Matthew Perry Remembered By Viola Davis, Selma Blair, Thomas Lennon, Natasha Henstridge & More: “You Have Brought So Much Laughter And Love To This World”
Refresh for latest updates….The sudden, tragic death of Friends star has touched a nerve with many of his Hollywood colleagues and fans pouring out their condolences. The 5x Primetime Emmy nominee was found unconscious late this afternoon at his L.A. home by first responders who were unable to revive him.
Tonight, Warner Bros. TV which produced Friends says in a statement, “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. 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.”
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NBC, where Perry had Friends and Go On, added, “We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry. He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations.”
Wrote Oscar winner Viola Davis, “This is devastating. Your book shifted so many close to my heart. The people no one sees and most throwaway. It was a gift. Beyond the joy you brought to many, your heart reigned supreme. Rest well…..know that you brought love.”
Thomas Lennon, who starred with Perry on CBS’s reboot of The Odd Couple, posted, “Goodnight, Friend.”
Laura Benanti starred with Perry on Go On, writes “Matty was generous, brilliant and an unparalleled talent. What a devastating loss. May his memory be a blessing.” Benanti played Lauren Schneider on the NBC sitcom which ran from 2012-13.
Selma Blair, who starred as Wendy on Friends for one episode, writes on Instagram, “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.” Wendy expressed her attraction to Chandler in the season 9 episode “The One With Christmas in Tulsa” even though they were both married.
In her Instagram story, Perry’s The Whole Nine Yards co-star Natasha Henstridge wrote, “You gorgeous man. You have brought so much laughter and love to this world. You’ll be forever missed and forever remembered.” In the comedy, Perry played a mild-mannered dentist who travels to Chicago to inform a mob boss about the whereabouts of his new neighbor, a former hitman with a price on his head. Bruce Willis, Amanda Peet and the late Michael Clarke Duncan starred. The movie grossed over $106M WW. See below:
Greice Santo, the creator of Roku’s music reality series, Serenata de las Estrellas, worked with Perry on the CBS sitcom, The Odd Couple. She writes, “I will never forget how kind and warm he was as a person to me. He took the time to get to know me when he didn’t have to. I will never forget that. RIP You will be missed immensely.”
Gwyneth Paltrow shared on Instagram, “I met Matthew Perry in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts. 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.”
Says Criminal Minds actress Paget Brewster who played “Kathy” on six episodes of Friends. Brewster played a girl who Perry’s Chandler falls head over heels with. When he sees her in Central Perk to ask her out, he learns she’s been waiting for a date…with Joey.
Bai Ling, star of Anna and the King and The Crow, appeared with Perry onstage in the UCB Theatre show “Ronna and Beverly” co-hosted by Jamie Denbo and Jessica Chaffin. The two met backstage on the night of the event. The Chinese-born actress writes “he had the sparks in my eyes that I always like.”
Josh Charles writes:
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