The Friends cast didn’t come together to honour Matthew Perry on stage because his death is ‘still very fresh’.
The actor, who played Chandler Bing on the sitcom from 1994 until 2004 was found dead in October last year at the age of 54.
This week, he was remembered during the In Memorium segment of the Emmy Awards, a tribute that many fans said left them ‘in tears’.
Although there were reports last year that his former co-stars – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow – were planning on honouring him at the awards ceremony, that didn’t end up happening.
Now, one of the producers of the Emmys has explained why.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter after the event, executive producer Jeannae Rouzan-Clay said Perry’s death was ‘still very fresh’ for the rest of the cast.
Jesse Collins, who also served as an executive producer, admitted while the idea was discussed ‘early on’, they wanted to ‘respect that they were their own family’.
He added: ‘We had talked about it early on — but I can imagine, from their side, they’re mourning 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.’
During the tribute to Perry, as well as other stars who died this year including Lance Reddick, Stephen ‘Twitch’ Boss, Angus Cloud and Angela Lansbury, Charlie Puth and duo The War and Treaty, performed See You Again during a montage of clips of those who had died.
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A particularly moving moment came when the musicians transitioned into singing I’ll Be There for You, the theme tune from ‘Friends, when Perry appeared on the screen.
Following his death, the Friends cast released a joint statement, saying they were ‘utterly devastated’ by the loss.
‘We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,’ they shared.
‘There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.’
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The statement continued: ‘In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.’
Over his career Perry earned five Emmy nominations, twice for his portrayal of Joe Quincy on The West Wing and for best lead actor in a comedy series for playing Chandler on Friends in 2002.
In 2007, he also earned a nod for TV movie The Ron Clark Story, while in 2021 his role as a producer on Friends: The Reunion was his final nomination.
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