Gilmore Girls Star Lauren Graham Hated Competing With Friends Despite Her Relationship With Matthew

Highlights

  • Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry were close friends despite rumors of a romantic relationship.
  • Graham humorously acknowledged the competition of Gilmore Girls airing opposite Friends.
  • Perry cherished their friendship and had a positive impact on Graham.

Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry maintained a close friendship despite numerous rumors of a romantic relationship between them. As Perry's character in Friendschanged due to his battle with substance abuse, Graham also faced challenges with the end of her long-term relationship with Peter Krause.

Despite having worked with Perry before Gilmore Girls, Graham admitted to having reservations about competing with close friends in the unforgiving landscape of showbiz—particularly during a time when each season of Gilmore Girls almost didn't get picked up.

What Lauren Graham Said About Gilmore Girls Airing Opposite Friends

During Lauren Graham's appearance on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, their conversation began with their authentic Irish identity, with Graham jokingly referring to them as the "forgotten people" of Ireland. The banter centered on the stereotypical image of red hair and freckles, a characteristic often associated with Irish heritage.

O'Brien then shifted the focus to Graham's new show during that time, Gilmore Girls. "I'm on at eight opposite Friends. So, together we'll make sweet, sweet music." Graham shared.

Lauren Graham's Information via TV Guide

Full Name

Lauren Helen Graham

Birthdate

March 16, 1967

Birthplace

Honolulu, Hawaii, US

Parents

Lawrence Graham

Donna Grant

Education

New York University

Barnard College of Columbia University - BA in English Literature

Southern Methodist University - Master of Fine Arts

Net Worth

$15 Million

O'Brien asked Graham about the dichotomy of critical acclaim and the challenge of being scheduled against the popular sitcom Friends. "The critics really like this show… They say it's smart, it's funny. And then they put it opposite Friends. How does that feel?" Which, the actress humorously answered:

"That piece of crap, it's going down… Yeah. It's a, you know, it's bad, but someday things will be better. All you can do is control what you can control, right?"

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The audience laughed at Graham's response while O'Brien continued with a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the time slot of both shows. Graham also expressed a Zen-like philosophy about professional competition and the hope for their respective success.

Did Lauren Graham Date Matthew Perry?

Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry were reported to have been romantically linked in 2003, but they never officially confirmed their relationship during that period.

Ellen DeGeneres used to playfully tease Graham about her rumored relationship with Perry whenever Graham appeared on her talk show. Despite the banter, Graham consistently downplayed any romantic involvement. On one occasion, she responded to DeGeneres, "You always make fun of me for not going out with him, and I keep telling you he's just my friend."

Matthew Perry

Birthname Matthew Langford Perry Birthdate August 19, 1969 Birthplace Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA Deathdate October 28, 2023 Height 6′0"

However, Graham eventually put an end to the speculations in her 2016 memoir, Talking as Fast as I Can. In the book, she recounted their initial encounter, noting that while there was some flirting, there was never an actual romantic relationship. She humorously referred to Perry as her "longtime Friend Who I Almost But Never Exactly Dated, or FWIABNED."

Books Authored by Lauren Graham:

  • Someday, Someday, Maybe - 2013
  • Talking As Fast As I Can - 2016
  • In Conclusion, Don't Worry About It - 2018
  • Have I Told You This Already? - 2022

Despite not becoming a couple in real life, the two actors portrayed married characters on both the big and small screens. In the 2008 film Birds of Prey, they played husband and wife Morrie and Betty Tanager, displaying noticeable on-screen chemistry. Their on-screen partnership continued in the 2015 reboot of The Odd Couple, where Graham portrayed Perry's character's ex-wife.

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Awards Received by Lauren Graham:

  • Goodreads Choice Awards Best Humor (2017) - Talking As Fast As I Can Book
  • Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Parental Unit (2005 & 2006) - Gilmore Girls

In a Q&A during that time, Perry spoke fondly of Graham, labeling her as one of his favorite people, "We have great chemistry when working together and it’s fun to work with a close friend." Perry stated as reported by Deadline.

Inside Lauren Graham And Matthew Perry's Friendship

In the wake of Matthew Perry's unexpected passing, Lauren Graham shared insights into their close friendship. Speaking on CBS Mornings, Graham expressed her shock at the tragic loss and reflected on Perry's enduring legacy.

Graham also emphasized the profound impact Perry had on her and Perry's joy over the positive reception of his book:

"No one made me laugh as hard. I mean, just tears, streaming. There was just such joy in being around him and being his friend… This last year, he was so proud of the book he wrote, and of how many people it touched. It was a success that gave him a level of happiness that I hadn't seen in him for a really long time, so that's a nice memory."

Graham also shared her inclusion in Perry's 2022 memoir, where he posted a photo of them together with the caption, "Me and the beautiful Lauren Graham."

Movies and Shows where Lauren Graham and Matthew Perry starred:

  • Birds of America - 2008
  • The Odd Couple - 2015
  • Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - 2006
  • Go On - 2012
  • Piers Morgan Live - 2013 episode
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Graham told TODAY with Hoda & Jenna that she saw Perry not too long ago before his tragic death. The actress shared that she finds solace in the fact that the book Perry authored last year achieved considerable success. Graham mentioned that this success was meaningful to Perry not merely as a project that succeeded, but because it resonated with a wide audience.

Lauren Graham Highest-Rated Movies/Shows via Rotten Tomatoes

Movie/Show Title

Character

Score

One True Thing

Jules

88%

Joshy

Katee

81%

Bad Santa

Sue

78%

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life

Jules Khatchadorian

64%

Flash of Genius

Phyllis Kearns

62%

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Lynn Gilner

58%

Seeing Other People

Claire

41%

Max

Pamela Wincott

37%

Parenthood

Sarah Braverman

88%

Gilmore Girls

Lorelei Gilmore

88%

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life

Lorelei Gilmore

87%

This aspect was particularly significant to Perry, bringing him immense happiness. Despite Perry's untimely passing, Graham considers this positive outcome as a kind of silver lining amid the sorrow.

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