In a touching revelation, Friends star Lisa Kudrow shared a poignant memory about her late co-star Matthew Perry. She discovered a note that Perry had written to her, hidden within a clock-shaped cookie jar he gifted her two decades ago. This unique gift was not just a personal memory, but also a notable prop from the acclaimed NBC sitcom that first graced screens in 1994. The show followed the comedic escapades of six friends navigating their twenties in New York City, featuring an ensemble cast that included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc. Tragically, Perry passed away at his Los Angeles home in October 2023 due to a ketamine overdose, nearly two decades after the series wrapped.
During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Kudrow recounted her lasting friendship with Perry and the significance of the gift. She revealed that it was only recently that she decided to open the cookie jar for the first time in years, where she found Perry’s heartfelt message from long ago. Her reflections highlight the enduring bonds formed during their time together on set. Below is an excerpt from Kudrow’s recollection:
“Matthew gave that to me at the end of our last episode. I recently found the note that he had in it for me. I hadn’t opened it up or looked inside of it, but yeah, he did. He had a note in there and I forgot about it. Timing is everything.”
This cookie jar was a prominent decorative piece in Monica’s apartment and became an iconic element of the series’ final episodes.
Implications of Kudrow’s Remarks on Matthew Perry’s Legacy
Remembering Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s struggles with substance abuse are widely acknowledged, with the actor himself candidly sharing details of his battle during a 2016 interview on BBC Radio 2. He revealed that his substance abuse was so severe that he had significant memory loss during three years of filming Friends. However, Perry’s life extended beyond his struggles; he was remembered fondly not only by his legion of fans but also by his fellow cast members, who expressed their admiration and affection on social media. All five of Perry’s co-stars conveyed individual tributes, reminiscing about his kindness, generosity, and contagious humor.
Courteney Cox, for instance, shared a touching memory on Instagram of a moment when Perry quietly prompted her with a funny improv line before a scene, illustrating the supportive nature he brought to their work.
Reflecting on Kudrow’s Tribute to Matthew Perry
The Continuing Impact of Friends
Over two decades have passed since the finale of Friends, yet its influence persists. The series remains a cultural touchstone, and Perry is widely regarded as one of the standout performers, with his portrayal of Chandler Bing resonating deeply with audiences. His wit and comedic timing have cemented his place among the greatest sitcom characters of all time.
While fans may wish to know what words were penned in the note Kudrow discovered, the desire to keep such a personal moment private is entirely warranted. Kudrow’s recent finding serves as a beautiful reminder of Perry’s enduring presence and the impact he had during and beyond his life, keeping his memory alive well over a year after his passing.
Source: EW
Leave a Reply