‘Friends’ Cast React To Death Of Matthew Perry: “We Are All So Utterly Devastated”
The surviving cast of the Emmy-winning comedy series have broken their silence following the sudden, tragic passing of their castmate and friend, Matthew Perry.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer said in a statement to People Monday. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
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“In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement continued. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Perry died Saturday afternoon at the age of 54. He was found unconscious at his home by first responders who couldn’t revive him after a reported drowning. The comedic actor is bast known for playing the sassy and snappy, but affable Chandler Bing on Friends during the hit Warner Bros. TV series’ 10-season run on NBC.
In addition to worldwide fame, the role also earned Perry an Emmy nomination.
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The comments from the Friends stars follow a statement series’ co-creators/executive producers Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer/director Kevin Bright issued Sunday.
“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,” the trio said in it, ending their tribute with a somber take on Friends‘ famous episode titles, “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
RELATED: TBS Plans “Best Of Chandler” Marathon To Honor ‘Friends’ Star Matthew Perry
Shortly after the news of Perry’s death, the official Friends Instagram account wrote, “We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all.” next to a photo of him as his character on the show.
RELATED: ‘Saturday Night Live’ Remembers Matthew Perry
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