Jennifer Aniston Mourns Tragic Loss of "Friends" Co-Star Matthew Perry

In the wake of the tragic passing of "Friends" star Matthew Perry in October 2023, his former co-star Jennifer Aniston has opened up about the profound impact of his loss. Aniston, who played Rachel on the iconic sitcom, says a potential "Friends" revival or remake would be "literally, physically impossible" without Perry.

Perry, who was 54 years old at the time of his death, succumbed to an accidental ketamine overdose. Prior to his untimely demise, the actor had been candid about his struggles with depression and substance abuse. Reflecting on her late co-star, Aniston expressed, "It's heartbreaking that he had so many demons. But boy, for someone who had that much inner turmoil, he sure got to laugh a lot, and that was everything to him."

The bond between the "Friends" cast, which also included Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and Matt LeBlanc, was a crucial part of the show's enduring success. Aniston fondly recalled, "There's something about the chemistry of the cast that made for a lightning-in-a-bottle moment, and that just happened to get caught on camera." The series, which ran for 10 seasons before concluding in 2004, continues to resonate with a new generation of fans who find comfort in revisiting the beloved characters.

In 2021, the "Friends" cast reunited for an HBO Max special, which marked Perry's final on-screen appearance. Following his passing, Aniston and her co-stars released a joint statement, expressing their devastation and describing the cast as a "family." The group attended Perry's funeral in November 2023, honoring their cherished friend and colleague.