Friends director says cast is 'destroyed' over Matthew Perry's death: He was part of a family

Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends, died on October 29. Veteran director Jim Burrows, who worked closely with Perry during the show's early days, recently recalled their memories and paid tribute to the late actor. He also shared that the entire Friends cast was "equally devastated" by the news of the actor's passing.

Jim Burrows says he needs time  to process Perry's death

In an interview with Today, Jim Burrows said that he had reached out to the female cast members, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow, on the day of Matthew Perry's death. He spoke about the deep emotional bond that the cast shared, describing the loss as akin to "a brother dying." "I had texted the girls the day we found out. They were destroyed. It’s a brother dying," he said.

Opening up about his reaction to Perry's death, the director said that he needed time to process the loss. He shared, "I had to have a couple of days to just let it soak in. He was part of a family and he was the first one to not be part of that family anymore."

Burrows described Perry as "incredibly inventive" and shared how he had a unique way of delivering lines. He recalled the moment when the late actor transformed a line with his distinct style which had set the tone for the sitcom's success.

What did Friends co-stars say about Matthew Perry's death?

Matthew Perry breathed his last on October 28, Saturday. The Friends star was found dead from an apparent drowning in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home. He was 54. After Perry's passing, his Friends co-stars– Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, issued a joint statement expressing their devastation over the "unfathomable loss" of their friend and colleague.

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. 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," the statement read.