Matthew Perry’s quick wit and comedic timing brought joy to his Friends co-stars every day. People magazine's special edition issue features a 1995 interview with the cast of the iconic sitcom during their first year on the show, where they reflect on their journey to global stardom.

David Schwimmer, who portrayed Ross Geller, praised Perry for his ability to keep the energy high on set with his clever one-liners. "He always manages to put a smile on our faces," Schwimmer shared with People at the time.

Each actor had their own unique role in the group dynamic. Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani, considered himself "the brother type," while Jennifer Aniston was seen as the gang's little sister, Rachel Green.

Lisa Kudrow was like an island, and Courteney Cox, with her previous experience in Hollywood, was considered the big name in the cast.

Perry, known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing, acknowledged that their on-screen characters were exaggerated versions of themselves. He humorously stated, "Chandler is similar to me. But if you followed me around for a week, you'd find many more boring parts." The writers even incorporated some of Perry's quirks and mannerisms into the show, such as his unique way of speaking.

The show's creators drew inspiration from Perry's real-life experiences as well. One such instance involved Perry recapping a date, showcasing his self-deprecating humor. The line "I'm pretty confident that I'm going to die alone" made its way into the script, capturing Perry's trademark wit.

Despite the popularity and success of Friends, Perry emphasized the camaraderie and fun they experienced on set. He expressed pride in the show and the collaborative environment, where the funniest joke always prevailed.

Friends aired for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 and became a cultural phenomenon. Even years later, it received Emmy nominations for its 2021 reunion special.

Perry cherished his time on the sitcom, even taking a keepsake from the set—a cookie jar with a clock—to commemorate the group's bond.

Sadly, on October 28, at the age of 54, Perry passed away at his Los Angeles home. Two days later, his co-stars released a joint statement expressing their profound devastation. They considered themselves more than just castmates; they were a family. In the statement, they requested time to grieve and process this unimaginable loss, promising to share more in the future. Their thoughts and love were with Perry's family, friends, and his millions of fans worldwide.

People magazine's expanded Friends special edition issue celebrates Matthew Perry's life, humor, and the lasting impact he made through his beloved character on the show.