Matt LeBlanc Pens Poignant Farewell to Late 'Friends' Co-Star Matthew Perry
Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry
Matt LeBlanc remembered his former co-star Matthew Perry in a tearjerking tribute shared on social media today, just shy of three weeks after the late actor's untimely passing.
The 56-year-old actor issued a personal statement honoring the life and legacy of his dear friend to his Instagram page on Tuesday, Nov. 14, alongside screenshots and throwback photos of the two on set of their hit sitcom Friends.
"Matthew It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye," LeBlanc began in the caption. "The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. 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. Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love," he continued, joking, "And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."
LeBlanc's eulogy was quickly praised by fans, who offered the Man With a Plan alum their deepest condolences and shared their never-ending love for Perry in the comments.
"This just broke my heart all over again," one solemnly shared. "I'm sorry you lost your friend, but I'm happy he's pain free."
"J Man and Channy Forever ??," another wrote.
"So sorry for your loss, @mleblanc ... Feels like ours, too, though," a third shared. "Matthew will be dearly missed by millions. But you got to be his friend, and I'm sure it aches too much. We are with you. Be at peace, now, Matty. ??."
Though this is the first personal tribute to be made from a member of the beloved series, the entire cast–including the creators of the hit sitcom–issued a statement cherishing the late actor and comedian shortly after the devastating news of his passing. Perry's former cast mates also honored him at his memorial service before he was laid to rest.
Perry was only 54 when he tragically passed away on Saturday, Oct. 28, following an apparent drowning just hours after he played a game of pickleball. Though an autopsy has yet to confirm his cause of death, preliminary reports suggest first responders were called to his Los Angeles-area home after a call came in for a potential cardiac arrest.
In the weeks since, as Perry's loved ones grapple with the difficult fact that he's gone, his friends have attempted to put an end to rumors that he relapsed while fellow Hollywood stars–like Michael J. Fox and Hank Azaria–have continued to put the spotlight on what truly matters: the joy and love Perry ignited in almost everyone he knew.
