Matt LeBlanc posts touching tribute to Matthew Perry: 'Among the favorite times of my life'
Matt LeBlanc is paying emotional tribute to late co-star Matthew Perry, becoming the first of the "Friends" cast to release his own statement since the actor died last month at 54.
In an Instagram post shared Tuesday, the actor called working with Perry "among the favorite times of my life."
Perry, who died on Oct. 28, starred as Chandler Bing on NBC's smash hit comedy "Friends," alongside LeBlanc's Joey Tribbiani. The pair starred as best friends in the sitcom from 1994 to 2004.
"It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life," LeBlanc captioned a set of photos from the show over the years a one of the cast sharing a group hug.
"It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I'll never forget you. Never," he continued. "Spread your wings and fly brother you're finally free. Much love."
He ended the tribute with a "Friends" reference. "And I guess you're keeping the 20 bucks you owe me," he said.
Perry co-starred on "Friends" for the entire 10-season run of what was then TV's No. 1 comedy, and appeared in all 234 episodes. It was his role as Chandler Bing opposite LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer that defined his career.
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LeBlanc, along with his fellow core cast members released a statement last month to share their grief and pay tribute to Perry: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.
"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," their 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 was found dead in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home last month, according to authorities. TMZ was the first to report the news. Nicholas Prange, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman, confirmed the death, saying city firefighters responded "to find an adult male unconscious in a stand-alone jacuzzi. A rapid medical assessment, sadly, revealed the man was deceased prior to first responder arrival. The circumstances are under investigation by LAPD and the LA County Medical Examiner."
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A coroner's report and toxicology exam for Perry is expected in the coming weeks.
Since his death, a foundation established in Perry's name will help those struggling with addiction. The Matthew Perry Foundation, announced less than a week after the actor's death will continue Perry's "enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction."
Perry released his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," in 2022, and opened up about life behind the scenes of the sitcom, chronicling his battle with alcohol and drugs. Perry wrote with candor and compassion and showed his dedication to continue fighting a near-fatal battle.
"There is light in the darkness," Perry wrote in the prologue. "You just have to look hard enough to find it."
Contributing: Laura Trujillo, KiMi Robinson, Anthony Robledo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Matt LeBlanc tribute to Matthew Perry: 'Friends' star says goodbye
