The five remaining stars of the iconic sitcom “Friends” have issued a joint statement in response to the tragic death of their co-star, Matthew Perry. Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on the beloved NBC series, passed away on Saturday, October 28th, after being found unresponsive in a hot tub at his residence.
Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer have now broken their silence and released a statement, signed by all five actors. The statement, obtained by People, conveys their profound grief over Matthew’s loss, emphasizing that they were not just castmates but a family. They express their need for time to process this devastating loss and promise to share more in the future when they are ready. Their thoughts and love are currently with Matthew’s family, friends, and all those who cherished him worldwide.
Throughout the entertainment industry, stars and colleagues have paid heartfelt tributes to Perry following the heartbreaking news of his passing. These condolences have extended to Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, recognizing the profound bond they shared as a group.
Kathleen Turner, who portrayed Chandler’s father on “Friends,” emphasized the closeness of the cast, describing them as a tight-knit group that formed a unique bond.
Matthew Perry, a five-time Emmy-nominated actor, was known not only for his work in TV and film but also for his dedication to sharing his personal struggles with addiction and helping others on the path to recovery. His battle with addiction, including alcohol and painkillers, occurred during the height of his fame, leading him to invest millions in rehabilitation treatments and clinics to achieve sobriety.
Perry openly discussed this period in his life, especially in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” His mission was not only to share his story but also to assist individuals in their recovery journey. He notably transformed his Malibu residence into a men’s sober living facility known as Perry House.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Perry underscored his desire to be remembered for his work with addicts, saying that helping people achieve sobriety was his paramount goal.
He shared, “I’d like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker. And his paramount thing is that he wants to help people. That’s what I want.” Perry wished for his efforts in aiding those struggling with addiction to be the primary focus when he is remembered, rather than his acting career.
He stated, “When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want [helping people get sober] to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.”
