The 'Friends' Cast Released a Statement Mourning Matthew Perry's Death

Matthew Perry, the beloved actor and sobriety advocate, has died. Perry was reportedly found unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28. CNN reports that a cause of death has not been specified, though foul play is not suspected and no drugs were found at the scene. An autopsy is currently underway. The actor was 54.

Perry is widely known for his work on the NBC sitcom Friends, where he played the witty and lovable Chandler Bing. In the wake of Perry’s death, his former co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer released a joint statement to People. “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” they said. “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 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.”

Friends showrunners Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright shared a statement, too. “We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing,” they said. “It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us. This is truly the One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”

Aside from Friends, Perry also starred in a series of television shows and films, including The Whole Nine Yards, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Good Fight, The Kennedys after Camelot, Cougar Town, 17 Again, and many more. Perry began his career as a teenager in 1985 and brought his comedic genius to every project he graced.

Perry’s legacy in Hollywood is undeniable, though it’s said that he was most proud of his work in advocacy. Throughout his adult life, Perry was unflinchingly honest about his struggles with substance abuse and became a voice and listening ear for anyone in need. In 2022 he wrote his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, which detailed his battle with alcoholism. Following the release of his memoir, Perry said, “The best thing about me, bar none, is if somebody comes up to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking, can you help me?’ I can say yes and follow up and do it. And I’ve said this for a long time: when I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned—I want that to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.”

In the wake of Perry’s death, friends and fans of the star are remembering his legacy online.

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