Jennifer Aniston Gets Emotional Reflecting on 30 Years of Friends

In a heartfelt and emotional moment that captivated fans around the world, Jennifer Aniston opened up about her time on Friends during a new episode of Variety’s Actors on Actors. As the hit NBC sitcom nears its 30th anniversary, the Emmy-winning actress got visibly choked up while discussing the impact the show has had on her life, her career, and her enduring bond with the rest of the cast.

Speaking with Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson, Aniston’s voice trembled and tears welled up in her eyes as she reflected on the legacy of the show that made her a household name. “Oh God, don’t make me cry,” she said, holding back tears. “We won’t make each other cry, okay?” Brunson replied gently, sensing the depth of emotion in the room.

The exchange quickly turned tender as Aniston composed herself and smiled through what she called “happy tears.” “I just started thinking about it,” she said, apologizing for getting emotional. But the moment captured the heart of what Friends continues to mean to its cast — and to generations of viewers — three decades after its premiere.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Friends debuted on NBC in 1994 and ran for 10 seasons, concluding in 2004. The beloved sitcom, centered around six twenty-somethings navigating life, love, and careers in New York City, became a cultural phenomenon, shaping the television landscape and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.

For Aniston, who played the iconic Rachel Green, the 30th anniversary is both surreal and sentimental. “It’s so strange to even think that it’s 30 years old,” she said. “It feels like yesterday. I remember the day it was going to premiere on NBC.”

Aniston also recalled a sweet and spontaneous memory involving co-stars Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow. “Me and Matthew Perry were having lunch somewhere, and we knew Lisa was getting her hair colored. So we ran into the salon, and I took the nozzle and started washing her hair from the guy who was supposed to be doing it,” she laughed. “It definitely flew out of control, but the excitement we had… it feels like yesterday.”

Her anecdote, full of warmth and mischief, reflected the natural chemistry and deep camaraderie shared among the six lead actors — Aniston, Perry, Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Despite wrapping two decades ago, Friends remains one of the most-watched and most-loved sitcoms in history. Its enduring popularity has been fueled by syndication, streaming platforms, and a new generation discovering the show for the first time.

Aniston marveled at the fact that the show continues to resonate so deeply with audiences. “The fact that it’s had this long, wonderful life and it still means so much to people is one of the greatest gifts,” she said. “All six of us — we never could have imagined that.”

The cast’s real-life friendship has also withstood the test of time. “I FaceTimed with Courteney last night for like an hour,” Aniston shared, adding that she also keeps in regular contact with Kudrow and “the boys.” “It’s a family forever,” she said simply.

Honoring Matthew Perry’s Legacy

For many fans, the mention of Matthew Perry brought a wave of bittersweet emotion. Perry, who played the wisecracking Chandler Bing, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death was a devastating blow to fans and especially to his former castmates, who shared their grief and love for him in a joint statement at the time, calling him “a true brother.”

Aniston’s warm memory of their playful hijinks before the Friends premiere serves as a poignant reminder of Perry’s humor and energy. Her recollection, delivered with both joy and sorrow, was a quiet tribute to a co-star who left an irreplaceable mark on her life and the show’s legacy.

Keeping the Bond Alive

The Friends cast has remained famously close throughout the years, often meeting for dinner or checking in with one another, even decades after the show ended. When asked who keeps the group together, Aniston chuckled before naming David Schwimmer — not as the social planner, but as the one who “keeps us abreast of schedules and things.”

But when it comes to organizing get-togethers? That, she said, was her and Courteney Cox’s department. “We plan — we love to socialize,” she laughed, before joking, “But not with them.”

Their continued friendship was on full display in 2021, when all six actors reunited for Friends: The Reunion, a special that aired on Max (formerly HBO Max). During that special, they revisited the original set, read through old scripts, and reminisced about their favorite memories, once again confirming to fans that their off-screen bond is just as strong as the one depicted on television.

One revelation from that special — that the cast had a pact not to date each other during filming — intrigued fans and offered insight into how the group managed to preserve their friendship despite the intense spotlight.

A Cultural Touchstone

As Friends approaches its 30th anniversary, its relevance remains undeniable. From fashion trends sparked by Rachel’s hairstyles to the resurgence of ’90s nostalgia, the show continues to inspire and influence.

More importantly, the emotional connections it fosters are as real as ever. Whether it’s the comfort of watching Monica obsess over cleanliness, Joey’s lovable goofiness, or Ross’s eternal struggle with “we were on a break,” the characters still feel like old friends — reliable, familiar, and comforting.

For Jennifer Aniston, the legacy of Friends is one of gratitude. “It’s a part of us,” she said. “It shaped our lives. And it brought us together — forever.”

As fans around the world prepare to mark three decades of laughter, love, and Central Perk coffee, Aniston’s tearful tribute serves as a beautiful reminder of why Friends still matters: because, in the end, it’s about more than just a show. It’s about a family — both on screen and off.