’s anniversary, fans and cast members alike also honor the memory of Matthew Perry, whose quick wit and generous spirit left a permanent mark on television history—and on the hearts of those he worked with.
Thirty years later, Friends remains more than just a show. It's a shared emotional experience, one that continues to bring people together—and now, one that carries the bittersweet weight of remembrance.
