Title: James Burrows Mourns the Loss of Matthew Perry in Emotional Interview
In a heartbreaking interview on the Today show, James Burrows, the director of Friends, expressed his grief over the loss of actor Matthew Perry. The news of Perry’s death at the age of 54 last Saturday struck a chord with Burrows, who described Perry as a vital part of the Friends family.
Burrows, who directed the first four episodes of the iconic series, reached out to Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow upon hearing the tragic news. During the interview, he revealed that the cast members were devastated by the loss. “It’s a brother dying,” Burrows stated, emphasizing the deep bond they shared.
Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends was one for the books, and Burrows couldn’t help but praise the actor’s creativity and inventiveness. “He was incredibly inventive with how he did a line,” shared Burrows. The director noted that Perry’s own personality was, in some ways, similar to the character he portrayed, which contributed to the perfect fusion of actor and role.
Burrows fondly remembered a pre-Friends dinner, where he warned the cast that their time of anonymity was coming to an end, highlighting the impact the show would have on their lives. Additionally, he reminisced about a favorite episode in which Perry’s Chandler finds himself stuck in an ATM vestibule with Victoria’s Secret model Jill Goodacre, appreciating Perry’s exceptional facial expressions.
Addressing Perry’s long-standing struggles with addiction and alcoholism, Burrows acknowledged the actor’s commendable efforts toward recovery in recent years. The director and the Friends family were immensely proud of Perry’s progress and were devastated that his life was cut short.
The interview with James Burrows serves as a poignant reminder of the unforgettable legacy left behind by Matthew Perry and the profound impact he had on both his colleagues and fans worldwide.