Summary
- Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry delivered a heartfelt speech at the People's Choice Awards, showcasing their enduring friendship and the devotion of their fans.
- Friends won two People's Choice Awards in 2004, marking the show's successful finale and its widespread acclaim throughout its ten seasons.
- Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc's acceptance speech at the awards ceremony left a lasting impression on fans, with many expressing their love and nostalgia for the show and its beloved characters.
In a triumphant moment at the People’s Choice Awards, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry delivered a memorable speech that encapsulated their enduring friendship, as well as a loyal devotion from their fans. LeBlanc has been among the beloved cast members of Friends who have paid a touching tribute to Perry following his passing in October 2023.
LeBlanc eulogized his fallen pal with a moving Instagram post, saying: “Matthew... It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life... Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love.”
Perry and LeBlanc’s chemistry transcended their roles, characterized by playful banter and unscripted moments on the set of Friends. Notably, the duo’s antics in episodes like The One with the Free Porn left an indelible mark: This particular episode was banned in the UK due to explicit content, featuring their characters’ discovery of a free adult channel.
It was this same genuine off-screen rapport that manifested when LeBlanc and Perry delivered a heartfelt speech at the People’s Choice Awards ceremony in 2004.
Friends Won Two People’s Choice Awards In 2004
In 2004, Friends marked its triumphant finale by clinching two People’s Choice Awards, a fitting tribute to its monumental success. Airing across ten seasons from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004, the NBC series garnered widespread acclaim throughout its run. This illustrious journey was adorned with accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards.
The series also received nominations for ten Golden Globe Awards and nine Satellite Awards. It secured a win in each category for Jennifer Aniston (known for her role as Rachel Green), as well as Lisa Kudrow (recognized for her portrayal of Phoebe Buffay) for their outstanding performances.
At the same time, Friends gained recognition from various guilds and critics’ associations. Notably, the show amassed an impressive haul of 12 Teen Choice Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, and 11 People’s Choice Awards.
In these last Awards, Aniston secured the “Favorite Female Television Performer” accolade, a testament to her enduring legacy on the show. However, the pinnacle of the night arrived when the ensemble cast and their crew clinched the coveted title of “Favorite Television Comedy Series.” It was on this celebratory occasion that Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry joined forces to deliver a speech that has remained etched on people’s minds.
What Happened During Matthew Perry And Matt LeBlanc’s Acceptance Speech?
In the category “Favorite Television Comedy Series,” Friends was up against other comedies such as Everybody Loves Raymond and Will & Grace. The ceremony was held on the evening of January 11, 2004 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
Two and a Half Men stars Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer were the two main hosts. With the final episode of Friends airing about four months later, this would be the series’ final appearance at the Awards.
Following confirmation of their triumph, the entire cast of Friends went up on stage to accept the award. It was Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry, however, who fronted themselves to register their gratitude for the accolade. The former started the speech, saying, “On behalf of everyone involved in the show…”
Before he could finish his sentence, though, he was drowned out by cheers and screams from the audience, including one who presumably shouted “I love you, Matt!” Perry, who of course shared that first name with LeBlanc, stepped in and quipped: “I love you too, Matt!”
The future Top Gear host then attempted to carry on with his speech, but the noise from the crowd couldn’t allow him. Perry took over, and acknowledged that, while the cast line-up was pretty impressive, they could have never lasted ten seasons without the writers and the fans.
Fans Are Still Talking About Matthew Perry And Matt LeBlanc’s Speech
Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc’s speech left an indelible impression among fans. Some of the earlier comments mostly empathized with LeBlanc, expressing concern about the interruptions he faced while attempting to speak during the poignant moment.
One fan mentioned, “I feel bad for Matt [because] he kept trying to speak but got cut off so many times. But it also just shows how much love people have for him!” Another person chimed in with a touch of humor, remarking, “Which Matt? There’s two of them.”
A similar sentiment noted, “I love when the fans scream their love. That kind of excitement means the writing and the actors are fantastic! Real fandoms.” In more recent comments, nostalgia for the show’s endearing characters and the bond felt with them has emerged in several comments.
“I miss this show so much,” one such comment reads on YouTube. “Wish it would not have ended. [I] was actually emotional during the last episode. They just felt like one of us.” Amidst these sentiments, a poignant tribute surfaced following Perry’s passing. A heartfelt comment paid homage: “Matthew Perry is handsome inside and outside. We will miss Matthew Perry. Rest in Peace.”
