Emmy Producers on Why the Friends Cast Didn’t Reunite to Honor Matthew Perry: ‘It’s Still Very Fresh for Them’

The cast Friends still mourning the death of Matthew Perry.

Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, executive producers of the 2023 Emmy Awards, revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter announced Tuesday that there had been discussions to reunite Perry’s co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer for Monday’s ceremony.

We talked about it early on, Collins said. “But I can imagine, for their part, they’re grieving for someone who was still very close to them. I can’t speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family. It was probably just a little too soon.”

Andre Braugher, Suzanne Somers and Matthew Perry Honored at 2023 Emmy Awards In Memoriam Tribute

Matt Le Blanc, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox in ‘Friends’.

NBCU/NBCUniversal/Getty Photo Bank

Rouzan-Clay echoed similar sentiments, saying it’s “still very fresh for them.” Perry – who was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on October 28 at the age of 54 – was one of many stars honored during the annual “In Memoriam” awards.

The segment included homages to television industry icons such as Norman Lear, Bob Barker, Paul Reubens and Treat Williams, and ended with a picture of Perry. It was accompanied by vocals from Charlie Puth, who performed his 2015 hit, “See You Again,” which then transitioned into Friends theme song “I’ll Be There for You” for its finale.

A photo of Matta Perry was featured in the Emmys’ “In Memoriam” segment.

FOX

Attended Matthew Perry’s funeral Friends Costars after the actor’s unexpected death

An autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE on Dec. 15 revealed that Perry’s death was caused by the acute effects of ketamine. Drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (a drug used to treat opioid use disorder) were also cited as contributing factors to his death, which was ruled an accident.

After his death and a series of tributes from the Hollywood community, The Friends cast released a joint statement to PEOPLE on Oct. 31.

“We are all so completely devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than co-stars. We are family,” their statement read. “There is so much to say, but right now we will take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”

The statement continued: “We will say more in time, as and when we can. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends and everyone who loved him around the world.”

Matthew Perry poses at a photo call for “The End Of Longing” on February 8, 2016 and.

David M. Bennett/Dave Bennett/Getty

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While Perry will forever be associated with Chandler Bing, his career in television spanned nearly five decades. During his career, Friends, lovers and the big scary thing the author earned five Emmy nominations.

He was nominated twice for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Joe Quincy West wing and for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Chandler Friends 2002. In 2007, he was also recognized for his portrayal of Ron Clark in the TNT TV movie The story of Ron Clark. Meanwhile, in 2021, his role as a producer on Friends: The Reunion earned him his last nomination.

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