On-Screen Mom Morgan Fairchild Remembers Working With Matthew Perry

Although Morgan Fairchild found success in television with shows like Roseanne, Two and a Half Men, and Murphy Brown, she never forgot the time she spent on the set of Friends. With the show garnering over 50 million viewers on its series finale, the series easily made it on the list of Greatest TV Shows of All Time. Sadly, on Saturday, news broke that Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54. With the cast and fans devastated by the news, Fairchild honored the star by remembering his “boundless energy” and charm on and off set.

Throughout his time on Friends, Matthew Perry struggled with addiction to pain pills and alcohol. Although he recalled showing up to set with extreme hangovers, he never let his problems affect his work or those around him. As Morgan Fairchild remembered the late star, she said, “He was always great. He also was very present and terrific when I was working with him, but I did know he was going through some struggles.”

“Boundless Energy, Boundless Joy”

While Morgan Fairchild portrayed Perry’s mom on the show, she had no knowledge of how bad his drug abuse was. She insisted, “If I’d known he was going through that, I would’ve just given him a big hug and taken him aside and sat him down and said, ‘Honey, you got to talk to me.’”

When asked what it was like to work with Matthew Perry on set, Morgan Fairchild noted his energy and how he commanded a room. “He just had this boundless energy, boundless joy. He just seemed to relish every moment and just radiated good cheer and confidence.”

Although Morgan Fairchild worked with Matthew Perry on Friends, the pair actually knew each other way before the show took off. And to Fairchild’s surprise, she never remembered. Being the son of John Bennett Perry, Matthew Perry often accompanied his father to the set of Falcon Crest. It just so happened, that Fairchild held a role in the show.

Matthew Perry Never Forgot

Excited to meet her once again, Morgan Fairchild explained how Perry ran up to her. “He said, ‘Oh, you won’t remember me, but I used to come visit Falcon Crest with my dad.’ And I said, ‘Who’s your dad?’ And he said, ‘John Bennett Perry,’” she recalls, adding, “I said, ‘Oh, you’re that little kid that was with John?’”

Knowing him from a child, Morgan Fairchild noted he was a perfect mix between, “sweet and shy and charming.” But to the actress, it was his remembering her that stuck. “I was touched that he remembered that he’d come to our set.”

With rumors circulating about his death, Morgan Fairchild focused on his legacy. “The main thing I just want people to remember is his kindness and his ability to face his demons and to help other people.”

Do you have a favorite episode of Friends? Be sure to share your favorite moments in the comments below.