The Cast of “Friends” Mourns the Loss of Matthew Perry
The cast of ”Friends” on Monday paid tribute to their fellow castmate Matthew Perry, describing his passing as an “unfathomable loss.”
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer said in a statement via People that they were “utterly devastated” by the death of Mr. Perry, whom they regarded as a family.
Mr. Perry, 54, was found dead at his home on Oct. 28. No drugs were found at the scene, and there is no indication of any foul play.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” the 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,” they added. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Mr. Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hugely popular 1990s TV sitcom “Friends,” was found lifeless in a jacuzzi at a residence located in the upscale Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, according to tabloid news outlet TMZ, which first broke the story.
Unnamed police sources cited by the outlet said emergency services were called to the scene following an initial report of a cardiac arrest. A 15-second recording of the moment first responders were sent to the scene had been obtained by TMZ and referenced an apparent drowning.
The cast of ‘Friends’ actors Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Jennifer Aniston sat down with Jay Leno for a special ‘Tonight Show,’ on the set of Central Perk in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 6, 2004. (Paul Drinkwater/NBC via Getty Images)
The American-Canadian actor was 24 years old when he began portraying the sardonically wry statistical analyst Chandler Bing on ”Friends,” which ran for 10 seasons from 1994.
He was featured alongside co-stars Ms. Aniston, Ms. Cox, Mr. LeBlanc, Ms. Kudrow, and Mr. Schwimmer, who played Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Phoebe Buffay, and Ross Geller, respectively.
The six earned widespread critical acclaim for their on-screen chemistry, playing a close-knit group of young singles who spent time in each other’s apartments and hung out together at the “Central Perk,” a fictional Manhattan coffee house.
Salma Hayek Expresses ‘Profound Sadness’
Mr. Perry also had several notable film roles, including starring opposite Salma Hayek in the rom-com “Fools Rush In.” Other films include “The Whole Nine Yards,” “17 Again,” and “Three to Tango.”
Ms. Hayek took to Instagram to pay tribute to her old friend, saying she will continue to cherish his “silliness, perseverance, and lovely heart.” The actress also shared a few throwback photos of them together.
“Two days ago, I woke up to the shocking news that Matthew Perry is no longer with us. It’s taken me a couple of days to process this profound sadness,” she wrote.
“There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them.”
Ms. Hayek said she was moved by Mr. Perry’s statement last year about how much he loved “Fools Rush In” and how he thought that that film was probably his best movie.
“Throughout the years, he and I found ourselves reminiscing about that meaningful time in our lives with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude,” she said.
She ended her post with a heartfelt message that reads: “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.”
Mr. Perry’s family said in a statement published by People Magazine that they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” adding the late actor brought “so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the sudden death of his childhood schoolmate was “shocking and saddening.” Mr. Perry had attended the same school as Mr. Trudeau, though a couple of grades ahead of the future Canadian prime minister.
“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,” Mr. Trudeau posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Oct. 28.
Lorenz Duchamps, Reuters, and Marnie Cathcart contributed to this report.
The statement from the cast reads, “Matthew was not only a talented and gifted actor, but also a kind-hearted and generous soul. We will miss his wit, his charm, and his warmth. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Matthew Perry rose to fame in the 1990s with his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends.” His quick-witted delivery and comedic timing made him a fan favorite, and his on-screen chemistry with his castmates was undeniable.
Off screen, Mr. Perry struggled with addiction issues but sought help and advocated for mental health awareness. He openly discussed his battles with substance abuse and his journey to sobriety.
His death comes as a shock to fans and fellow actors alike, who remember him as a beloved member of the “Friends” family. Social media has been flooded with tributes and messages of condolence for the late actor.
The cast of ”Friends” shared that they plan to honor Matthew Perry’s memory by supporting causes important to him, including addiction recovery and mental health advocacy.
Matthew Perry’s death is a reminder of the importance of mental health and the struggles that many people face. It serves as a call to action to destigmatize mental health issues and provide support for those in need.
While the loss of Matthew Perry is heartbreaking for his family, friends, and fans, his legacy as an actor and mental health advocate will continue to inspire and impact
How are fans and fellow actors remembering and honoring Matthew Perry after his death
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What were Matthew Perry’s contributions to mental health advocacy?
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom “Friends,” has been involved in mental health advocacy for several years. Here are some of his contributions:
1. Opening Up About His Own Struggles: Perry has been open about his personal battles with mental health issues, particularly his struggles with addiction. He has shared his experiences with substances, such as alcohol and opioids, and his time spent in rehab. By speaking candidly about his own journey, Perry aims to reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help.
2. Founding the Perry House: In 2013, Perry opened Perry House, a sober living home in Malibu, California. The facility offers support and a safe environment for individuals in recovery to transition from addiction treatment back to independent living. Through this initiative, Perry provides resources and assistance to those facing addiction challenges.
3. Advocacy for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment: Perry has used his platform to raise awareness and advocate for mental health and addiction treatment. He has spoken at public events, used social media to share insights and resources, and collaborated with organizations dedicated to mental health support.
4. Fundraising and Support for Nonprofits: Perry actively supports various mental health organizations through fundraising efforts. For example, he has hosted charity events and donated proceeds to institutions such as The Phoenix House, a nonprofit organization providing addiction recovery services.
5. Public Speaking Engagements: Perry has participated in numerous public speaking engagements focused on mental health and addiction issues. He has shared his story and insights at conferences, workshops, and panel discussions, allowing him to connect with audiences and provide inspiration.
Overall, Matthew Perry has played a significant role in mental health advocacy by using his platform, personal experiences, and resources to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support individuals struggling with mental health and addiction challenges.
How did Matthew Perry’s role on “Friends” impact his career and popularity?
Matthew Perry’s role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show “Friends” had a significant impact on his career and popularity. The show, which ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004, gained enormous success and a massive fan following.
Perry’s portrayal of Chandler, a sarcastic but lovable character with impeccable comic timing, became a fan favorite. His witty one-liners and comedic delivery made him one of the standout performers on the show.
“Friends” not only turned Perry into a household name but also provided him with numerous career opportunities. The immense popularity of the show helped him secure high-profile roles in movies, such as “Fools Rush In” (1997), “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000), and “17 Again” (2009).
Perry’s comedic abilities and charm, honed on the show, helped him transition into other projects successfully. He continued to work in both film and television, starring in shows like “The Odd Couple” (2015-2017) and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (2006-2007). Perry’s status as a TV icon further allowed him to explore various avenues, including producing, writing, and even directing.
However, the immense fame he achieved through ”Friends” also came with its challenges. Perry faced personal struggles, particularly with substance abuse, which affected his career at times. Despite these challenges, he managed to bounce back and continue his journey in the entertainment industry, often leveraging his name recognition from “Friends.”
Overall, Matthew Perry’s role on “Friends” catapulted him to stardom, gave him opportunities for diverse roles, and solidified his position as one of the most recognized and beloved actors in television history.
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