The main cast of Friends has broken their silence to honor their beloved co-star Matthew Perry, who passed away on Saturday. Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer released a joint statement to People on October 30.
They said: “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.
“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’s official cause of death is still being determined by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was found unresponsive in his home’s hot tub, law enforcement sources told The Los Angeles Times. No drugs were found on the scene, and foul play is not suspected.
Friends’ co-creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and Kevin Bright released a joint statement to CBS News on Sunday, praising Perry’s talent and legacy.
“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. He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliché 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. 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. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Warner Bros Television Group and Friends’ official Instagram account also released a brief statement on Saturday. “We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing,” they said. “He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans.”
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Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.