Friends Cast Attends Private Funeral of Matthew Perry, Reportedly Laid to Rest
Matthew Perry, beloved 'Friends' actor, was laid to rest in a private funeral attended by his fellow cast members The untimely passing of Perry on October 28 left fans heartbroken, as his on-screen companions bid their final farewell in a touching tribute
Matthew Perry Denise Truscello/WireImage
Matthew Perry was laid to rest on Friday, November 3rd, in a private funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The service took place in Los Angeles' Hollywood Hills neighborhood, close to the Warner Bros. Studios lot where the popular TV show Friends was filmed.
Perry's previous co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer were reportedly present at the funeral, according to TMZ. Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, his father, John Bennett Perry, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, were also in attendance.
The funeral took place almost a week after Matthew's unexpected death at the age of 54 on Saturday, October 28. Law enforcement officials discovered the actor "unconscious in a stand-alone jacuzzi" at his Pacific Palisades residence. A statement from the Los Angeles Fire Department on Monday, October 30, confirmed that he had passed away prior to the arrival of first responders. The official cause of death is still pending confirmation, pending the results of a toxicology report.
It was announced earlier on Friday that the Matthew Perry Foundation will be the lasting legacy of Matthew, aiming to provide support for individuals facing addiction. The foundation is already operational and accepting donations, embodying Matthew's own words, experiences, and dedication to making a positive impact on as many lives as possible.
Throughout his life, Matthew openly discussed his personal struggles with addiction, addressing them in his memoir titled "Friends Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing" released in 2022. However, Matthew, known for his portrayal of the witty Chandler Bing on Friends from 1994 to 2004, expressed his desire to be remembered for more than just his iconic role on the popular sitcom.
"I hope that when I pass away, my efforts to assist others will be prioritized over my so-called accomplishments, particularly my friendships," he expressed during an episode of the "Q with Tom Power" podcast in November 2022. "While I understand that this may not become a reality, it would be gratifying."
He further elaborated, stating, "Undoubtedly, the most commendable aspect of my character is my willingness to aid and support individuals struggling with alcoholism or addiction. If someone approaches me and seeks assistance, I have the ability to sincerely accept and actively pursue it. Rather than Friends being the foremost aspect mentioned upon my demise, I aspire to be recognized for this role, and I intend to continue exemplifying it throughout my existence."
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While Perry may not have desired Friends to be his only lasting impact, it undoubtedly held significant importance in his life, particularly due to the profound connections he forged with his fellow cast members. On Monday, the ensemble honored their enduring comrade in a heartwarming tribute.
In a joint statement on Monday, Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer expressed their profound devastation over the loss of Matthew. They emphasized that their bond went beyond being cast mates, as they considered themselves a family. The cast members acknowledged that there is much to be said, but for now, they need time to grieve and process this unimaginable loss.
During an episode of the Today show on Thursday, November 2, Jim Burrows, who directed 15 episodes of Friends, revealed that the women in the cast were deeply affected by Perry's death. He shared that he had texted the girls on the day they received the news, and their devastation was evident. Burrows described it as losing a brother.
