The “Friends” ensemble is presently taking a moment to cope with and mourn the passing of their former colleague, Matthew Perry.
In a unified statement delivered to CNN on Monday, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc conveyed their deep sorrow at Matthew’s loss. They emphasized that their connection was more than that of mere castmates; they were a family.
The statement, released by their respective representatives, read, “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 share more when we are ready. For now, our thoughts and love go out to Matty’s family, friends, and everyone who cherished him around the world.”
Matthew Perry, aged 54, passed away at his residence in the Los Angeles area on Saturday.
Perry was a charming and sardonic member of a close-knit group of friends living in New York City. He was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom “Friends” from 1994 to 2004. Through streaming sites, the program continues to enthrall youthful viewers.
The show was a cultural phenomenon at the time it debuted. For his depiction, he received an Emmy nomination in 2002 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. In 2021, he received a second nod for executive producing the “Friends: The Reunion” special on what was then known as HBO Max.
As stated by the Los Angeles Fire Department, Perry was discovered “unconscious in a stand-alone jacuzzi” and was helped to safety by an onlooker. But a quick medical checkup confirmed he had passed already before the first responders arrived.
The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner are presently looking into the circumstances surrounding his death, although no foul play is suspected, according to a law enforcement source that CNN reported. Although an autopsy has been performed, the findings of toxicology reports, which can take several weeks to come back, are still being awaited to determine the exact reason for his passing.
The co-creators of “Friends,” Marta Kauffman and David Crane, as well as executive producer Kevin Bright, expressed their astonishment and profound regret at Matthew’s demise. They praised him as the funniest guy in any gathering and remembered the enthusiasm, intellect, and warmth he gave to both his professional and personal life. In addition, they praised his generosity, declaring that “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
The ensemble of “Friends” had a deep bond that extended beyond the screen, and their friendship has continued since the show’s 2004 finale. Matthew Perry stated that whenever they met one other, the festivities would stop and they would stick together in the HBO Max “Friends: The Reunion” special from 2021.
As Matthew stated in his memoir, his coworkers on the show helped him in his fight against addiction. His conversation with Jennifer Aniston regarding his drinking problem was a turning point in his recovery.
Their tight relationship was evident in both their personal and business dealings. The cast used its combined muscle to craft a plan during negotiations in 1996 that ultimately led to large salary increases. At the conclusion of the show, each main cast member was receiving $1 million for each episode. Perry emphasized the band’s tight-knit and compassionate nature in a 2021 interview, describing their reunions as happy occasions.
