Jennifer Aniston Reflects on 30 Years of Friends With Heartfelt Emotion

As Friends celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the moment brings waves of nostalgia—not just for fans, but for the cast themselves. Jennifer Aniston, who played the beloved Rachel Green, recently opened up about the emotional milestone, offering a rare and heartfelt glimpse into how deeply the show still resonates with her.

Now a celebrated film and television actress, Aniston has long since evolved beyond her breakout role. Yet during a recent conversation with Abbott Elementary creator and star Quinta Brunson for Variety, the anniversary brought back vivid memories. When asked how she feels watching the show three decades later, Aniston was visibly moved.

“Oh God, don’t make me cry,” she said, taking a moment to collect herself before continuing. Her voice trembled with both joy and sorrow as she spoke, and it was clear the loss of her co-star Matthew Perry, who passed away in October last year, was heavy on her heart.

"It’s a happy tear," Aniston explained. "It’s so strange to even think that it’s 30 years old. I remember the day it was going to premiere on NBC. Matthew Perry and I were having lunch, and we knew Lisa [Kudrow] was getting her hair colored. So we ran into the salon, and I snuck up—she was in the sink—and I just took over and started washing her hair." She laughed at the memory. "It definitely got out of control, but the excitement we had… it feels like yesterday."

The enthusiasm they shared back then, Aniston noted, has never truly faded. While the show concluded in 2004, its cultural relevance and emotional impact have endured. “The fact that it’s had this long, wonderful life and it still means a lot to people is one of the greatest gifts,” she said. “All six of us could never have imagined that kind of legacy.”

Despite the years that have passed, the bonds between the cast members remain strong. “I FaceTimed with Courteney [Cox] last night for an hour, and Lisa, and the boys—we just have a really deep connection,” Aniston shared. “It’s a family forever.”

Friends may be considered timeless, but Aniston acknowledges that its origin in the 1990s gave it a special kind of charm that today’s digital landscape can’t replicate. “We had the luxury of there not being social media or the internet,” she said. “We were so isolated and protected. You weren’t constantly faced with people’s opinions, criticism, or being torn apart. It was a more innocent time.”

That sense of privacy allowed the cast to focus on their work and their friendships, unburdened by the instant feedback and scrutiny that today’s celebrities face. Aniston pointed out that the absence of smartphones and constant online chatter gave them space to simply enjoy the moment.

Over the years, Friends has come under criticism for jokes or storylines that haven’t aged well. While the show remains widely loved, it's also been reassessed through the lens of modern sensibilities. Aniston has previously spoken about how societal standards and sensitivities have shifted, noting that people today are more easily offended. But she maintains that the show’s heart—its celebration of friendship, love, and the messy beauty of early adulthood—still connects with audiences around the world.

With syndication, streaming platforms, and new generations discovering the show, Friends has taken on a second life. Its influence on pop culture is undeniable, from fashion and hairstyles to catchphrases and even the layout of modern sitcoms.

But for Aniston, the legacy isn’t about ratings or reruns. It’s about the relationships it forged and the joy it continues to bring. “The fact that people still care so deeply… that’s everything,” she said. “It reminds us that we did something really special, something that lasts.”

As the world marks three decades of Friends, Aniston’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the magic that happens when great storytelling, real chemistry, and a little bit of luck come together. And for those who grew up with the show—or discovered it long after the final episode aired—it will always be more than just a sitcom. It’s a comfort, a memory, and, for many, a lifelong friend.