The beloved sitcom, Friends, has captured the hearts of many. The dynamic between its cast members is one to be envied.
However, Lisa Kudrow, who played Pheobe Buffay in the series, revealed on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s On Me podcast on December 10 that the cast only met once between the series end in 2004 and their 2021 reunion on HBO Max.
Their only meeting in 17 years
Kudrow discussed her meeting with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and the late Matthew Perry with Jesse Tyler Ferguson on his podcast, saying: “We’d only had dinner, the six of us, once before since the show ended.”
It was like nothing changed
Kudrow talked about how the meeting as a sextet felt nostalgic and special, telling Furgeson: “Just us at someone’s house and [we] had dinner, and like, didn’t miss a beat.” The meeting happened 10 years after the iconic series finale.
It wasn’t always easy
Before this interview on Furgeson’s podcast, she revealed on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast that there were complexities and hardships in the relationship between her and her co-stars. She admitted that it “took some work” for them to be friends.
Communication is key
Over the course of the legendary 10-season series, the cast has grown to be real-life friends. Part of it was due to open communication and the fact that they “really talk things through” whenever they had any misunderstandings or miscommunications.
Kudrow wasn’t an open book
Kudrow revealed that open communication was not her forte.
She wasn’t always the one to open up about what was wrong or initiate the conversation. She eventually learned this skill from her co-stars since she wasn’t familiar with honest and straightforward dialogue.
Kudrow started rewatching the series
Kudrow revealed months ago that she started rewatching Friends in the loving memory of her late co-star Matthew Perry. “Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s OK.”
A grieving friend
Kudrow revealed that she’s also rewatching the show in celebration of Perry’s talent and hilarity. In addition, she pointed out the talent of her other co-stars, saying that it blew her away, and of Perry’s talent: “No one ever knew that cadence or comedic rhythm before him.”
Sweet memories turned bittersweet
Whenever Kudrow remembered Perry’s fond memories, she would cry with laughter.
People like Perry and her co-stars always managed to draw a smile on her face, get laughter out of her, and send her to tears from laughing too much.
Perry’s cause of death
Perry’s death was thought to be a cardiac arrest, but it turns out it was due to complications caused by ketamine use. Last August, five people were arrested in connection to the late superstar’s death, including two medical doctors and Perry’s assistant.
The legacy the series left behind
The show earned 62 Emmy nominations over its 10-season run, winning six, including Outstanding Comedy Series in 2002.
In addition, Aniston and Kudrow received individual acting awards for their exceptional portrayals of Rachel Green and Phoebe Buffay.
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