Lisa Kudrow Reveals ‘Friends’ Cast Met for Dinner Just Once After Show Ended

Lisa Kudrow recently revealed a surprising detail about the “Friends” cast’s post-show dynamic. In a recent episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast, Kudrow, who famously portrayed Phoebe Buffay, disclosed that the six main actors, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and the late Matthew Perry, only managed to gather for dinner just once after the series concluded in 2004. This gathering occurred approximately ten years after the show’s finale, prior to their much-anticipated reunion special in 2021.

During the podcast, Kudrow reflected on the dinner, noting, “We only had dinner, the six of us, once before, since the show had ended.” She described the experience as seamless, stating, “It was so great that it was like, ‘We should do this more.’” Unfortunately, the next time the cast reunited was for the HBO Max special “Friends: The Reunion,” which turned out to be the last time they all came together. Perry’s untimely death at the age of 54 in October 2023, due to the acute effects of ketamine, added a poignant layer to their shared history.

Kudrow expressed the deep sorrow felt amongst the group following Perry’s passing, highlighting their familial bond forged over years of working together. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” she emphasized. The actress shared how the news of Perry’s death impacted her, noting the complexity of the emotions tied to his loss. “It shook us up, I have to say,” she stated on the podcast, capturing the profound sense of grief that enveloped the cast.

In another conversation with Dax Shepard on his podcast, Kudrow conveyed a sense of solace in knowing that Perry was happy at the time of his passing, stating, “He got to die happy. And to me, that was a gift.” This expression of comfort underscored their longstanding support for one another throughout both the highs and lows faced during their time on and off the set.

Kudrow reflected on the effort it took to maintain their close-knit friendship over the years. She acknowledged that their bond was not just a product of their on-screen chemistry but required active commitment to nurture. “We really did get along,” she said, adding that the six friends worked hard at fostering their relationship. Through open communication and mutual respect, they cultivated a friendship that endured beyond the show’s conclusion. The legacy of “Friends” continues to resonate, both in terms of its iconic status in television history and the lasting relationships formed among its beloved cast.