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'Friends' director James Burrows reveals why Matthew Perry and his character Chandler Bing were similar

'He was part of a family and he was the first one to not be part of that family anymore,' James Burrows said referring to Matthew Perry

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Friends' director James Burrows recalls the life of Matthew Perry, days after his death on Saturday, October 28, at the age of 54.

"He was incredibly inventive. He was inventive with how he did a line," the 82-year-old director said of the late actor during an interview on 'Today' on Thursday, November 2.

James Burrows was deeply shocked over Matthew Perry's death

Recounting the initial table read for 'Friends', Burrows who directed the first four episodes of the sitcom was marveled by Perry's way of transforming a line.

"Wow. The reading around the table. Matthew had a certain way of turning a line," shared Burrows.

Speaking about Perry's sudden death, the legendary sitcom director said he was deeply shocked by the news.

"I had to have a couple of days to just let it soak in. He was part of a family and he was the first one to not be part of that family anymore," Burrows said.

James Burrows says 'Friends' female cast feels 'destroyed' over Matthew Perry's death

Burrows revealed that he had reached out to the female cast members, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, and Jennifer Aniston on the day of the 'Fools Rush In' actor's death.

"I had texted the girls the day we found out. They were destroyed. It’s a brother dying," he said.

Burrows, who had been with the cast during the beginning phase of their journey, said that he had a strong disbelief in the sitcom's possibility to grow.

"I took them to dinner at Spago and this is a true story. And I said to the six of them, 'Put your seatbelt on because this is your last shot at anonymity,'" he recalled the dinner which also included David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc.

James Burrows says Matthew Perry was 'perfect' for the character Chandler Bing

Burrows also noted that he observed similarities between Perry and Chandler, according to Entertainment Tonight.

"He was really funny. He was a little awkward, too. Chandler was awkward. And Matthew was awkward. So it was a perfect, perfect meld," said Burrows.

"His facial expressions were amazing and Matthew could always cut to his face," Burrows added.

"He was always aware that even though he wasn’t speaking, he was on camera," he continued.

Burrows also talked about Perry's struggle with addiction off-camera and said that his recovery journey over the past few years was remarkable.

The director said he would like the late actor to be remembered "as a wonderful actor, a funny man, and a dear friend to a lot of people."