In a heartfelt interview on CBS Sunday Morning, Courteney Cox opened up about the profound and enduring connection she feels with her late “Friends” co-star, Matthew Perry. Despite his passing, Cox, 59, revealed that Perry’s presence is still a comforting part of her life.
“He visits me a lot, if we believe in that,” Cox shared, addressing the notion of feeling connected with loved ones beyond the grave. “I talk to my mom, my dad, Matthew,” she continued. “I feel like there are a lot of people that guide us.”
Reflecting on the unique bond they shared, Cox said, “I sense Matthew’s around, for sure.” The two actors played the beloved characters Monica Geller and Chandler Bing on the iconic NBC series “Friends,” which ran from 1994 to 2004. Their on-screen chemistry, evolving from friends to a married couple, made them one of television’s most adored duos.
“I think he’s probably one of the funniest human beings in the world,” Cox said of Perry. “He’s just so funny. He has, genuinely, a huge heart. [He] obviously struggled.” She added, “I’m so thankful I got to work so closely with him for so many years.”
Matthew Perry passed away on October 28 at his Los Angeles home, with his autopsy revealing the acute effects of ketamine as the cause of death. He was 54 years old.
In the months since his passing, tributes and memories have poured in from friends, fans, and former co-stars. Jennifer Aniston, another member of the “Friends” ensemble, poignantly told ET earlier this year that the best way to honor Perry was to “celebrate him.”
Cox’s touching comments come shortly after the 20th anniversary of the “Friends” series finale, a significant milestone that the show marked without Perry. The cast had reunited in 2021 for the “Friends: The Reunion” special on HBO Max, not knowing it would be their last public gathering as the complete group of six.
The reunion special saw Cox, Perry, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc reminiscing on their old soundstage, revisiting the sets that became their second home for a decade. Reflecting on the special, Cox expressed how meaningful it was to reconnect with Perry during that time. “It was incredible to see everyone again, especially Matthew,” she said. “Little did we know, it would be the last time we’d all be together in that way.”
Following Perry’s death, the remaining “Friends” cast members reunited under somber circumstances for his funeral, a poignant reminder of the close-knit bond they shared both on and off the screen.
Cox’s candid revelations about her ongoing connection with Perry have struck a chord with fans, highlighting the deep impact he had on those around him. “It’s like he’s still here with us in some way,” she mused. “I feel his presence, his humor, and his heart.”
As “Friends” continues to charm new generations of fans through reruns and streaming, the legacy of Matthew Perry lives on, not just through his iconic role as Chandler Bing, but also through the enduring memories and love of those who knew him best.
