David Schwimmer 'surprised' to discover what Matthew Perry really thought about him

David Schwimmer says Matthew Perry never told him he thought he was funny, but made a number of comments to close friends about their bond

David Schwimmer has claimed Matthew Perry was "reserved" around him as he learned a surprising sweet anecdote about the actor months after his death.

The 57-year-old actor was "surprised" to learn his late 'Friends' co-star - who died in October 2023 aged 54 - was a fan of his approach to comedy and admitted he didn't think his pal would have ever told him himself.

David was a guest on Cush Jumbo's 'Origins' podcast and the host recalled how she discussed him with Matthew when they worked on 'The Good Fight' together.

She said: "I’m recalling talking to him about how I knew you a little bit but not very much at that stage and I was talking to him about commedia [dell'arte] and about physical comedy and all this stuff.

"[I asked] is David just someone who just does it? It just comes off of him?

"Or, and he talks about how it’s not out of control at all, that you’re a linchpin person in a scene that mostly people were always looking to you to know physically what direction things should go in, that without you being the pin, the other things don’t work which I thought was very, very complimentary and probably very true."

David was "surprised" by her comments.

He said: "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."

The 'Little Death' actor explained he has always taken a "meticulous" approach to physical comedy.

He said: "Yeah, I am one of the few in the cast who had a rigorous theatre training and so and in this way, in film or in anything that’s involving a stunt or anything physical.

"I think it’s gotta be finely, carefully, choreographed and I would work and work and work on any physical comedy in a scene.

"I would meticulously structure and choreograph it, not only so that I never hurt myself or hurt anyone else but that I could repeat it many, many, many times so I think that’s what maybe he’s referring to."