Connect with us

Entertainment

Friends creator shares update on Matthew Perry’s health following fan concerns: ‘He’s stronger and better’

Friends Reunion: Matthew Perry's speech explained
Fans voiced concerns after Matthew Perry’s appearance in the reunion (Picture: YouTube / NBC)

The director of Friends has shared an update on Matthew Perry after fans voiced their concerns about his health. 

Creators of the show Kevin Bright, Marta Kaufmann and David Crane spoke about the recent reunion special, which saw original cast of Matthew, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBLanc, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer back together 17 years after the classic sitcom ended. 

Some viewers claimed that Matthew’s voice seemed slurred during Friends: The Reunion. The concerns came as the 51-year-old previously discussed his battle with alcoholism, admitting he ‘doesn’t remember three years’ of filming Friends at all.

It’s since been reported that it was the result of dental surgery just hours before the recording.

Asked whether he’d spoken to the actor about his health, Bright told The Hollywood Reporter: ‘I think he’s OK.’

‘I talked to him. It was great seeing him again,” said the director. ‘And what people say is what people say. I don’t have any[thing] to say about that, except it was great to see him. And I think he’s very funny on the show.’

For the first time in 17 years, the cast of Friends reunites for a special celebration of the beloved, smash-hit comedy series. Taped on the original soundstage, Friends: The Reunion finds Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer joined by moderator James Corden and a star-studded roster of special guests as they relive the show's fan-favorite and unforgettable moments. This once-in-a-lifetime special event honors the iconic series, which continues to permeate the zeitgeist today, with a hilarious and heartfelt night full of laughter and tears. Could we be any more excited?
The original cast of the show got back together 17 years after the show ended (Picture: Warner Bros)

Bright added: ‘But yes, I think he’s OK. He seems stronger and better since the last time I saw him, and excited about going forward.’

According to sources close to the Chandler Bing star, he required emergency dental work just hours before joining his cast mates to be interviewed for the reunion.

‘Matthew turned up to the reunion [in April] and members of his team said that he had an emergency tooth procedure that day,’ an insider told The Sun.

‘That was said to impact his wellbeing and also how he was feeling. [Matthew] had been in pain from what we understand, which caused the slurred speech. Obviously no one wants to film after a procedure, but it happened,’ they continued.

Friends: The Reunion - Trailer

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video

‘The feeling was one of huge sympathy for Matthew especially in recent days given how people have reacted online. Matthew has told those around him that he is sober, and there is no need to worry.’

The Friends Reunion finally aired in the UK and US on May 27, having been delayed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Metro.co.uk contacted Matthew Perry’s reps for comment on the story.  

The Friends Reunion is available to stream on HBO Max and NOW.

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

For more stories like this, check our entertainment page.

Follow Metro.co.uk Entertainment on Twitter and Facebook for the latest celeb and entertainment updates. You can now also get Metro.co.uk articles sent straight to your device. Sign up for our daily push alerts here.


MORE : Friends star Matt LeBlanc has somehow become everyone’s favourite Irish uncle


MORE : James Corden seen for first time since dividing fans with Friends reunion hosting role