Friends director comments on Matthew Perry’s death: ‘It’s a brother dying’

James Burrows, one of the most well-known sitcom directors from Friends, has spoken out for the first time since the death of Friends star Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing in the hit series, on Oct. 28, 2023.

In an interview with TODAY, Burrows shared how he and other members of the Friends family are reeling in the days following Perry’s death.

"“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 also added that he reached out to other members of the Friends cast.

"“I had texted the girls the day we found out. They were destroyed. It’s a brother dying.”"

Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, and David Schwimmer shared a joint statement with the media following Perry’s death. The cast has not spoken about Perry individually, but their statement suggested they would in time, via PEOPLE. 

Co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane also shared stories of Perry and spoke about their relationship in the days after Perry’s death.

Burrows directed 15 episodes of Friends including the pilot, “The One Where Monica Gets a Roommate,” and the first four episodes of the series. He was there from the very beginning of the series. Burrows directed 11 episodes of the first season of Friends in 1994. Then, he directed four more episodes across the second, third, and fourth seasons of the hit NBC series. Burrows moved on to other hit series following the fourth season of Friends in 1998.

In the TODAY interview, Burrows shared fond memories of Perry, as well as the rest of the cast of the series. From before the first season premiered, Burrows knew Perry was a star and the lives of the full cast were about to change. He shared a story about taking them to dinner before the first episode and told them it would be the last time they’d ever have “anonymity.”

"“He was really funny. He was a little awkward, too. Chandler was awkward. And  Matthew was awkward. So it was a perfect, perfect meld.”"

Perry’s death is still under investigation. The cause of death has not been revealed. TMZ first reported the news about Perry’s passing. Perry was 54 years old.

In the days since, social media has been full of cast members, writers, directors, and producers sending their condolences to Perry’s family and friends and sharing stories about the late actor who was one of the most beloved sitcom stars of his generation.