Jennifer Aniston Sheds ‘Happy Tears’ Talking About ‘Friends’ Turning 30
Jennifer Aniston, known for her iconic role as Rachel Green on “Friends,” recently shared her emotions about the show reaching its 30th anniversary and the loss of her co-star, Matthew Perry, during a heartfelt conversation with Quinta Brunson for Variety’s Actors on Actors series.
Aniston, 55, became visibly emotional when discussing the beloved sitcom and its lasting impact. The topic of “Friends” turning 30 came up, along with the profound sadness following Perry’s sudden death at age 54 on October 28, 2023. Perry portrayed the witty and charming Chandler Bing, a character cherished by fans worldwide.
“Oh God, don’t make me cry!” Aniston exclaimed in a clip shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). The comedy series, which aired from 1994 to 2004, chronicled the lives of six close friends in New York City, played by Aniston, Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay), David Schwimmer (Ross Geller), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), Matthew Perry (Chandler Bing), and Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani).
Brunson, 34, gently reassured Aniston, saying, “I won’t, we won’t make each other cry.” Aniston, still emotional, added, “Sorry, I just started thinking about…” before being handed a tissue. She insisted, “It’s happy tears,” and quickly composed herself to continue the conversation.
Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Aniston joked, “And I’m turning 30, what a coincidence!” Brunson quipped back, “When you were a baby on that show, you were so advanced… your fine motor skills were insane.” Aniston replied, “Wasn’t I? I was an old soul. Crazy, 30!”
Brunson acknowledged the show’s enduring appeal, stating, “That show premiered when I was five, and it continues to be one of the best shows on television.”
In the wake of Perry’s passing, Aniston and her fellow “Friends” cast members released a heartfelt statement, expressing their grief and highlighting the deep bond they shared. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” their message read. They promised to share more memories and thoughts about Perry when they were ready, focusing their love and thoughts on his family and friends.
“Friends” remains a cultural phenomenon, attracting new generations of fans. The entire series is available for streaming on Max, allowing viewers to continue enjoying the timeless humor and heartwarming moments that have made it a beloved show for three decades.
