CBS via Getty Images
“Reno 911!” star Thomas Lennon worked closely with Matthew Perry on the CBS remake of “The Odd Couple,” which aired for three seasons and 38 episodes in 2015 and 2017. Perry developed and produced the show (with Danny Jacobson and Joe Keenan) and starred as Oscar Madison, alongside Lennon as Felix Unger. Lindsay Sloane, Yvette Nicole Brown and Wendell Pierce also starred in the series, which is of course based on the Neil Simon play (which later became famous as a TV sitcom in the 1970s). It was a reunion for Lennon and Perry, who also worked together on the 2009 film “17 Again.” In this comedy, Perry and Lennon play best friends. Variety asked Lennon to share his memories of working with Perry over the years; He shares this tribute below.
Matthew Perry has told me many stories – none of which can be printed in Variety.
Matty’s life was chaotic.
Matty had big feelings and wasn’t afraid to share those feelings with you.
A comedy sword swallower with real swords. The swords hurt.
Matty was a cartoon anti-anxiety mascot wrapped in the packaging of a matinee idol.
Canadian tennis professional. Heartthrob with a racing heart. Playwright. Accidental superstar.
Matty was in a lot of pain. He wore it on his sleeve.
Matty lent you his jacket, which smelled like cigarettes and still had the pain right on the sleeve.
Matty would lend you cigarettes.
Matty joked when he was worried, and he was more worried than you might think.
The butt of Matthew Perry’s best jokes was always Matthew Perry.
Matty admitted that he kept messing up.
Matty could easily forgive.
The world in his hands was in a tug of war with the world on his shoulders.
Matty was always trying to get better.
Matty was ready to talk.
Matty didn’t want to be alone.
Matty wanted to make you laugh, even though swallowing the swords hurt.
Thomas Lennon as Felix Unger and Matthew Perry as Oscar Madison (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images) CBS via Getty Images