Recently, the ensemble of Friends turned down the chance to present Matthew Perry with a Primetime Emmy in 2023.
The news was released in response to reports in multiple outlets that Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc were going to get back together to honor the comic icon at the 75th annual event.
Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, the executive producers of the Emmy awards, addressed the rumors in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
“We had discussed it in the beginning. However, I can understand that they are grieving the loss of a close friend or relative. We all need to accept that they were their own family, even though I am unable to speak for them.
Jesse said, “It was probably a little too soon.”
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Jeannae concurred with her partner, saying the tragedy is “still very fresh for them.”
Charlie Puth led the yearly “In Memoriam” part of the award event, which included a tribute to Matthew, who passed away on October 28 at the age of 54 in his Los Angeles home.
The singer, 32, sang his 2015 song See You Again while a slideshow of musicians who had passed away played in the backdrop.
Among the stars that were remembered were Andre Braugher, Suzanne Somers, Norman Lear, Bob Barker, Paul Reubens, Treat Williams, Angus Cloud, Len Goodman, Leslie Jordan, Tommy Smothers, and Cindy Williams.
The poignant homage to Matthew came to an end as Charlie changed to the theme song from Friends, I’ll Be There for You.
