After Years Of Finding It “Too Embarrassing,” Lisa Kudrow Explained Why She’s Started Rewatching “Friends” In Honor Of Matthew Perry

Lisa Kudrow is doing a Friends rewatch in honor of Matthew Perry.

Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow smiling at an outdoor event with people in the background
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Lisa starred as Phoebe Buffay on the iconic NBC sitcom, which ran for 10 seasons between 1994 and 2004.

Lisa Kudrow smiling with arms crossed, wearing a white shirt under a patterned vest and a light dress
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Despite how universally beloved Friends is, Lisa has said she prefers not to watch it back, admitting in 2021 that she feels “mortified” by her performance on the show.

Lisa Kudrow poses in a white blouse and black blazer at the Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love event backdrop
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However, it sounds like her perspective on the topic has shifted since Matthew Perry's tragic death last year.

Lisa Kudrow and Matthew Perry sit at a formal event, with Lisa holding food and Matthew looking at a menu or program. Both are dressed in formal attire
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As I’m sure you remember, Matthew — who played Chandler Bing on the show — was found unresponsive at his home in LA on Oct. 28. An autopsy report later showed that his sudden death was an accident caused by the “acute effects of ketamine.”

Matthew Perry smiles while wearing glasses, a black blazer, and a dark V-neck shirt

Shortly after Matthew’s passing, his Friends costars released a statement via People saying they were “so utterly devastated by the loss.”

The image shows the cast of Friends, including Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Matthew Perry, posing together

“There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” continued the statement from Lisa, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.

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And as Matthew’s costars have continued to process the loss, Lisa recently revealed that she’s finding great comfort in revisiting Friends.

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer stand together on the red carpet, dressed in elegant black attire
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“Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself,” she told the Hollywood Reporter this week. “But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s OK.”

Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow smile and pose for a photo together

“And it’s just celebrating how hilarious he was — and that is what I want to remember [about him],” she added.

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Lisa’s comments come only a few weeks after Jennifer Aniston broke down over a question about how it feels to watch Friends since Matthew’s passing.

Jennifer Aniston in a sleeveless dress and Matthew Perry in a suit with a patterned tie, sitting closely and smiling
Jennifer Aniston in a sleeveless dress and Matthew Perry in a suit with a patterned tie, sitting closely and smiling
Jennifer Aniston in a sleeveless black top, sitting and facing forward during an interview with Variety's logo in the top right corner
Jennifer Aniston in a sleeveless black top, sitting and facing forward during an interview with Variety's logo in the top right corner

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During Variety’s Actors on Actors, Quinta Brunson was prompted to ask Jen “what it’s like” to watch Friends today. The question prompted silence between the two stars, and it soon became evident that Jennifer was fighting tears.

“You’re already crying. Do you want a minute? We don’t have to talk about [this],” Quinta said as Jen attempted to regain her composure and reassured everyone that she was crying “happy tears.”

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