Friends cast members made their first public statement on Monday since the death of Matthew Perry on Saturday. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer released the statement on Monday afternoon.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. (And) We are a family,” their statement reads. “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,” the statement continues. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Matthew Perry Earned a 2002 Emmy Nomination
Matthew Perry played Chandler Bing with a timely comedic performance that landed him a 2002 Emmy nomination.
Series co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane were joined by executive producer Kevin Brightin, who issued a joint statement on Sunday.
“We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing,” they wrote. “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.”
Reflecting on Perry’s breakout performance, People reports that they noted, “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.”
On Monday, people were still streaming by a memorial set up outside of the Friends apartment in New York City. They have been coming by there, writing messages, lighting candles, or dropping off flowers.
In some programming news, TBS plans to hold a weeklong Friends marathon dedicated to Perry’s memory.
Salma Hayek, who starred with Perry in the movie Fools Rush In, offered up this memorial to him. “My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart,” Hayek wrote. “Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you”.
In other Friends news, Max has added a tribute car at the beginning of each season of the show on that platform. The card simply reads, “In Memory of Matthew Perry, 1969-2023.” When viewers tune into Max, and they look to start watching Friends, this is the first thing that they will see.
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