Costars and Friends of Matthew Perry Remember Him as a 'Lovely Man' as Tributes Continue to Pour In for Star

Elizabeth Hurley, Kathleen Turner, Minnie Driver, Wendell Pierce, Shannen Doherty and more honored the late 'Friends' star, who died unexpectedly at 54 on Saturday

Matthew Perry is receiving tributes from Hollywood and beyond after his sudden death.

On Saturday, multiple outlets confirmed that the 54-year-old actor had died from an apparent drowning. As news of the Friends star's death circulated, many both within and outside of the entertainment community shared memories of the five-time Emmy nominee.

Michelle and Robert King, co-creators of The Good Wife and The Good Fight, reminisced about the opportunities they had to work with the late actor.

"So many people have talked about Matthew Perry's struggles, and, yes, that's probably true; but can we just go on for a minute about how much fun it was to collaborate with him?" they wrote in a statement shared with PEOPLE. "Not just on THE GOOD WIFE and GOOD FIGHT, but also on a limited series we tried to develop with each other. Everyone knows that Matthew was funny -- and he was plenty funny -- but he was also deadly serious about his craft."

The Kings continued, "He wanted to play a villain because he wanted to stretch himself as an actor. He took his work, but not himself, very seriously. But off the set, he was anything but villainous. Kind, menschy, honest about his issues. We'll miss him a lot."

Related: Christina Ricci, Aisha Tyler and Other Friends Guest Stars Remember Matthew Perry

In a post shared to Instagram, his Serving Sara costar Elizabeth Hurley captioned a carousel of photos and videos of the two filming the movie and posing for promotional content.

"RIP Matthew Perry," she wrote. "So sad to hear the news of his passing. He was an incredibly talented comedian and a lovely man."

Morgan Fairchild, Perry's on-screen mother in Friends, expressed her devastation at the news, writing on X (formerly known as Twitter): "I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my 'son', Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew"

Related: Maggie Wheeler, Actress Who Played Janice on Friends, Mourns Death of Matthew Perry: 'The World Will Miss You'

Another Friends costar, Paget Brewster, who played Chandler's love interest, Kathy, on the show, also paid tribute to Perry in a heartfelt post on X, where she shared her deep sadness at learning of the actor's death and remembered the kindness he had shown her during their years working together, and beyond.

"I’m so very sad to hear about @MatthewPerry," she wrote. "He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though.. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there."

Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, and EP Kevin Bright issued a joint statement, saying that Perry's death "still seems impossible."

"We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives. He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us," they said.

"We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment - not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart. We send all of our love to his family and friends." Playing off the show's tradition episode title format, the trio concluded, "This truly is 'The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.' "

Kaley Cuoco posted an Entertainment Tonight clip of Perry talking about the “magic” of Friends, with him saying, “I knew it was going to be the happiest time of my life and it was.”

“Thank you for the laugh Matt Perry,” Cuoco captioned the clip in an Instagram story. “You were a joy to watch for so many years and a constant lesson in comedic timing. We loved you!! So sad to hear this.”

Brooke Shields, who played Joey’s psycho super fan on Friends, said in an Instagram post that she was “really struggling to find the words. You were so loved, Matthew. I loved you dearly. Thank you for the belly laughs. You brought joy to so many. We already miss you… sending all of my love to your family & friends 💔”

Lea Thompson, who made a guest appearance on Friends and whose husband Howie Deutch directed Perry in the 2004 movie The Whole Ten Yards shared a poignant post on Instagram where she talked about their friendship with the actor.

"Over the years I have stood in awe of #mathewperry. Way back, when I worked with him when we were both on must see T.V. He was kind, funny and a perfect gentleman. Later my husband @howiedeutch made The Whole 10 Yards with him and Mathew even forgave him for #punking him by coming to our daughters bat mitzvah."

Thompson continued, "He was the best. We are so devastated that he is gone to soon. Howie said "the loss of such a special and talented man who brought joy, laughter and hope to so many, including myself is heartbreaking." We send our love to his family in this tragic time."

Sarah Ferguson recalls how excited she was to meet Perry when Friends shot portions of Ross and Emily’s wedding in London. “I remember being thrilled to have met a natural talent, comedian and brilliant actor. It is a tragedy to lose you so early in life, rest in peace dear Matthew … you have given so much joy and laughter to so many,” she wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of her with the cast.

