The late actor’s close friends both on and off screen react to his sudden departure.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer paid tribute to Matthew Perry who suddenly passed away on October 28.
The six co-stars spent 10 seasons together on the set of Friends and have grown close over the years. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates, we are a family,” their statement read.
READ ALSO: Tragic News: ‘Friends’ Actor Matthew Perry Passes Away At 54
“There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” the statement continued.
“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.” The message was signed by the five remaining castmates.
Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane as well as executive producer Kevin Bright also issued a joint statement last Monday.
“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.”
“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.”
A Well-Loved Soul
Following his passing, several of Perry’s other colleagues have also shared their own tributes. Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice in Friends, wrote “What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew 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.”
Another one of Perry’s love interests in Friends, Paget Brewster (Kathy), also paid tribute to him with a note on X. “I’m so very sad to hear about @MatthewPerry. He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after,” she wrote.
“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.” Brewster was referencing Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, which was published last year.
Salma Hayek, who starred in the 1997 movie Fools Rush In with the late actor, shared a post on Instagram. “Two days ago, I woke up to the shocking news that Matthew Perry is no longer with us,” the actress wrote. “It’s taken me a couple of days to process this profound sadness.”
“There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them. Throughout the years, he and I found ourselves reminiscing about that meaningful time in our lives with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude,” she continued.
“My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart. Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you.”
Banner image via Instagram @friends.
