Lisa Kudrow says she’s ‘comforted’ Matthew Perry was happy on day of death: ‘That was a gift’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Lisa Kudrow has opened up about the profound loss of her 'Friends' co-star Matthew Perry, who died in October 2023 at 54.

During her appearance on the 'Armchair Expert' podcast with Dax Shepard, Kudrow shared her feelings about Perry’s death, expressing comfort in knowing he “got to die happy.”

Lisa Kudrow on Matthew Perry's death

Speaking about Matthew Perry's death, Lisa Kudrow said, “This will sound odd, but I’m more comforted that he was happy the day he died."

“To me, that was a gift. I loved the Matthew I first met and the one at the end. God love him, this is you, and I love you,” she added.

Perry, beloved for his role as Chandler Bing in 'Friends', died from acute effects of ketamine, according to autopsy reports, as per Metro.

His death remains under investigation, and in August, five individuals, including Perry’s personal assistant and two doctors were charged in connection with the tragedy.

Lisa Kudrow reveals what she wants to remember about Matthew Perry

Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay on the iconic sitcom, revealed that she had found a way to honor Matthew Perry’s memory by revisiting 'Friends'.

“Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself,” she admitted during a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

“But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s okay. It’s just celebrating how hilarious he was — and that is what I want to remember about him,” she added.

The actress shared that rewatching the show has been an emotional yet joyful experience.

“I’m laughing out loud, and everyone is hilarious. Matthew, obviously, is just uniquely hilarious. No one ever knew that cadence or comedic rhythm before him,” she explained.

Kudrow also expressed her admiration for her fellow cast members. “I’m blown away by Courteney [Cox]."

"I’m blown away by Jen [Aniston]. Matt [LeBlanc] is hilarious, and David [Schwimmer], too. Sometimes I even laugh at what I’ve done,” she said with a touch of humor.

Lisa Kudrow remembers Matthew Perry’s legacy

The 'Friends' cast, including Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, issued a heartfelt joint statement after Matthew Perry’s death.

They later shared individual tributes celebrating his humor, kindness, and enduring impact on the entertainment world.

Reflecting on how Perry should be remembered, Kudrow noted, “I think the world is remembering him the way he wanted to be remembered. I think that’s happening [already].”

For Kudrow, rewatching 'Friends' is a tribute to Perry’s unparalleled comedic genius.

“Matthew was just uniquely hilarious. That’s what I want to celebrate and remember about him,” she said.