Jennifer Aniston has firmly dismissed ideas of a Friends remake or sequel without Matthew Perry, citing it as “literally, physically impossible” given Perry’s absence. The actress made these remarks during an interview with Harper’s Bazaar published Wednesday, emphasizing the deep impact his death has on any potential continuation of the beloved series.
Remembering Matthew Perry’s Struggles and Legacy
Perry, who passed away on October 28, 2023, at age 54, was found in his Los Angeles hot tub, with his death ruled as caused by a ketamine overdose combined with drowning. Aniston reflected on his difficult battle with personal demons, expressing sorrow over the challenges he faced in life.
“It’s heartbreaking that he had so many demons,”
Jennifer Aniston said.
“For someone who had that much inner turmoil, he sure got to laugh a lot, and that was everything to him.”
Friends’ Continuing Impact on Mental Health
Despite her grief, Aniston finds comfort in how enduringly popular Friends remains. She has heard from fans who turn to the show during moments of stress or difficulty, highlighting its role as a source of relief and joy for many viewers.
“If they’re stressed about the news or the world, they’ll just sit down and watch a ‘Friends’ episode,”
she shared. “And that’s the ultimate compliment.”
Support from Close Colleagues After Perry’s Death
The sudden loss of Perry deeply affected Aniston and the other cast members. She mentioned that her co-stars Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow remain important pillars of emotional support and friendship for her in this challenging time.
“I know that if I needed anything, I’d go direct to the chain we have together and they’d be there for me in two seconds flat,”
Aniston stated.
“It was like we married each other – they’re my family. Sometimes you love to hate your family, but it’s a lifetime commitment, for sure.”
Reflecting on the Joy and Impact of the Original Series
Looking back on her decade-long experience on Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004, Aniston said the show profoundly shaped her life and identity. She described her time filming as a period of great happiness and excitement.
“I looked forward to it every day. I couldn’t wait to get to work. I couldn’t wait to see those people. I couldn’t wait to read the scripts – we’d shoot the show every Friday night, and right after we wrapped, we’d find the new script for Monday morning in our dressing-room. I was just as excited to find out what was going to happen as I’m sure the audience was.”
The Lasting Importance of Jennifer Aniston Friends Remake Prospects
Given Perry’s irreplaceable presence and Aniston’s heartfelt remarks, it is clear any attempt to remake or continue Friends without him would be not only difficult but emotionally untenable. The bond among the original cast remains strong, symbolizing a lasting family beyond the screen, while the show’s ongoing popularity highlights its significance as a cultural touchstone and comfort to viewers worldwide.
