Jennifer Aniston got candid about Matthew Perry’s addiction and death in a new interview.
Jennifer Aniston is most loved for her role in Friends as Rachel Green, and is a key part of many iconic moments throughout the show.
However, fans of the hit sitcom were shocked when they heard of the untimely death of one of the show’s other key cast members, Matthew Perry.
Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, and was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home.
His autopsy report revealed he died of ‘acute effects of ketamine,’ while subsequent drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine – used to treat opioid use disorder – were listed as contributing factors.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Aniston spoke about how she and the other cast members attempted to help Perry with his addiction.
Jennifer Aniston spoke about how she and the Friends cast tried to help Perry with his addiction (Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images)
She said: “We did everything we could when we could.
“But it almost felt like we’d been mourning Matthew for a long time because his battle with that disease was a really hard one for him to fight. As hard as it was for all of us and for the fans, there’s a part of me that thinks this is better.”
She solemnly concluded: “I’m glad he’s out of that pain.”
Following the news of Perry’s death, tributes from fans began to pour out on social media.
Many remarked that they would do what they often did when they felt sad and wanted comfort, they would put on Friends with some remarking that the show would now feel different following Perry’s death.
The Friends cast released a joint statement following the death of Perry (Ron Davis/Getty Images)
At the time, Aniston, along with Friends co-stars David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Le Blanc and Courteney Cox shared a joint statement in the days after Perry’s death, saying: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
“In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Featured Image Credit: Ron Davis/Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, News, Mental Health, US News, Entertainment, Film and TV
Gerrard Kaonga
Jennifer Aniston explains why she won’t make another sitcom again after Friends
Friends star Jennifer Aniston’s reasoning is actually rather sweet when you think about it
Jennifer Aniston has dismissed the idea that she would hit the small screen again to star in a sitcom for a rather sweet reason.
Since the passing of Friends star Matthew Perry almost a year ago now, fans have had a great chance to reflect on the massive impact of the TV show.
Recently, speaking on the SmartLess podcast, Aniston – who starred as Rachel Green from 1994 to 2004 – explained why she has no intention of starring in another sitcom after Friends.
She was asked what had been her favorite job in her career and Friends fans will be happy to learn that the popular show was a ‘no brainer’ as her favorite.
She added: “I would have to say that is number one.
Jennifer Aniston has reflected on the impact of the iconic TV show (Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
“Every single day I miss the schedule of filming… it’s the best schedule ever on the planet.”
This tied into her reason for being reluctant to star in a sitcom again, simply because it is unlikely to compare to the award-winning show.
She said: “If I knew it would be the same experience as I had with those guys, yes, but I doubt that will ever happen.”
The cast have remained as close as a family since the show’s conclusion back in 2004 and the remaining cast, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc, seem to feel the same about how much the show meant to them.
Speaking about the show’s glory days, Aniston has recalled the show’s premiere and a sweet story she remembers with her and some of the cast.
Aniston has said starring in a TV series wouldn’t match up to her Friends experience(Myung J. Chun/ Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
She told Variety: “It’s so strange to even think that it’s 30 years old, because I remember the day that it was going to premiere on television, on NBC.
“Me and Matthew Perry were having lunch somewhere and we knew Lisa was getting her hair coloured.
“So we ran into the hair salon and I snuck up and she was in the sink, the hair bowl.
“And I took the nozzle and started washing her hair from the guy that was supposed to be doing it, and it definitely flew out of control and that was unfortunate, but the excitement we had — it feels like yesterday.
“So the fact that it had this long, wonderful life, and it still means a lot to people, is one of the greatest gifts I think all five of us, all six of us… we never could have imagined.”
