David Schwimmer on Matthew Perry: “He Was Very Private With Me”

The Ross interpreter was very moved to hear the compliments that Matthew Perry made about him.

The elders of Friends are reluctant to talk about Matthew Perrysince the actor passed away. But invited to the podcast of Cush Jumbo this week, David Schwimmer made some confidences. The actress of The Good Fight – who crossed paths with Perry on the legal drama – says she had a discussion with former Chandler Bing about comedic timing. And according to her, Matthew Perry was impressed by the professionalism of his comrade playing Ross.

Addressing David Schwimmer, Cush Jambo tell : “Matthew told me that you were always in control, that you were a key element in a comedic scene and that people on the set of Friends were always looking to you to physically know which way things should go. He thought you were the lynchpin that made it work.”

Moved by this anecdote, David Schwimmer confesses: “It's crazy to hear that. It's a huge compliment, and I'm surprised to hear it because Matthew was very reserved with me. He would never have said that to me directly. But I really appreciate it.”

David Schwimmer then analyzes this vision by explaining that he was the only member or almost the only member of the cast to have received rigorous theatrical training:

“So anything that involves a stunt or something physical, to me, it can't be improvised. It has to be finely, carefully choreographed. So I would work over and over again on any physical comedy in a Friends scene. I would meticulously structure and choreograph it, not only so that I would never hurt myself or anyone else, but so that I could repeat it many, many, many, many times. That's probably what he was referring to.”

Matthew Perry died in October 2023. Friends will celebrate its 30th anniversary next Sunday.