Remembering Matthew Perry: Tributes and Reflections from the ‘Friends’ Cast

Everything the Friends Cast Has Said About the Death of Matthew Perry

Warner Bros. Television/Getty Images

The Friends cast will always remember the late Matthew Perry.

In a joint statement released days after his October 2023 death, the show's stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer expressed their devastation. They shared that they were more than just cast mates, they were a family. They mentioned that there is so much to say, but for now, they need time to grieve and process this unimaginable loss.

Perry passed away at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023. Two months later, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office disclosed that his cause of death was due to the acute effects of ketamine. The report, which was issued in December 2023, classified his death as accidental, also mentioning drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors.

Initially, the cast of Friends released a collective statement to honor Perry. However, as time passed, individual cast members shared their personal tributes and memories of Perry in various interviews.

Keep scrolling to see what Friends cast members have said about Perry following his death:

Courteney Cox

In a May 2024 interview, Cox shared that Perry still visits her often, even after he passed away. She mentioned that they still have conversations and she feels his presence in a spiritual way.

During an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the actress expressed her admiration for Perry, describing him as funny and kind-hearted despite his personal struggles. Cox also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work closely with him for many years.

Jennifer Aniston

Months after his passing, Aniston recalled her last conversation with Perry.

"He was happy," she told Variety in December 2023. "He was healthy. He had stopped smoking. He was working on getting fit. He was just happy — that's all I know."

Aniston mentioned that they had been "texting" on the morning he passed away. "He was such a funny guy," she added. "He wasn't in pain. He wasn't going through a hard time. He was happy."

Matt LeBlanc

Everything the Friends Cast Has Said About the Death of Matthew Perry

Warner Bros. Television

LeBlanc was the first Friends cast member to write a social media tribute to remember Perry.

Jennifer Aniston

"Matthew, saying goodbye is never easy. The moments we shared are some of the best in my life," the actor expressed in a heartfelt message in November 2023. "It was a privilege to work alongside you and to have you as a friend. I will always remember you with a smile, never forgetting you. Fly high, my brother, you are free now. Sending you lots of love. And I guess you get to keep the 20 bucks you owe me."

The actress paid tribute to her late friend on Instagram in November 2023, just two weeks after Perry's passing. Aniston shared on social media, "Oh boy this one has cut deep. Having to say goodbye to our Matty has brought a wave of emotions like never before. We all go through loss in life, whether it's losing someone or losing love. Embracing this grief allows us to cherish the moments of joy and gratitude for loving someone so deeply. Matty was a fundamental part of our group, always making us the 6 of us. Our bond was so strong, like a chosen family that forever shaped our lives and paths."

She posted sweet text messages they had exchanged, where he expressed how making Aniston laugh brightened his day and shared an old photo of them together.

Aniston reflected on how he loved to make people laugh, stating that he believed hearing laughter was essential for his survival. She fondly remembered how he never failed to bring laughter to everyone around him. She mentioned how she had been revisiting their text messages, experiencing a mix of laughter and tears. One particular message stood out to her, capturing the essence of their friendship.

David Schwimmer

Everything the Friends Cast Has Said About the Death of Matthew Perry

Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Jennifer Aniston reunited on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" Paul Drinkwater/WireImage.

Schwimmer also took a few weeks before sharing his social media tribute.

"Thank you, Matty, for ten amazing years filled with laughter and creativity. Your impeccable comic timing and delivery will always be remembered," the actor expressed his gratitude in November 2023.

"You had the unique talent of taking a simple line of dialogue and turning it into something completely original and unexpectedly funny. It still amazes me," he continued.

"Not only that, you had a heart of gold. You were so generous with it, allowing us to come together as a family despite being strangers. I can picture you up there, perhaps in your trademark white suit, hands in your pockets, joking about the clouds," he fondly imagined.

Lisa Kudrow

Kudrow started off her November 2023 tribute recalling how Perry suggested they “play poker” immediately after Friends was picked up by NBC.

Courteney Cox

Thank you for making me laugh so hard that my muscles ached and tears poured down my face every day. Thank you for your open heart in a six-way relationship that required compromise and a lot of communication. Thank you for showing up at work even when you weren't feeling well and still being brilliant. Thank you for the best 10 years a person could ask for. Thank you for trusting me and for all the lessons about grace and love that I learned from knowing you. Thank you for the time I got to spend with you, Matthew.

Everything the Friends Cast Has Said About the Death of Matthew Perry

Getty Images

Cox expressed her gratitude for having Perry in her life in a heartfelt Instagram post in November 2023.

In the post, she shared a deleted scene from Friends where her character, Monica, and Perry's character, Chandler, shared a special moment by sleeping together for the first time. Cox mentioned that there were countless memorable moments working closely with Matthew that she wished she could share.

Chandler and Monica were originally meant to have a one-night fling in London, but the audience's response changed the course of their relationship. According to Cox, this unexpected turn of events marked the start of their love story. Before filming a particular scene, he would often whisper funny lines for her to say, showcasing his humorous and thoughtful nature.

Editor's P/S:

The passing of Matthew Perry, beloved "Friends" star, has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his fellow cast members and the countless fans who adored him. Their heartfelt tributes paint a vivid portrait of a man who not only possessed exceptional comedic talent but also exuded kindness and generosity. Perry's ability to transform ordinary lines into unforgettable moments of laughter is a testament to his genius. Beyond the laughter, his castmates remember him as a source of love and support, a true friend who enriched their lives both on and off-screen.

The article provides a glimpse into the profound impact Perry had on his colleagues. Courteney Cox's spiritual connection with him speaks volumes about the depth of their bond. Jennifer Aniston's recall of their final conversation highlights Perry's contentment and happiness in his final days. Matt LeBlanc's affectionate message captures the playful camaraderie they shared, while David Schwimmer's tribute celebrates Perry's comedic brilliance and compassionate spirit. Lisa Kudrow's recollection of their poker game underscores the playful and intimate nature of their relationship. These personal anecdotes offer a poignant reminder of the extraordinary individual who brought so much joy to the world.