More than two decades after Friends aired its final episode, Courteney Cox continues to reflect fondly on the unique experience of filming the beloved sitcom in front of a live studio audience. Speaking recently at the Inc. 5000 conference and gala, an event celebrating the fastest-growing private companies in America, Cox shared insights into how she and her fellow cast members prepared themselves each week before stepping onto the stage.

Unlike her approach to other public appearances and acting roles today, Cox described a ritual that she and her co-stars cherished: gathering in a tight huddle before each episode. In those moments, the six actors would wish one another good luck, embracing with hugs and high-fives to boost their collective spirit before facing the crowd. “We’d get in a huddle and we would say, ‘Alright everybody! Good luck!’ And we’d give each other a hug and a high five,” Cox recalled warmly.

The iconic cast, which included Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry, developed a rare bond during their ten seasons together. That camaraderie helped carry them through the pressures of filming in front of a live audience week after week. Even years later, the ensemble remains famously close. The tragic passing of Matthew Perry in October 2023 at the age of 54—due to the acute effects of ketamine—left a profound impact on his castmates and fans worldwide, further highlighting the deep connections formed during their years on Friends.

Cox also spoke about the energy of the live audience, describing how it often shaped the rhythm of their performances. The audience reactions were so strong at times that producers would have to cut the laugh track short so the actors could continue with the scene. The cast, she said, became adept at anticipating which jokes or moments would earn the biggest laughs, adjusting their timing on the fly. “Everyone just knew what would get big laughs from the audience, so we’d just roll with it,” she said.

This style of performance, Cox explained, stands in stark contrast to her work today. In more recent projects, such as her ongoing involvement in the Scream franchise, there is no live audience, and scenes are filmed quietly on closed sets. “Friends was shot in front of a live audience, and that was a whole different thing,” she noted. “Now, I do things that are filmed,” emphasizing how the immediate feedback of an audience shaped the spontaneity and energy of their performances on Friends.

In 2021, the entire Friends cast reunited for Friends: The Reunion, a one-time special that premiered on HBO Max on May 27. The event marked the first time the six stars were together on-screen since the show’s finale in 2004. For the actors, it was as though no time had passed. Matt LeBlanc commented in a PEOPLE interview that reconnecting with his co-stars felt completely natural. “We pick up right where we left off,” he said. While the special showed the cast revisiting the original soundstage and reliving memories, it remains unknown whether they repeated their pre-show huddle ritual one more time, leaving fans to imagine whether that cherished moment lived on during the reunion.

Cox and Aniston, in particular, maintain a close friendship outside of work. Cox has previously spoken about the special bond they share, describing Aniston as the godmother to her daughter Coco, calling her “the best godmother anyone could have.” This enduring friendship mirrors the deep connections the characters on Friends shared, demonstrating how the on-screen chemistry was rooted in real-life affection and support.

Despite the many roles Cox has taken on since Friends, including her ventures as the founder of the home and lifestyle brand Homecourt, the experience of working on Friends remains singular in her career. The show’s unique blend of scripted comedy and live audience interaction created a lightning-in-a-bottle dynamic that is difficult to replicate.

As Cox reflected on those moments of unity, laughter, and shared purpose before each taping, she offered a glimpse into what made Friends so memorable—not just for viewers, but for the people who brought it to life. The laughter of the audience, the huddle of six friends, and the shared joy of performing all combined to create something that has endured for generations, reminding us why Friends continues to hold such a special place in popular culture today.