Friends has touched the hearts of millions as one of the most popular and beloved shows of all time. For fans, the characters feel like real friends. That’s why the recent passing of Matthew Perry, who died at the age of 54, is deeply felt by people all around the world. The cast of Friends has now broken their silence and released a heartfelt statement on Perry’s death. 
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, the five surviving main cast members, have come together to share their thoughts and emotions in a joint statement to People Magazine. Just two days after Matthew Perry’s sudden demise, they open up about the loss of their co-star, who played Chandler Bing on the long-running hit show.
“We are all so devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” their statement reads. They acknowledge that there is much to be said, but for now, they are taking a moment to grieve and process this unimaginable loss. The statement also expresses their love and thoughts for Matthew Perry’s family, friends, and all the fans who loved him worldwide. 
This marks the first public statement made by the cast since Perry’s passing. The actor, aged 54, was found in his hot tub. Although the official cause of death has not been released, Perry had been struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout his career. However, in recent years, he had been sober, with no illegal drugs found at the scene, only prescription antidepressants and anxiety medications.
Playing the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing on Friends catapulted Perry to worldwide fame. However, at the height of his success, he battled with substance abuse, including drugs like Vicodin, Xanax, and OxyContin, as well as alcohol addiction. In an interview with Diane Sawyer, he candidly spoke about his struggles. “I should have been the toast of the town, but I was in a dark room meeting with nothing but drug dealers and completely alone,” Perry said. 
Last year, Perry released a memoir called Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, where he opened up about his addiction battle. He credited his Friends co-stars for their understanding and support throughout his journey, both during and after the show’s run. Perry compared their support to penguins in nature, explaining how they surround and prop up a sick or injured penguin until it can stand on its own. He expressed his gratitude for the cast’s unwavering presence during his dark times.
In an interview with the New York Times, Lisa Kudrow shared her love and support for Perry, saying, “It’s a hideous disease, and he has a tough version of it… I love Matthew a lot. We’re part of a family. I’m basically ending this with ‘I’ll be there for you,’ but it’s true. I’ll always be there for him.” 
Various friends, colleagues, and co-stars have come forward to pay tribute to Perry, including those who worked on the beloved NBC sitcom that made him a household name. Co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright, released a statement expressing their shock and deep sadness. They considered themselves blessed to have had him as a part of their lives, highlighting his extraordinary talent.
Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Chandler’s mother on Friends, also mourned Perry’s untimely death. In a heartfelt Twitter message, she expressed her condolences and shared memories of her time working with Matthew Perry’s father, John Bennett Perry, on other shows.
Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Janice, posted on Instagram, remembering Perry and the joy he brought to so many lives during his too short lifetime. She feels grateful for every creative moment they shared. Matthew Perry will always be remembered for his iconic performance on Friends, and although he is gone, his memory will live on through the friends and co-stars who cherished him. Please share this story as a tribute to Matthew Perry.
