Washington [US], June 7 (ANI): Jennifer Aniston recently opened up about the milestone anniversary of her iconic show, Friends, turning 30, and the profound impact of her co-star Matthew Perry’s passing at the age of 54. In an emotional conversation with Quinta Brunson for Variety’s Actors on Actors series, Aniston shared her thoughts and feelings about these significant events.
During the interview, Aniston, 55, was asked about the enduring popularity of Friends, which premiered in 1994 and ran for 10 successful seasons. The show, which followed a group of six friends navigating life in New York City, starred Aniston as Rachel Green, alongside Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), David Schwimmer (Ross Geller), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), and Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani).
When asked about Friends turning 30, Aniston responded with a mix of humor and emotion. “Oh God, don’t make me cry!” she exclaimed in a clip shared on X (formerly Twitter). Brunson, 34, reassured her, saying, “I won’t, we won’t make each other cry.” However, the sentimentality of the moment was evident as Brunson noted, “But, you’re already crying.” Aniston, holding back tears, insisted, “It’s happy tears,” before adding, “Okay, and we’re back!”
Reflecting on her time on the show, Aniston humorously remarked, “And I’m turning 30, what a coincidence!” Brunson playfully commented on Aniston’s early days on the show, saying, “When you were a baby on that show you were so advanced… your fine motor skills were insane.” Aniston responded with a laugh, “Wasn’t I? I was an old soul.”
The conversation also touched upon the devastating loss of Matthew Perry, who passed away on October 28, 2023. In October, Aniston and her fellow cast members released a heartfelt statement about Perry’s death. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just castmates. We are a family,” the statement read. “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.”
Aniston’s reflections highlight the deep bonds formed during the show’s decade-long run and its lasting impact on both the cast and its fans. Friends continues to attract new generations of viewers and remains a beloved television staple.
As Aniston concluded her conversation with Brunson, it was clear that the legacy of Friends and the memory of Matthew Perry hold a special place in her heart. “Crazy, 30!” she said, emphasizing the show’s enduring appeal. Brunson, who was just five years old when Friends premiered, echoed the sentiment, “That show premiered when I was five and it continues to be one of the best shows on television.”
Friends is available to stream on Max, allowing fans to relive the laughter and moments that made the show a cultural phenomenon.