On Saturday, it was confirmed that Matthew Perry had passed away at his home. The news broke before Perry’s family was officially informed, as TMZ reportedly paid off a police source for the information. This reprehensible act was met with quick action from Perry’s family, who arrived at the scene promptly and issued heartbreaking statements. Fans of the beloved actor were eagerly awaiting a response from his Friends co-stars, and they finally released a joint statement once they all agreed on the wording. Their message was simple, yet poignant. It is apparent that they are all devastated by the loss.
The Friends cast is mourning one of their own. Two days after Matthew Perry’s sudden death, his fellow castmates from the hit television series — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer — spoke out in a joint statement, exclusively obtained by PEOPLE.
“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 is then signed by Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer.
Series co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright, also issued a joint statement on Sunday.
“We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing,” they wrote. “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.” Reflecting on Perry’s breakout performance, they noted, “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.”
Kaufman, Crane, and Bright’s statement continued, “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.”
[From People]
Calling him “Matty” in the statement broke my heart a little bit – that was his nickname among the Friends cast. It is my hope that they are all connecting and supporting one another during this difficult time. While it was evident that Perry was well-liked within Hollywood, I have been surprised by how many celebrities have mourned his passing as a longtime friend. Salma Hayek, who worked with Perry on Fools Rush In, posted a tribute, and Gwyneth Paltrow even revealed in her statement that they had a romantic history in their 20s.
Gwyneth Paltrow saying a truly sweet and poignant goodbye to Matthew Perry and slipping in the fact that they hooked up is EXACTLY how I want to be remembered pic.twitter.com/Udif0dQ1EA
— Lizzie Logan (@lizzzzzielogan) October 30, 2023
