The cast of “Friends” has released a joint statement following the death of their co-star Matthew Perry.
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show, passed away on Saturday in Los Angeles. He was 54 years old.
He was found dead at his Pacific Palisades home on Oct.28. His cause of death has yet to be determined.
In the wake of his passing social media was set alight with heartfelt tributes from those who knew him personally and from his dedicated cohort of fans.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” Perry’s former co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer said in a joint statement to PEOPLE Magazine.
“We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.” their statement concluded.
Industry and friends pay tribute to the late Matthew Perry
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was an old elementary school classmate of Perry’s, shared a message via Twitter, recalling the times he and Perry spent together on the playground.
“I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed,” Trudeau tweeted.
“Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane and Kevin Bright released a joint statement following the news of Perry’s death.
“We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.” They called him a “brilliant talent,” and said there was simply no one else when it came to finding their perfect Chandler Bing.
Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler’s on-again-off-again girlfriend Janice on “Friends,” also praised the actor via her Instagram.
“What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared,” she wrote.
Selma Blair, who guest starred alongside Perry in “Friends,” shared a picture of the two of them on Instagram.
“All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially… I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams,” she wrote.
Morgan Fairchild, who famously played Chandler’s mother, Nora, tweeted in memory of her TV son.
“I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my “son”, Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family,” Fairchild said.
Paul Rudd, who had a recurring role as Phoebe Buffay’s (Lisa Kudrow’s) husband, Mike Hannigan, in the show’s later seasons, penned a message via his social media.
“Words can’t express how saddened I am to hear of Matthew’s passing. You will be missed so so so dearly,” he wrote.
The streaming service HBO Max added a memorial slate before every season of Friends, in memory of Matthew Perry.
Max has added a lovely message dedicated to Matthew Perry before each season of Friends. pic.twitter.com/DZefRu2VNI
— no context chandler bing (@NoContxtBing) October 30, 2023
Many have also called attention to Perry’s book where he unpacks his life-long battle with addiction and alcoholism and expresses his desire to help others struggling with the disease, a cause to which he dedicated his life.
Perry founded the Perry House in Malibu, a sober living facility for men in recovery. He wrote a play entitled “The End of Longing,” which he described as being “a personal message to the world, an exaggerated form of me as a drunk. I had something important to say to people like me, and to people who love people like me,” Perry wrote.
Fans react to Matthew Perry’s passing
Thousands of messages from fans have swept the internet, and many have taken to the streets of New York to leave messages for the late actor.
Flowers and notes that read, “Thank you for being our friend’ now rest outside the building in New York City used as the exterior for “Central Perk” and Joey, Monica, Rachel and Chandler’s apartments.
“It would be awesome if people dressed up as a pink bunny for Halloween tomorrow,” one fan shared on Twitter, alongside a photo of Perry in the iconic costume.
In loving memory of Matthew Perry, It would be awesome if people dressed up as a pink bunny for Halloween tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/OSqxZI9ejk
— Chandler Bing Parody (@ChandlerBing_12) October 30, 2023
“Thank you for reaching out to us alcoholics. RIP, “ another fan tweeted.
Since his death, an excerpt from Perry’s book has been making the rounds on online, it reads as follows;
“When I die, I know people will talk about Friends, Friends, Friends. And I’m glad of that, happy I’ve done some solid work as an actor, as well as given people multiple chances to make fun of my struggles on the world wide web…but when I die, as far as my so-called accomplishments go, it would be nice if Friends were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people. I know it won’t happen, but it would be nice,” Perry concluded.
