Matthew Perry. Image: Twitter/@FriendsTV
The death of Matthew Perry — who captured the world with his sarcastic yet warm-hearted portrayal of the role Chandler Bing in the hit TV series “Friends” — came as a shock to the world, with celebrities expressing their love for the late actor.
Perry was found dead of an apparent drowning in his Los Angeles home with no signs of foul play, according to US media. He was 54 years old.
Following Perry’s death, the official X (Twitter) page of the hit sitcom — which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 — took to social media to pay tribute to the actor who was said to be a “true gift to us all.”
“We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans,” their post read.
We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans. pic.twitter.com/Xv6HkpSEBl
— FRIENDS (@FriendsTV) October 29, 2023
Warner Bros. Studios, one of the producers of “Friends,” said the actor’s “comedic genius was felt around the world” in an official statement, as they noted him for being an “incredibly gifted actor.”
“Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family,” Warner Bros. Studios said. “The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
FILE PHOTO: The cast of “Friends” appears in the photo room at the 54th annual Emmy Awards in Los Angeles September 22, 2002. From the left are, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox Arquette, Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
Maggie Wheeler, who starred as Chandler’s ex-girlfriend Janice in “Friends,” said the moments she spent with the late actor were a blessing. “What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry.”
“The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared,” she continued.
Morgan Fairchild took to her X page to send love to Perry, as well as his friends, family, and father, actor John Bennett Perry. She is noted for starring as the actor’s onscreen mother Nora Tyler Bing on the hit sitcom.
“I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son,’ Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock,” she wrote. “I’m sending love & condolences to his friends and family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on ‘Flamingo Road’ and ‘Falcon Crest.’”
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 pic.twitter.com/QWMsBVJEAr
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) October 29, 2023
Meanwhile, Perry’s “Friends” lead co-stars Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc — whose friendship with the actor extended beyond the series — have yet to issue a statement about his death, as of this writing.
While sharing a snippet of her scene with Perry in the 1988 film “Dance with Dawn” on Instagram, Alyssa Milano looked back at some of her favorite moments with the late star.
“Matty, remember when we used to go play bingo at that church in the valley? You made me laugh that painful kind of laugh. A cry laugh. You made me cry-laugh,” she wrote.
Selma Blair, who guest-starred on “Friends” as Wendy, spoke about how much she loved the late actor “unconditionally” on Instagram. “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially,” she said.
“Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams,” she further added.
On the other hand, award-winning actress Viola Davis mourned Perry’s “devastating death” while noting how much his book “shifted so close to my heart.”
“The people no one sees and most throw away. It was a gift. Beyond the joy you brought to many, your heart reigned supreme. Rest well… know that you brought love,” she added.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was Perry’s school buddy in elementary school, recalled how much he enjoyed the “schoolyard games” they used to play when they were young. Perry’s mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison, was press secretary to Trudeau’s father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
“Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening,” he wrote. “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.”
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 29, 2023
Perry’s final posts
The actor’s death came a week after he shared a series of posts on his personal Instagram account documenting what seemed to be apparent references to the superhero Batman, including the famous bat-signal, Batman’s symbols, and even an apparent play of his name and the comic character together.
“Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you? – I’m Mattman,” Perry wrote in a post, which included a short clip of the moon.
“Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman,” the caption of Perry’s final Instagram post, where he shared a photo of himself relaxing by the jacuzzi.
Apart from his Emmy-nominated role in “Friends,” Perry also appeared in the TV series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Sydney,” and “Mr. Sunshine,” just to name a few.
The actor also made a mark in a number of films including “17 Again,” “Fools Rush In,” and “The Whole Nine Yards,” and “Almost Heroes” prior to his sudden death.