Friends Cast to Mark 20th Anniversary of Series Finale Without Matthew Perry

The cast of the beloved sitcom 'Friends' is preparing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the show's finale in a bittersweet manner without their late co-star Matthew Perry, who passed away in October 2022 at the age of 54.

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer are planning to honor Perry's memory and celebrate the show's legacy, even as they confront his absence.

Perry, who played the iconic role of Chandler Bing, had long struggled with drug and alcohol addiction. In his 2022 memoir, he revealed that he was taking 55 Vicodin pills a day during the show's heyday. Last October, the cast was shattered when Perry was found dead due to the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects also listed as contributing factors.

The prospect of having a reunion or formal gathering without Perry is described as 'bittersweet,' but the cast knows he would have wanted them to carry on and celebrate the show. "The cast remains committed to upholding Matthew's values and spreading his message," a source close to the group stated. "His death has brought them even closer together, underscoring the unbreakable bond they share and the importance of looking out for each other."

Jennifer Aniston has been particularly affected by Perry's death and is still struggling to come to terms with his loss. The cast members have expressed their grief and the special bond they shared both on and off the screen. They are reportedly discussing how to celebrate the anniversary and keep Perry's memory alive through their plans, which may include social media posts and a private get-together.

Why this matters: The 20th anniversary of the Friends finale, which was watched by 52.5 million viewers when it aired on NBC in 2004, holds significant meaning for the show's dedicated fan base. As the cast navigates this milestone without Matthew Perry, they aim to honor his legacy and the enduring impact of the series that touched the lives of millions around the world.

The cast of Friends remains committed to supporting one another and upholding the values Perry held dear. In November, the Matthew Perry Foundation was established to continue his long-term commitment to helping others affected by addiction. As they approach this bittersweet anniversary, the cast will find ways to celebrate the show's legacy, remember their beloved co-star, and cherish the unbreakable bond they formed over the course of a decade working together.

Key Takeaways

• The 'Friends' cast plans to commemorate the show's 20th finale anniversary.
• Matthew Perry, who played Chandler, passed away in 2022 at age 54.
• The cast aims to honor Perry's memory and celebrate the show's legacy.
• The anniversary is bittersweet without Perry, but the cast remains united.
• The cast will find ways to mark the occasion and keep Perry's legacy alive.