Mourning the Loss: Matt LeBlanc Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Matthew Perry - Embracing Freedom
Matt LeBlanc pays tribute to his late friend Matthew Perry, sharing heartfelt memories of their friendship after Perry's tragic passing at 54
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Matt LeBlanc honored his Friends costar and friend Matthew Perry in an emotional tribute following his death.
Matthew, I bid farewell with a profound sadness. The moments we shared are truly some of the most cherished in my life," expressed LeBlanc, 56, via Instagram on Tuesday, November 14. "It was a privilege to perform alongside you and to have you as my friend. Whenever I think of you, a smile will grace my face, and you will always hold a special place in my memory. Forever."
He further conveyed, "Expand your horizons and soar, my brother, for you have found ultimate freedom. Sending all my love. By the way, I suppose you'll be keeping the 20 dollars you owe me."
LeBlanc and Perry forged a friendship while portraying the lovable duo of Joey and Chandler on the iconic sitcom Friends. Running from 1994 to 2004, the show revolved around a close-knit group of friends in New York City, with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer also featuring prominently.
Although the co-stars occasionally crossed paths after the show's end, their joint appearance on Max's Friends reunion in 2021 marked their final on-screen reunion as a cast.
Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry. Ron Davis/Getty Images
Last month, the Los Angeles coroner's office confirmed that Perry passed away at the age of 54, following an apparent drowning. The police were initially called to a residence in Los Angeles for a report of someone experiencing cardiac arrest, and upon arrival, they discovered the actor in an unconscious state in a hot tub. Although an initial autopsy was conducted, the specific cause of Perry's death was not determined and is awaiting a toxicology report.
Subsequently, Perry's family expressed their profound sadness in a statement, describing how devastated they are by the loss. The statement emphasized the immense joy that Matthew brought to the world, both through his acting career and personal relationships. The family also conveyed their gratitude for the overwhelming amount of love and support that has been extended to them during this difficult time.
Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin S. Bright, expressed their shock and profound sadness at the passing of Matthew, a beloved friend. They feel incredibly grateful to have had him in their lives and acknowledge his immense talent. They believe that Matthew truly made his role his own, and there are no words more honest to describe his exceptional abilities.
LeBlanc and other Friends costars, including Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, and Schwimmer, expressed their deep sorrow and paid tribute to Matthew in a heartfelt statement. In their joint statement on October 30, they expressed their devastation and emphasized that they were more than just colleagues, but a close-knit family. They acknowledged that there was much to say, but they needed time to mourn and come to terms with the unimaginable loss they were facing. They promised to provide further updates when they were ready, and meanwhile, they extended their thoughts, love, and support to Matthew's family, friends, and fans worldwide.
