Cast of ‘Friends’ Grieves Over the Sudden Loss of Matthew Perry: ‘We Are All Profoundly Shaken’

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The ensemble cast of “Friends” has expressed their deep sorrow over the unexpected passing of Matthew Perry.

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer issued a collective statement on Monday to People Magazine, stating, “Our hearts are profoundly shaken by Matthew’s demise. We were not just colleagues; we were a family.”

Between 1994 and 2004, each of these five actors, along with Perry, were integral parts of all 10 seasons of the NBC comedy series. Perry was discovered deceased in his Los Angeles residence this past Saturday at the age of 54.

“At this juncture, we are taking time to mourn and comprehend this incomprehensible loss,” the statement continued. “In due course, we will offer further comments as we find ourselves capable of doing so. At present, our concern and affection are directed toward Matthew’s family, his close friends, and all those who admired him globally.”

This marked the first official comment on Perry’s death by Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, or Schwimmer.

Following preliminary inquiries, the Los Angeles County coroner has postponed the release of the official cause of death, which could take several weeks to ascertain.

Salma Hayek, who acted alongside Perry in the 1997 romantic comedy “Fools Rush In”—a film Perry himself considered among his best—also shared her grief. Hayek conveyed her emotions through an Instagram post, stating, “The weight of this immense sadness has taken days to fully realize. There’s a unique connection made when you work toward shared dreams, and over the years, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on that significant period in our lives with a sense of wistfulness and appreciation. You departed far too early, but your sense of humor, tenacity, and warmth will remain cherished.”

Global fans of Perry have shown their respects in various ways, including leaving flowers and personal messages at the New York building that was used as a facade for the television show.

Additional expressions of sadness came on Sunday from “Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane. They articulated, in a manner reminiscent of the show’s episode naming convention, that this is “indubitably The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”

Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Chandler Bing’s mother in the series, and Maggie Wheeler, who was cast as Chandler’s occasional girlfriend Janice, also conveyed their sympathies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Matthew Perry’s death

More about Matthew Perry’s death

• Joint Statement from “Friends” Cast
• People Magazine Article on Matthew Perry’s Death
• Salma Hayek’s Instagram Post
• Official Statement from Los Angeles County Coroner
• Fan Tributes to Matthew Perry
• Comments from “Friends” Co-Creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane