Instagram/Lisa Kudrow & Matthew Per Celebrity Lisa Kudrow reveals she finally understood Friends' greatness after Matthew Perry's death, gaining new appreciation for the show and her co-stars' talent. April 25, 2026 AceShowbiz - Lisa Kudrow, who famously portrayed Phoebe Buffay on the hit sitcom Friends, revealed that she only truly understood the show's impact after the tragic death of her co-star Matthew Perry in 2023. The actress expressed how revisiting the series brought a new appreciation for its success and the remarkable talent of her colleagues.