A sense of loss has swept over Hollywood as tributes from all corners of the industry roll in to celebrate the life of late Friends star Matthew Perry.
Tragically, Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles home after an apparent drowning incident. He was 54 years old.
The beloved actor was best known for his character Chandler Bing in the award-winning sitcom Friends. However, the star’s recent memoir shed light on his struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism, which affected the majority of his adult life. According to reports, no drugs were found at the scene and law enforcement has allegedly ruled out any suspicion of foul play.
In the hours that followed the announcement, legions of grief-stricken posts trickled in from Hollywood alumni.
At this stage, none of his Friends co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc or David Schwimmer, have commented on his passing. The 2021 made-for-TV special Friends: The Reunion was the last time the six leads were together under the same roof.
Amongst the outpour of bereavement came one surprising post from Gwyneth Paltrow.
Though neither Perry nor Paltrow had publicly discussed their friendship before this, Paltrow revealed in her eulogy that they shared a brief “magical summer” romance in 1993—just before Perry skyrocketed to fame in Friends. “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,” wrote Paltrow.
Ahead, the celebrity tributes honouring Matthew Perry’s life and legacy and prove that even in death, friends will always be there for you.
Celebrity tributes for Matthew Perry, including Gwyneth Paltrow and the Friends cast
Gwyneth Paltrow
“I met Matthew Perry in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts. We were both there for most of the summer doing plays. 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.”
Selma Blair
“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.”
Adele
Adele pays tribute to Matthew Perry at her show in Vegas:
“He was so open with his struggles with addiction and sobriety, which I think is incredibly, incredibly brave. I just wanna say how much I love what he did for all of us” pic.twitter.com/mOYZGwsraV
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 29, 2023
Adele took a moment of silence during one of her Las Vegas residency shows to honour Matthew Perry’s passing. Her complete statement read:
“It’s always quite shocking when someone, especially someone who made you laugh, who brought so much joy to your life, that you don’t know—this is what I find so strange. I’ve never met him in my life. It’s happened with a few other comedians and stuff like that. But, there’s something you feel so sad about it. Especially because you don’t necessarily know what’s going on.
“Some of my favourite memories when I was younger with my friends, and one of my friends, Andrew, when I was 12 did the best Chandler impression. He would do it all the time to make us laugh and if any of us were having a bad day or feeling low, he would just pretend to be Chandler.
“I will remember that character for the rest of my life. It was a really big part of my life. He was so open with his struggles with addiction and sobriety, which is incredibly brave. I just want to say how much I love what he did for us. Especially what he did for me. One of the best comedians, and hopefully, now he can rest in peace.
Justin Trudeau
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, tweeted about Matthew Perry, his childhood classmate.
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
