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David Schwimmer Weighs In on What to Expect From the ‘Friends’ Reunion

David Schwimmer
David Schwimmer arrives at the 2016 FX Winter TCA.

They'll be there for each other! David Schwimmer spoke to Us Weekly on Saturday, January 16, about what viewers can expect when he and other Friends stars appear on NBC's upcoming special honoring prolific TV director James Burrows

The special, airing February 21, will reunite the casts of several comedy series that Burrows has worked on over the years. Burrows, whose directing credits include classics (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) and recent hits (Mike & Molly) alike, is celebrating his 1,000th TV episode, hitting the milestone with NBC's forthcoming Patrick Warburton sitcom Crowded.

Related: PHOTOS: Costars Reunited!

Schwimmer, who rose to fame as Ross on NBC's Friends, spoke to Us at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour in Pasadena, California, following the panel for FX's The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, in which he plays Robert Kardashian. The 49-year-old actor admitted that he has yet to be told exactly what he'll be doing at the event but says he's just excited to be honoring the legendary director, who helmed 15 Friends episodes.

Related: PHOTOS: TV Shows Gone Too Soon!

"I have no idea of what's expected of us — I honestly don't," Schwimmer said, pointing out that cast members from Cheers and Will & Grace are set to attend. "I'm flying in that day, so I'm just showing up. From what I've been told from Sean Hayes, we're all going to come up on stage and talk about Jim and give him a hug."

"I just want to be in the room when he's honored because this man has contributed so, so greatly to our country's enjoyment of television over the last 40, 50 years," the actor continued. "It's lovely that there's an event that honors him. There are so many people that love him and whose careers were defined by him."

The TV star also discussed the fact that Matthew Perry (Chandler) is the only one of the six core Friends cast members who is not set to appear in the tribute, as Perry will be busy rehearsing his London play The End of Longing. Jennifer Aniston (Rachel), Courteney Cox (Monica), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe) and Matt LeBlanc (Joey) will all take part in the special.

"He's working in London — I'm rooting for him and his new play," Schwimmer said of Perry. "I'm just thrilled that so many people will be there."

The James Burrows special is set to air on NBC on Sunday, February 21.

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