In a message shared on her Instagram Story, Rumer Willis — whose father Bruce Willis starred in The Whole Nine Yards and The Whole Ten Yards alongside Perry — wrote, "I'm so sad to hear about Matthew Perry passing."

She recounted, "When I was a kid and I was on Set while he and my dad were doing whole nine and whole 10 yards he was so kind and funny and sweet with my sisters and me and I think his physical Comedy and that movie still makes me laugh so much, I know he had many challenges in his life and brought a lot of joy to people with his comedy I hope he can rest peacefully."

Related: Remembering Matthew Perry's Life and Career in Photos

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, one of Perry's school classmates in Ottawa, wrote on X: "Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed."

Perry's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip costar and director Timothy Busfield shared an exclusive statement with PEOPLE: "Matty Perry was a gem. I had the great, good fortune to act with and also direct him on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip."

Busfield continued, "He was a good, good man and a sweet, funny soul who will be missed, desperately. Not only by his millions of devoted fans, but by those co-workers and friends who he made crumble to the floor with his fast and searing wit. He told me that he once spent an entire evening entertaining a famous director. Taking him to one club after another, thinking to himself “he really likes me, maybe he’ll hire me”. It wasn’t until the following morning, after a great night, that he discovered it wasn’t the famous director at all. He was just some guy.He told that story on himself. That’s what kind of man he was.Happy Trails, brother. I’ll miss you."

In a statement shared exclusively with PEOPLE, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip costar Columbus Short spoke of Perry's talent, kindness and generosity.

"Matthew was not only one of the most talented actors I was blessed to work with but he was equally as kind, generous and took me under his wing during our time on Studio 60," Short began.

"I was a rookie amongst veterans and Matthew treated me like we had known each other for years. Funny story, I was a recurring guest star so I had basically a cubicle for a trailer and every lunch break he would invite me to his trailer to play videos, laugh and chill. By the end of the series I was in Matt's trailer more than he was. Taking and playing videos and watching his directv. He is already truly missed and his family, extended family and “Friends” are in my prayers. This is a tough one for everyone. Missing you already. MP love you man” he concluded.

Ayda Field Williams — who also costarred with Perry in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and is married to singer Robbie Williams — also shared a tribute to the late actor. A message on Instagram alongside a still of herself and Perry from the show.

"I’ve just read the news that Matthew Perry has passed away and my heart is heavy," she began.

"Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working with Matt on a tv series called Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip. Working alongside him for a year was truly a privilege, personally and professionally. Not only was Matt one of the most talented actors I’ve ever worked with, he was one wickedly funny human being. He lit up a room with his humour and his charm. I feel grateful that I have these memories and am mourning the loss of a really special man. I’ll miss you, Matt 💔xx #rip"

Another star who worked with Perry on the comedy series, comedian D.L. Hughley, said in a statement to PEOPLE: "So very sad. Matthew was a professional; an incredibly funny and wonderful human being. He was always so generous and gracious on set. I learned a lot from him, and I was lucky to have had a chance to work with him."

Minnie Driver — who appeared alongside Perry in David Mamet's play Sexual Perversity In Chicago in 2003 — shared how "kind" and "funny" the late actor was during their time working together.

"I think you’d finally found peace in your life. I will remember just how much we laughed when we worked together, and how kind and incredibly funny you were," she wrote on Instagram, adding, "rest in peace, rise in glory 🤍"

Olivia Munn also shared her condolences for the late actor in an Instagram Story post as well, writing, "He struggled with so much addiction and was brave enough to be open and honest about it. I'm so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today. Nothing short of heartbreaking. Rest in love, Matthew Perry 💔"

Related: Matthew Perry Spoke Candidly About His Sobriety Journey in Year Before His Death

Shannen Doherty, Perry's one-time costar when he appeared on Beverly Hills 90210 in 1991, wrote on Instagram: "We were a gang way back. We all grew up together going to the Formosa, North and constantly laughing. Matt, Roger, David, Roxana. We played dare and Matt had to say ridiculous things to girls at the bar. We just always had fun and supported each other. You would always find us all together in a booth speaking in our own made up language. And yes, Matt always had THAT sense of humor."

