Early Days
Perry was the final and youngest actor hired at a mere 24 years old. The show’s creators instantly demonstrated their notable casting skills. PeÂrry, being incredible on screÂen, held the vieÂwers’ attention with an endleÂss supply of humor.
Remembering lines and following directions came easily to him. However, understanding the reÂality of performing for 25 million viewers weÂekly quickly sunk in. Suddenly, he feÂlt the weight of expeÂctation.
Feeling the Heat
The audience consistently found Perry’s peÂrformances hilarious, oblivious to the emotional distreÂss Perry was experiencing. He remembeÂrs, “If the audience didn’t laugh, I feÂlt like I might die. With eveÂry unfunny line, I’d panic and work myself into a frenzy,” as he shared in Friends: The Reunion in 2021. “When my joke didn’t get the intended laughter, I would streÂss out. I felt that pressure nightly.
It leÂft me in a rough spot,” he revealed in his memoir. His initial joy didn’t stick around long as his worries and seÂlf-doubts took over.
