Do you know how we often record ourselves singing and then cringe the moment we hear the recording play? Well, actors can be that way, too. It is pretty common for actors to skip over watching their own films/shows as it can get a little too embarrassing watching yourself on screen and Lisa Kudrow was no different.
Best known for her work as the lovable Phoebe in FRIENDS, Lisa Kudrow has become an icon in the television industry. It’s rare to find shows that will pass the test of time but FRIENDS was one of them. However, despite the popularity of the show, Lisa Kudrow couldn’t get herself to watch it. But things have changed now since the passing of Matthew Perry and the actress now has one big reason to rewatch the episodes.
Lisa Kudrow Watches FRIENDS in Memory of Matthew Perry
FRIENDS ran for ten seasons and came to an end in 2004. Years after the comedy sitcom ended, Lisa Kudrow couldn’t bring herself to watch the episodes despite being an important part of them all.
Apparently, watching herself act as Phoebe Buffay, the legendary singer of Smelly Cat, was just too embarrassing for her. Can you imagine? The woman we so dearly watched on our television screens and are still in love with was embarrassed about seeing herself play the character that was the favorite of us all.
However, things changed when Matthew Perry, FRIENDS’ Chandler Bing, passed away on October 28, 2023. The news was a punch to the gut and there was not a single fan whose eyes didn’t tear up at least once. The man who made us laugh till our stomachs hurt was no more.
Due to his passing, Kudrow was able to watch the series in honor of Perry. What was once embarrassing is now a way of celebrating the late actor’s comedic genius.
The actress told The Hollywood Reporter,
Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself. But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s OK. And it’s just celebrating how hilarious he was — and that is what I want to remember [about him].
Be right back, we are going to need a couple (hundred) tissues after this. Chandler and Phoebe’s friendship might have been a little underrated on the show but we loved every second the two shared the screen. Phoebe trying to seduce Chandler and him blurting out that he loves Monica is still one of our favorite moments from the entire show!
Lisa Kudrow on How the World Remembers Matthew Perry
Almost a month after Perry’s passing, Kudrow posted a heartfelt tribute to her late co-star on Instagram. She shared an old photograph of the two together and reminisced about the time they shared. From bonding over a game of Poker to making her laugh until her muscles hurt, Kudrow thanked Perry for being a part of her life. In the end, she wrote, “Thank you for the time I got to have with you, Matthew.”
Talking to THR, Kudrow recalled how Perry made it his goal to get as many laughs as he could from his colleagues in real life.
She stated,
You’re just laughing all day long, basically, in between the scenes, because these are funny people. And especially someone like Matthew, whose goal was: How many laughs can I get in real life every day? So we were always laughing so hard, tears were flying out of our faces.
When the publication asked her how she hopes the world remembers the actor, she said,
I think the world is remembering him the way he wanted to be remembered. I think that’s happening [already].
We couldn’t agree more. Perry will always be remembered as our fictional friend who we could turn to whenever we’re in need of a good chuckle. Imagine leaving a legacy behind that will bring a smile to people’s faces even years after your passing. Unreal.
Stream FRIENDS on Max.