Doherty recalled, "Matt and I had a date and it was on Valentine’s Day. He wanted to get a reservation at a restaurant in Malibu but couldn’t so my dad got the reservation for him. We went and he talked about my dads Irish persuasiveness the majority of the night. Our friendship spanned a long time. A lifetime really."

She concluded, "I know many are hurting, especially our little gang. He will be missed by many and definitely by us. Yes. I could be more poetic or say things better but right now, shock and sadness prevail."

"Matty was always the funniest person in the room. And the KINDEST. He was kind," affirmed Alyssa Milano on Instagram.

"Matty, remember when we used to go play bingo at that church in the valley?" she wrote. "You made me laugh that painful kind of laugh. A cry laugh. You made me cry-laugh."

The Who's the Boss? alum concluded, "My condolences to all who loved him. 💔"

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Valerie Bertinelli, who played Perry's sibling on the 1990 CBS sitcom Sydney, posted a tribute to the star on her Instagram Story. "Rest in peace, sweet man," she said.

Honoring Perry on X, Wendell Pierce, who portrayed the actor's boss on the 2015 CBS The Odd Couple wrote: "For 2 years Matthew Perry was my boss, my colleague, and a giving, kind, funny man. I pray and hope he is at peace."

George Takei said in his own tribute, "What a tragic piece of news to read. My heart goes out to his loved ones and long time cast mates."

In a statement given to PEOPLE, Laura Benanti, who starred on Go On with Perry, said, “Matty was a generous, brilliant man of unparalleled talent. I feel grateful to have known him."

Ami Dolenz, who starred in the 1989 film She's Out of Control with Perry, told PEOPLE in a statement: "When I heard the news of Matthew's passing, I was stunned. He was incredibly talented and a joy to be around. His comedic timing was impeccable. I'll always remember the Prom/dancing scene we did together in the movie She's Out of Control; it was an absolute blast. He always made me laugh. Matthew will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Matthew."

Related: Matthew Perry Dead: Read the Friends Star's 2022 PEOPLE Cover Interview About His Addiction and Memoir

Perry's Parallel Lives costar Mira Sorvino also publicly reacted to the actor's death. "Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!! 💔 💔 💔," she wrote on X.

Meredith Salenger, who worked with Perry on 1988's A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, also posted a tribute on X alongside photos of the two stars together.

"Oh no no no no no! Matty! Oh man. My heart breaks. Matty . . . Matthew and I have known each other since were were 16 years old. Oh man. No words. Rest in peace sweet @MatthewPerry. 💔😔," the actress wrote.

Tom Green, who was raised in Perry's hometown of Ottawa, Canada, also shared on X, "Shocked and saddened to just hear about the passing of Matthew Perry in a tragic drowning. He is one of the many talented and incredible success stories from my hometown of Ottawa Canada. Rest in peace Matthew."

Related: Matthew Perry Shares Rare Photo with His Father, Actor John Bennett Perry

Nancy Sinatra added on the social platform, "Happy trails to you, Matt. Thanks for being you. Wishing you a peaceful journey home through the stars.If you loved Matthew Perry as I did read his book. You will learn a lot about him."

"Awful news. RIP brother," Josh Charles wrote in a statement.

On her Instagram page, Selma Blair paid tribute to Perry, writing, "♥️. My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.

Josh Gad, who's currently starring in Broadway's Gutenberg The Musical, wrote on Instagram: "What horrible news to walk out to at the end of my show. No words. Just devastating. 💔💔💔 Love to all of his friends and his entire family."

In a post shared on Instagram, Octavia Spencer honored Perry, too, writing, "I’m incredibly saddened to hear of Matthew Perry’s passing today. His gift to the world will be remembered forever. Sending love to Matthew’s family, friends, co-stars and millions of fans around the world 🤍🕊️."

Viola Davies added that Perry's "heart reigned supreme" in her own tribute.

"This is devastating. Your book shifted so many close to my heart," she wrote on Instagram. "The people no one sees and most throwaway. It was a gift. Beyond the joy you brought to many, your heart reigned supreme. Rest well.....know that you brought love 💔🕊."

