Family, Friends, and Costars Remember the Late Matthew Perry

On Saturday, October 28, the world was shocked and saddened to learn that Friends star Matthew Perry had died. The beloved star was only 54 years old. According to initial reports, the actor was found in his jacuzzi hot tub, and his assistant called 9-1-1, reporting a cardiac issue and apparent drowning. No cause of death has been determined, but an autopsy is being performed.

A toxicology report is also being submitted to see if there was anything in the actor’s system that could have contributed to his death.

The days after his death, Mr. Perry’s parents released a heartbroken statement, confirming the death of their son.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend… You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”

In the days following Perry’s sudden passing, the actor’s friends and costars went on social media to share their grief and remember happy times.

Of course, many were waiting for a statement from Perry’s Friends costars — Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Courteney Cox. The group released a joint statement.

We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. 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.”

Actress Morgan Fairchild — who played Perry’s mother on Friends — was devastated by the death of her “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, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew

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, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew pic.twitter.com/QWMsBVJEAr

— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) October 29, 2023

Friends creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and Kevin Bright were also heartbroken by the news, and made a public statement:

“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.”

“He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us.”

“We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart. We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”

Back to the Future star Lea Thompson also guest-starred in Friends. In addition to that, her husband, Howie Deutch, directed Perry in the 2004 movie The Whole Ten Yards. Thompson shared that she was always “in awe” of the actor.

Over the years I have stood in awe of #mathewperry .Way back, when I worked with him when we were both on must see T.V. He was kind, funny and a perfect gentleman. Later my husband @howiedeutch made The Whole 10 Yards with him and Mathew even forgave him for #punking him by coming to our daughters bat mitzvah. He was the best. We are so devastated that he is gone to soon. Howie said “the loss of such a special and talented man who brought joy, laughter and hope to so many, including myself is heartbreaking.” We send our love to his family in this tragic time.

 

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Many people may not know that Perry was born in the United States, but mostly raised in Canada. In fact, one of his schoolmates and friends was the current Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Trudeau shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) after learning of Perry’s death.

Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. 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.

Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. 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.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 29, 2023

Friends — which was Perry’s big break — aired from 1994 until 2004, and was produced by Warner Bros. Shortly after Perry’s death, Warner Bros. released a statement.

“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”

Matthew Langford Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to a Canadian journalist and an American actor. Perry’s mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison, was actually the press secretary to Pierre Trudeau, the former Canadian Prime Minister and father to Justin Trudeau. Perry’s parents split when he was just one year old, and he primarily lived with his mother in Canada.

Sadly, Perry struggled with addiction for years. He first developed an addiction to Vicodin after a 1997 jet-ski accident. He also had issues with alcohol and, while he would not work on Friends while drunk, he admitted that he worked with severe hangovers and would sometimes be sweating and shaking due to withdrawals.

At his lowest, he was drinking two pints of vodka per day and would take dozens of painkillers. While in rehab in Switzerland, he faked an injury, so he could have access to Oxycontin and ketamine.

He did several stints in rehab. However, in early 2021, he got sober and reportedly stayed that way until his death on October 28.

What are your favorite Matthew Perry moments? Let us know in the comments!