It’s been three decades since Friends first aired, but for Jennifer Aniston, the memories feel as fresh as ever. In a heartfelt conversation with Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson, the 55-year-old actress reflected on the iconic sitcom’s 30th anniversary, offering touching insights into her bond with the cast—and an emotional tribute to the late Matthew Perry.
The conversation, marked by laughter, nostalgia, and moments of vulnerability, revealed just how deeply Friends remains embedded in Aniston’s heart. As the milestone approaches, she shared a vivid recollection of the day the show premiered in 1994—a day filled with joy, spontaneity, and close camaraderie with co-stars.
“I remember the day it was going to premiere,” Aniston said, smiling through the memories. “Matthew Perry and I were having lunch, and we knew Lisa [Kudrow] was getting her hair colored. So we ran into the salon and I took the nozzle from the guy washing her hair and just started doing it myself. Total chaos. But we were so excited.”
That unfiltered excitement turned out to be just the beginning of a global phenomenon. Friends went on to become one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, catapulting its six leads into stardom and establishing a legacy that still resonates today.
But the joy of reminiscing was tinged with sorrow as the subject turned to Matthew Perry, who tragically passed away in early 2024. As Brunson gently asked how it feels to watch the show now, Aniston’s emotions surfaced.
“Oh god, don’t make me cry,” she said, her voice breaking.
The moment grew tender as Brunson reassured her, allowing space for grief. Aniston paused, wiping away tears, and softly added, “I’m just thinking about…” Her voice trailed off, the unspoken name clear—Matthew Perry.
“I’m okay, it’s happy tears,” she eventually said, composing herself.
It was a raw and human moment—one that underlined the deep bonds forged during the decade-long run of Friends. Perry’s sudden passing was a shock to fans and friends alike, and Aniston’s candidness captured the immense loss felt by those closest to him.
Despite the years and life changes, the cast has remained incredibly close. Aniston described her former co-stars not as colleagues, but as lifelong family.
“I talked on FaceTime with Court [Courteney Cox] last night for an hour,” she shared. “And Lisa and the boys—we just have a really… it’s a family forever.”
That enduring bond is something fans have long suspected, but hearing it affirmed adds another layer of meaning to the show’s legacy. In an age of fast fame and fleeting relationships, Friends stands as a rare example of authentic connection—both on-screen and off.
Reflecting on the longevity and continued impact of the series, Aniston marveled at how Friends has maintained its cultural relevance across generations.
“It’s so strange to even think that it’s 30 years old. It feels like yesterday. The fact that it’s had this long, wonderful life and still means so much to people—that’s one of the greatest gifts.”
Indeed, the staying power of Friends is almost unprecedented. From streaming platform dominance to memes and merchandise, the series continues to captivate audiences who weren’t even born when it first aired.
Aniston herself has embraced this new era of Friends fandom. Earlier this year, she reunited with David Schwimmer—her on-again, off-again on-screen love interest—in a playful UberEats commercial, showing that their chemistry hasn’t aged a day. It was a welcome callback for fans who still root for Ross and Rachel, even after all this time.
The last full cast reunion occurred in 2021 during the Friends: The Reunion special, a moment that felt like both a celebration and a goodbye. Now, with the loss of Perry, it carries even more emotional weight.
As Aniston continues her career, now with acclaimed roles in series like The Morning Show, she remains a symbol of resilience and authenticity. Her willingness to be vulnerable—especially in moments like this—only deepens the connection fans feel toward her and the show that helped define a generation.
Three decades later, Friends is more than just a sitcom. It’s a shared memory, a comfort show, and a testament to enduring friendship—on and off the screen. And for Jennifer Aniston, it’s a beautiful, bittersweet chapter she’ll carry with her always.
