Julia Roberts Gushes Over Her Time with Matthew Perry on Friends and His "Heartbreaking" Death
Veteran actress Julia Roberts has nothing but fond memories of her time working with late Friends star Matthew Perry. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she shared her experiences from the set and her feelings about Perry's sudden passing.
A Joyful Time on Set
When Roberts recalls her time on Friends, she can't help but feel nothing but joy. She first appeared as a guest star in the double episode "The One After the Superbowl" in early 1996, and the experience was a blast. Despite her temporary role, Roberts was treated as a valued member of the cast.
Perry and Roberts: A Fleeting Romance
Perry, a main cast member alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow, had a history with Roberts before their on-screen encounter. In his 2022 autobiography, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry revealed that their friendship had blossomed into a brief romance.
After exchanging numerous phone calls, Roberts showed up on Perry's doorstep unannounced. The two hit it off during filming, and their romance was a secret affair. The relationship only lasted three months, though.
The Heartbreak of Loss
Roberts described the sudden death of someone so young as "heartbreaking." She believes that acknowledging the value of our lives and carrying on positively can help in dealing with such situations.
Perry Passes Away at 54
Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home's hot tub at the end of October 2022. His family, fans, and colleagues paid their tributes on social media. Jennifer Aniston, Perry's "little brother" on the show, expressed her grief on Instagram, writing that she talked to him every day and that he was now at peace.
Additional Insights
Perry and Roberts' romance was a complex and turbulent one. Their relationship evolved through a series of romantic gestures, but Perry's insecurities and addiction issues put a strain on it. Despite the breakup, Perry continued to watch Roberts' success from his rehab room, a mix of happiness and heartbreak.
As for Roberts, she had nothing but good memories of her time working with Perry. She saw him as a talented actor and a great friend. Her words of encouragement for everyone to carry on positively in the face of tragedy are a testament to her resilience and wisdom.
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