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Friends cast break silence over Matthew Perry's death

Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc shared a tribute


FRIENDS stars Courteney Cox Arquette as Monica Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay
Nicky Morris
TV and film writer
On 30 October 2023
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Friends stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc have released a joint statement following the tragic death of Matthew Perry

The actor, who played Chandler Bing in the popular NBC series, was found dead on Saturday in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home after an apparent drowning. 

In a joint statement to PEOPLE,  his co-stars shared a tribute to Matthew saying: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. 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."

The cast of Friends smiling on a red carpet© Getty Images
Matthew's co-stars said they are "utterly devastated"

"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."

The tribute comes soon after Matthew's family expressed their heartbreak over his death in a statement released to People.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," they said on Sunday.

"Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

Matthew Perry with his Friends co-stars© Jim Smeal
Friends aired on NBC from 1994 to 2004

READ: Matthew Perry's dying wish is all the more tragic in revisited interview

MORE: Why Matthew Perry's death is even more devastating for famous ex Julia Roberts

Warner Bros. also shared their devastation in a statement released to HELLO!. "We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry," the studio penned. 

Matthew Perry poses at a photocall for "The End Of Longing", a new play which he wrote and stars in at The Playhouse Theatre in London© David M. Benett
Matthew's death was announced on Saturday

"Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. 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."

Since Matthew's passing was announced, tributes have poured in from his friends and colleagues, including from Selma Blair, Elizabeth Hurley, and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau.

Elizabeth Hurley & Matthew Perry during "Serving Sara" Premiere at Academy Theatre in Beverly Hills, California, United States© Getty Images
Elizabeth Hurley is among those who shared a tribute to Matthew

Gwyneth Paltrow also reflected on fond memories with Matthew in a tribute shared on Instagram. "I met Matthew Perry in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts," she began. "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."