Also on Instagram, The Office star Rainn Wilson wrote that he was "heartbroken" at the news of Perry's death, adding that he "only got to meet Matthew a handful of times, but he was always sharp and kind."

"He was, and I use this term rarely, a genius. Chandler was one of the all-time great characters and his ability to spin a slightly funny line into absolute comedy gold was unsurpassed. Soar with the comedic angels, Matthew Perry. R.I.P.," Wilson's post concluded.

During her Las Vegas residency on Saturday night, the singer Adele took a moment out from her performance to speak to the crowd about her love for the late actor, following the news of his death.

In a video shared by The Los Angeles Times on Instagram, Adele told the audience that while she had never met Perry, she felt "so sad" about his death. She recalled a friend doing an impression of the actor's character Chandler during her youth and told the crowd that she would "remember that character for the rest of my life.”

She went on to say "how much I love what he did for us" and added that "hopefully now he can rest in peace."

The singer then performed her track "When We Were Young."

Related: Matthew Perry's Most Memorable Friends Moments as Chandler Bing

Gwyneth Paltrow also posted a touching tribute to Perry, writing in an Instagram post that they met 30 years ago and shared a kiss one "magical summer."

"I met Matthew Perry in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts. We were both there for most of the summer doing plays," she wrote. "He was so funny and so sweet and so much fun to be with. We drove out to swim in creeks, had beers in the local college bar, kissed in a field of long grass. It was a magical summer. He had shot the pilot of Friends but it had not aired yet. He was nervous, hoping his big break was just around the corner. It was. We stayed friends for a while until we drifted apart, but I was always happy to see him when I did. I am super sad today, as so many of us are. I hope Matthew is at peace at long last. I really do.

Hank Azaria paid tribute to his longtime friend, whom he met over 35 years ago and was “the funniest man ever.”

“Matthew was the first friend I made in Los Angeles, when I moved there. I was 21, he was 16,” Azaria said in a video post on Instagram. “Matthew and I became really good friends and we were really more like brothers for a long time. We drank a lot together, we laughed a lot together, we were there for each other in the early days of our career."

The Simpsons actor went on to share his love for his friend and how addiction affected their relationship. “I really loved him. A lot of us who were close to him felt like we lost him to drugs and alcohol a long time ago because — as he documented in his autobiography — there was so much suffering," Azaria said.

“I’m a sober guy for 17 years, and I wanna say that, the night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in. The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together,” Azaria continued. “He was so caring and giving and wise. And he totally helped me get sober. And I really wish he could’ve, you know, found the – found it in himself to stay with the silver life more consistently.”

David Beckham posted two photos of Perry in an Instagram story of Chandler in mid-laugh with a broken heart emoji and the caption, “it’s just so sad. We will miss this smile.”

"The Haunting of Hill House" actress Elizabeth Reaser remembers how Perry was there for her many years ago, when she was having a "rough time" in her life and needed a friend.

"He said it would be nice if people would remember him for how he tried to help other people. So I would like to add to the conversation that when I was going through a really tough time in my life, around 2008, Matthew happened to text me and say how are you - and I was sad enough in that moment to tell him," she began.

"I was surprised then and I still am that he made a big effort to make me feel better and try to uplift me. And he was just so so kind. And because he cared so much, it did help. At one point we lived in the same apartment building and he would run lines with me for big auditions, encourage me, take me to spinning classes, dinners with his friends." She continued, "He was just a nice person. And empathetic. And so so so funny. Obviously. I know I’m one of millions who feel sad to know he’s gone."

Ione Skye shared the sweet last text conversation with Perry, that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. In it, Perry says, "Hi! I hope all is well. I was meditating (I meditate now) and ‘In Your Eyes’ starting playing. And I instantly thought of how beautiful you are,” he wrote, referencing the song from her film Say Anything."

"My last exchange a week ago. I’m very very sad. Loved this guy," she wrote as the caption.

Perry, who was best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead at a Los Angeles-area home on Saturday, according to multiple outlets.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that officers responded to a call at Perry's address regarding the death of a male in his 50s, but would not confirm the deceased's identity.

TMZ was also told that there was no foul play involved, and their sources said first-responders were called to the residence for cardiac arrest.

Representatives for Perry did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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