Summary
- The cast of Friends was not present for Matthew Perry’s tribute at the Emmy Awards because it was “too soon” for them.
- The executive producers wanted to respect the Friends cast and give them time to grieve after Perry’s passing.
- The In Memoriam segment at the Emmy Awards also honored other talented individuals who we lost in 2023.
The executive producers behind this year’s 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, Jeannae Rouzan-Clay and Jesse Collins, have explained why the cast of Friends was not present for the tribute paid to the late Matthew Perry, who passed away in October last year. While the ‘In Memoriam’ segment at the Emmy Awards did, of course, pay tribute to Perry, with the actor being shown last alongside a somber cover of the familiar Friends theme tune “I’ll be There for You,” Perry’s co-stars were not included, with Rouzan-Clay saying they felt it was “too soon” for them.
“It’s still very fresh for them.”
Speaking with TV Line, Collins revealed that they had discussed including the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and the rest of the Friends cast in the tribute but wanted to respect them and allow them time to grieve.
“We had talked about it early on. But I can imagine, from their side, they’re mourning someone who was still very close to them. I can’t speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family. It was probably just a little too soon.”
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards’ ‘In Memoriam’ segment also paid tribute to several other big talents that we sadly lost in 2023, including Andre Braugher, Angela Lansbury, Treat Williams, Richard Roundtree, Angus Cloud, Lance Reddick, Suzanne Somers, Alan Arkin, and Paul Reubens.
The Friends Cast Have Since Released Statements Following Matthew Perry’s Death
Best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom, Friends, Matthew Perry is also recognized for starring in the likes of The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, and 17 Again.
The actor sadly passed away on October 28, 2023, after being found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles. His Friends co-stars Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow released a joint statement at the time, saying they were “utterly devestated” by the loss.
“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.”
They have since also released separate statements, with Matt LeBlanc, who played Chandler’s best friend Joey Tribbiani throughout Friends, paying tribute to their time spent together.
“Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never. Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love. And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
