Matthew Perry Remembered: A Collective Grief Expressed by Co-Creators, Co-Stars, and Family—’A Chapter Where Our Hearts Shatter’

The passing of Matthew Perry this weekend was met with an outpouring of grief from friends, colleagues, and notable public figures alike. Among those paying tribute were his grade-school classmate, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; the actress who portrayed his on-screen mother in “Friends,” Morgan Fairchild; and the world-renowned singer Adele.

Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the 10-season run of NBC’s “Friends,” was discovered deceased at his residence in Los Angeles on Saturday. He was 54 years old.

In a collective statement released on Sunday, “Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright, articulated their sorrow. “This is indeed A Chapter Where Our Hearts Shatter,” they expressed. “We are profoundly and immeasurably saddened by the loss of our cherished friend Matthew. He bestowed upon us not just brilliance in his craft but also radiance in his being. He was consistently the most humorous individual in any setting. Beyond that, his benevolence was extraordinary, marked by a generous and selfless spirit.”

Perry’s family also shared their feelings, releasing a statement to People Magazine. “Matthew was a source of immense joy, both in his professional capacity and as a dear friend. The universal love for him has not gone unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for this overwhelming show of affection.”

Various individuals, some acquainted with him and some not, took to social media platforms to convey their sorrow.

Justin Trudeau, who went to elementary school with Perry while their parents were colleagues, memorialized him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Perry’s mother once served as the press secretary for Trudeau’s father, Pierre Trudeau, during his tenure as the Prime Minister of Canada.

On Saturday night, Adele paused her Las Vegas concert to reflect on Perry. She observed that although they never met, the impact entertainers can have is such that their passing often strikes a personal chord. “His contributions to entertainment were immeasurable, and he will be sorely missed,” she told her audience.

“Saturday Night Live” displayed a tribute card during the weekend’s episode in honor of Perry, who had hosted the show in 1997, and even performed in a sketch impersonating Matt LeBlanc’s character Joey.

Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Chandler Bing’s mother on “Friends,” posted on X, expressing her devastation at the loss of her ‘son.’ “This untimely demise of an extraordinarily talented young actor leaves me shattered. My love and condolences go out to his friends and family, particularly his father,” Fairchild stated.

Maggie Wheeler, another recurring co-star on “Friends” who played Janice, Chandler’s girlfriend, posted, “The joy you disseminated in your tragically brief life endures. I am profoundly grateful for every moment of creativity we shared.”

Celebrities from various walks of life shared their sentiments. Wendell Pierce, who collaborated with Perry on “The Odd Couple,” described him as a “generous, kind, and humorous individual,” praying for his peaceful repose.

Shannen Doherty shared memories of their long-standing friendship on Instagram. Gwyneth Paltrow reminisced about their meeting in the summer of 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival, hoping for his eternal peace.

The widespread lamentation reflects Perry’s significant impact, not only through his work but through the relationships he forged both on and off-screen.

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More about Matthew Perry Remembered

• People Magazine’s Statement from Perry’s Family
• Saturday Night Live Tribute
• Justin Trudeau’s Tribute on Social Media
• Adele’s Concert Reflection
• Morgan Fairchild’s Social Media Post
• Gwyneth Paltrow’s Instagram Post
• Shannen Doherty’s Instagram Post