David Schwimmer reflects on Matthew Perry’s praise for his physical comedy
A surprising revelation on the “Origins with Cush Jumbo” podcast
David Schwimmer recently appeared on the “Origins with Cush Jumbo” podcast, where he was taken aback by a story shared by the host. Cush Jumbo recounted a conversation she had with the late Matthew Perry, in which Perry lauded Schwimmer’s physical comedy skills. This revelation was particularly poignant given the long history between Perry and Schwimmer, who spent a decade working together on the iconic TV show “Friends.”
The unexpected compliment
Jumbo, who had always admired Schwimmer’s knack for physical comedy, shared her experience on the set of “The Good Fight” with Perry. She asked Perry if Schwimmer’s comedic style came naturally to him. Perry’s response was both insightful and complimentary.
“[Perry] talks about how it’s not out of control at all, that you’re a linchpin person in a scene and that mostly people were always looking to you to know physically what direction things should go in,” Jumbo told Schwimmer. “Without you being the pin, the other things don’t work, which I thought was very, very complimentary and probably very true.”
Schwimmer’s reaction
Schwimmer was visibly moved by Perry’s words. “That’s interesting for many reasons, to hear that, because … that’s a huge compliment and I’m surprised to hear it because Matthew was reserved with me, he would not say that to me but I appreciate that a lot,” he said.
Schwimmer went on to explain his approach to physical comedy, highlighting his rigorous theater training. “Yeah, I am one of the few in the cast who had a rigorous theater training and so and in this way, in film or in anything that’s involving a stunt or anything physical,” he continued. “I think it’s gotta be finely, carefully, choreographed and I would work and work and work on any physical comedy in a scene.”
The meticulous art of physical comedy
Schwimmer elaborated on the meticulous nature of his physical comedy work on “Friends.” He emphasized the importance of careful planning and choreography to ensure safety and consistency. “Anytime I had a physical comedy moment on ‘Friends,’ I would meticulously structure and choreograph it, not only so that I never hurt myself or hurt anyone else but so that I could repeat it many, many, many times. I think that’s what maybe he’s referring to.”
Remembering Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s untimely death last October at the age of 54 was a significant loss to the entertainment world. Schwimmer paid tribute to his friend and co-star on Instagram, writing, “I will never forget your impeccable comic timing and delivery. You could take a straight line of dialogue and bend it to your will, resulting in something so entirely original and unexpectedly funny it still astonishes.”
Listen to the full interview
For those interested in hearing more about Schwimmer’s reflections and insights, the full interview is available on the “Origins with Cush Jumbo” podcast. It’s a touching and revealing conversation that offers a deeper understanding of the dynamics between two beloved actors and the craft of physical comedy.
For more on David Schwimmer and his work, check out the Friends trailer and The Good Fight trailer.