‘Friends’ Co-Stars Gather to Mourn Matthew Perry at Actor’s Private Funeral

A private funeral was held for Matthew Perry on Friday afternoon, with the actor’s “Friends” co-stars in attendance along with other loved ones and family.

People reports that Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow all convened for the event, held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. It’s also the final resting place of notable names such as Paul Walker, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds and Nipsey Hussle. The funeral began at around 3 p.m. before ending around 5 p.m.

More from Variety

• Matthew Perry Foundation Established to Help Those Struggling With Addiction

• Greta Gerwig on Writing 'Barbie' for Ryan Gosling and Watching Kingsley Ben-Adir 'Ascend the Throne' in His Final Scene: 'Get This to Whoever Is Making James Bond'

• Through 'Friends,' Matthew Perry's Chandler Bing Gave Me Hope I Couldn't Find Elsewhere

Perry died on Oct. 28 at the age of 54. Two days later, his “Friends” co-stars released a joint statement mourning their fellow cast member.

“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. 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,” the five wrote. “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.”

Perry was very forthcoming about his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse after rising to fame in the ’90s. He became addicted to Vicodin and went to rehab after a jet ski accident in 1997. He later turned his Malibu property into a sober living facility. A foundation in the actor’s name was established earlier Friday morning, accepting donations to help those struggling with addiction.

“When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned — I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned,” Perry said on the “Q With Tom Power” podcast in 2022, promoting his memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.” “I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that. Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.”

Best of Variety

• Oscars Predictions: Best Actress - Could 'Maestro' Be the First Film Since 'As Good as It Gets' to Win Two Lead Acting Prizes?

• Oscars Predictions: Best Actor - Bradley Cooper and Paul Giamatti Among Six Contenders Battling for Five Slots

• Awards Season Calendar (2023-2024): Key Dates and Timeline for Oscars, DGA, WGA and More

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.