“Friends” star Matthew Perry passed away on Saturday at the age of 54 in what appeared to be an incident of drowning in his hot tub. An official cause of death remains under investigation. The autopsy has been completed, and a toxicology report is pending. His former costars and lifelong friends have provided a statement to People regarding the loss of Perry.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” their statement reads. “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,” the statement continues. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
The message was signed by Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer. The smash hit show famously centered on a circle of friends in their 20s navigating life and love in New York City’s West Village. Perry starred as the sarcastic and humorously awkward Chandler Bing in a performance so memorable he earned a 2002 Emmy nomination.
Fans of the show continue to express gratitude for the cast’s lasting impact on generations of viewers.
Prior to his passing, Perry also expressed that he wished to not only be remembered for his role on the iconic sitcom, but his founding of the Perry House in Malibu, California. The Perry House operated as a sober living facility until 2015. Perry was previously outspoken on his own battle with addiction and his mental health troubles.
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Social Media Reactions
Fans of the show continue to mourn the loss of the actor who brought one of their favorite characters to life. Many send their well wishes to the cast of “Friends,” who stood in touch with one another in the decades following the show’s conclusion. Many urge fans to allow the cast privacy at this time of grieving.
This group of 5 are in mourning for their family member. People should just leave them be, and there is no reason this joint message should have had to be sent in the first place.
— Marie 👅🎀 (@Marie12192009) October 30, 2023
Others acknowledge how fortunate it was for the “Friends” reunion to film in 2021, and felt lucky that Perry was able to be a part of it.
I’m sure everyone is happy they did the reunion before he passed. I’m pretty sure they have another one to pay tribute. pic.twitter.com/udxQxXQCWC
— AB (@mretfs) October 30, 2023
Elsewhere, numerous other actors continue to share tributes to Perry. Salma Hayek said the late actor had a “lovely heart.”
Salma Hayek mourns the loss of Matthew Perry:
“My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart. Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you.” pic.twitter.com/HpjjJZXCT0
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 30, 2023
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Memorial services for the actor are to be announced. Perry was never married, and had no children.
