The “Friends” cast made a decision not to attend the Emmys on Monday night to honor the late Matthew Perry. The reason behind their absence has been revealed by Emmy producers.
Key Takeaway
The “Friends” cast decided not to attend the Emmys tribute for Matthew Perry as they felt it was too soon after his passing to come together for the event.
Respecting the Mourning Period
Emmy producers explained that Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer were all invited to the event. However, they chose not to appear together on stage. The producers stated that the cast felt it was too soon after Matthew’s sudden passing in October to come together for the tribute.
Jesse Collins, the Emmy’s executive producer, expressed understanding for the cast’s decision. He acknowledged the deep bond they shared with Matthew and the impact of his loss. Collins emphasized the importance of respecting the cast’s mourning period, recognizing that the “Friends” cast was like a family.
During the in memoriam segment at the Emmys, Matthew Perry was honored as the last person on screen. Singer Charlie Puth performed a stripped-back version of the “Friends” theme song, “I’ll Be There for You,” following a transition from “See You Again.”
Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, after playing pickleball for 2 hours at Riviera Country Club near his home in Pacific Palisades. First responders arrived at the property on a cardiac arrest call, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene after an apparent drowning.
The L.A. County Medical Examiner’s Office released the toxicology report in December, revealing that Matthew Perry passed away from “the acute effects of ketamine,” a drug used for depression treatment and recreation.
Matthew’s “Friends” co-stars attended his funeral on November 3, showing their love and support for their dear friend.
