Courteney Cox Recalls Sweet ‘Friends’ Ritual That Helped Them Connect

Though it’s been greater than 20 years because the iconic finale of “Buddies” aired, Courteney Cox nonetheless fondly remembers the moments earlier than filming every episode along with her co-stars.

The 61-year-old actress, greatest identified for her position as Monica Geller, just lately shared particulars in regards to the behind-the-scenes camaraderie the forged had in the course of the tapings of the beloved present, which aired in entrance of a reside studio viewers.

Talking on the Inc. 5000 occasion, Courteney Cox reminisced in regards to the pre-show ritual that may get everybody energized earlier than filming.

“We’d get in a huddle and we might say, ‘Alright everyone! Good luck!’ And we might give one another a hug and a excessive 5,” Cox recalled, in line with PEOPLE.

Regardless of her typical tendency to not “pump herself up” for public appearances, she defined that the forged would share this bonding second earlier than stepping in entrance of the reside viewers, setting the tone for the episode.

Cox additionally described the distinctive dynamic of filming “Buddies” in entrance of a reside viewers, noting how the vitality of the gang would generally overwhelm the present’s snigger monitor.

“The reside viewers beloved watching the taping a lot, and generally producers needed to minimize the snigger monitor early so we may proceed,” she stated, including that the forged knew precisely what would get massive laughs from the viewers, in order that they naturally performed off it and let the second unfold.

The expertise of filming “Buddies” was distinct from the opposite scripted tasks Cox has labored on since, together with her position within the “Scream” franchise.

“’Buddies’ was shot in entrance of a reside viewers, and that was an entire completely different factor,” she defined, reflecting on how issues have modified since then. “Now, I do issues which might be filmed.”

The forged has remained shut over time, and Cox shared how their bond is simply as sturdy at present.

In 2021, Cox and the “Buddies” forged reunited for the “Buddies: The Reunion” particular, which aired on HBO Max on Might 27. LeBlanc informed PEOPLE on the time that it felt like “no time had handed” after they all got here collectively once more. “We decide up proper the place we left off,” he stated, highlighting the sturdy bond they nonetheless share.

Matthew Perry’s tragic passing on October 28, 2023, from acute results of ketamine was a somber second for the forged and followers alike, however their friendship continues to be a major a part of their lives.

“I’m so grateful for each second I had with you Matty and I miss you day-after-day,” she wrote on Instagram on the time. “Whenever you work with somebody as carefully as I did with Matthew, there are literally thousands of moments I want I may share. For now this is considered one of my favorites.”

She shared a clip from “Buddies” exhibiting the second Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica (Courteney Cox) obtained collectively in a lodge room on Ross’s (David Schwimmer) wedding ceremony day.

“To offer a bit backstory, Chandler and Monica had been imagined to have a one-night fling in London,” the actress defined. “However due to the viewers’s response, it grew to become the start of their love story.”

“On this scene, earlier than we began rolling, he whispered a humorous line for me to say,” she recalled. “He typically did issues like that. He was humorous and he was variety.”