Since the news of Matthew Perry’s untimely death, tributes have flooded in from the entertainment world – read them below.
Perry, who died aged 54, was reportedly found unresponsive due to a suspected drowning on Saturday (October 28). Authorities have said no foul play was involved, and no drugs were found at the scene.
The entertainment world has began to pay tribute to the actor, who is best known for his role as Chandler Bing on NBC’s Friends.
Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane wrote a statement in honour of Perry, saying: “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.” You can read their full message here.
Perry’s Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer penned a joint tribute on Monday (October 30). “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” the statement read. “We were more than just cast mates. 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.”
Adele also paid tribute to the actor at her recent Las Vegas residency: “He was so open with his struggles with addiction and sobriety, which I think is incredibly, incredibly brave.” Meanwhile, Charlie Puth honoured Perry by playing a heartfelt rendition of the Friends theme tune at his concert in Melbourne. Saturday Night Live also paid tribute to the actor in their most recent episode.
Maggie Wheeler, who played Bing’s on-off girlfriend Janice Hosenstein, wrote on Instagram: “What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Meanwhile, Perry’s on-screen mother, Morgan Fairchild, shared this statement via X/Twitter: “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.”
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
The actor also starred in various projects; shortly before Friends, Perry was featured in Parallel Lines (1994), a mystery-drama film. Co-star Mira Sorvino wrote: “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!”
Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) October 29, 2023
Perry was born in Massachusetts on August 19, 1969, but was raised in various cities across Canada for most of his youth. He attended the same elementary school as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who took to social media to remember Perry.
“Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening,” he wrote. “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
Read more tributes below:
What a tragic piece of news to read. My heart goes out to his loved ones and long time cast mates. https://t.co/86iruEP5G0
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) October 29, 2023
RIP Matthew Perry, 54.
The Friends star was a great actor, but by his own admission, a very tormented guy. His recent autobiography about his addiction-ravaged life was one of the most powerful, honest and revealing I’ve ever read. Such sad news. pic.twitter.com/RxAA1V1fr6— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 29, 2023
RIP Matthew Perry. You will be missed by so many. A great man
— Miriam Margolyes OBE (@MMargolyes) October 29, 2023
I adored #MatthewPerry. He once made Matt Le Blanc give me a shoulder massage, which I thought very sporting. Also Friends was one of the most brilliant telly shows ever made, in my view. I watched one again to see if I was right about that and I think I was. pic.twitter.com/caoZDJ8wW3
— Richard Coles (@RevRichardColes) October 29, 2023
The post Entertainment world pays tribute following “heartbreaking” Matthew Perry death appeared first on NME.
