Lisa Kudrow recently shared insights about the genuine friendships behind the scenes of Friends on Dax Shepard's Armchair Expert podcast. Kudrow revealed that although the cast truly got along, maintaining their bond required hard work. "That six-way relationship took some work and we did it," she explained, emphasizing how they put effort into their friendship.
When discussing what this "work" looked like, Kudrow explained that it involved open communication. If there were any misunderstandings or issues, they made sure to address them early. She mentioned how she learned to express her feelings, especially by seeing her co-stars Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Matt LeBlanc handle conflicts effectively.
It's been 20 years since Friends ended, yet the show remains a staple in popular culture. Kudrow attributed much of the show's success to the strong, believable friendships at its heart. Whether it was the close bond between Rachel (Aniston) and Monica (Cox), or the sibling-like relationship between Phoebe (Kudrow) and Joey (LeBlanc), these friendships resonate deeply with fans, making the show endlessly rewatchable.
Kudrow further explained that the key to any lasting friendship, both on and off screen, is respectful communication. The ability to openly communicate and respect one another was crucial to their long-lasting connection, which fans continue to admire years later.
The Friends cast has stayed close over the years, often reuniting more than most cast members of other long-running series. Cox and Aniston remain particularly close, with Cox recently celebrating Aniston's birthday on Instagram, sharing her affection for her co-star.
The bond between the cast has only grown stronger since the passing of Matthew Perry in October 2023. Each of the cast members has paid tribute to him, reflecting on the funny moments they shared and how important those times were in their lives. For Kudrow, revisiting the series has been a way to honor Perry's legacy and his comedic brilliance.
The friendships formed on Friends have clearly stood the test of time, with the cast continuing to support each other through both joyous and difficult moments.