Emmy Producers on Why the “Friends” Cast Didn't Reunite to Honor Matthew Perry: 'It's Still Very Fresh for Them'

Perry, who was most famous for his role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends', died on Oct. 28 at the age of 54

The cast of Friends is still mourning the death of Matthew Perry.

Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay, executive producers of the 2023 Emmy Awards, revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Tuesday that there were discussions to have Perry's castmates Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer reunite at Monday's ceremony.

"We had talked about it early on," Collins said. "But I can imagine, from their side, they're mourning someone who was still very close to them. I can't speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family. It was probably just a little too soon."

Related: Andre Braugher, Suzanne Somers and Matthew Perry Honored in 2023 Emmy Awards' In Memoriam Tribute

Rouzan-Clay echoed similar sentiments, sharing that "it's still very fresh for them." Perry — who was found dead in his Los Angeles-area home on Oct. 28 at age 54 — was one of many stars honored during the awards show's annual "In Memoriam" tribute.

The segment included an homage to television industry icons such as Norman Lear, Bob Barker, Paul Reubens, and Treat Williams and closed out with an image of Perry. It was backed by the vocals of Charlie Puth performing his 2015 hit, "See You Again," who then transitioned into the Friends theme song "I'll Be There for You" for its finale.

Related: Matthew Perry's Funeral Attended by Friends Costars After Actor's Unexpected Death

An autopsy report obtained by PEOPLE on Dec. 15 disclosed that Perry's death was caused by acute effects of ketamine. Drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects (a medication used to treat opioid use disorder) were also listed as contributing factors in his death, which was ruled accidental.

Following his death and an outpouring of tributes from the Hollywood community, the Friends cast released a joint statement to PEOPLE on Oct. 31.

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," their statement read. "There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."

The statement continued, "In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

While Perry will forever be associated with Chandler Bing, his career in television spanned nearly five decades. Over the course of his career, the Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing author earned five Emmy nominations.

He was nominated twice for best guest actor in a drama series for his portrayal of Joe Quincy on The West Wing and for best lead actor in a comedy series for playing Chandler on Friends in 2002. In 2007, he also earned a nod for taking on the role of Ron Clark in TNT's TV movie The Ron Clark Story. Meanwhile, in 2021, his role as a producer on Friends: The Reunion landed him his final nomination.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.