Matt LeBlanc is speaking out over the heartbreaking loss of his friend and former “Friends” co-star Matthew Perry. Hollywood was rocked when Perry’s sudden and shocking death was announced in October. The actor was just 54 years old at the time. Now, LeBlanc is opening up with a meaningful and emotional tribute to his late friend.
Matt LeBlanc shares emotional tribute to Matthew Perry
Matt LeBlanc took to his Instagram account on Tuesday to share several photos of himself and Matthew Perry as their “Friends” characters, Joey Tribianni and Chandler Bing. The on-screen duo were best friends until the end. It seems that the friendship bled over into reality, as LeBlanc described his love for Perry in the moving tribute.
“Matthew, It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life,” he wrote. “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.
Of course, in true LeBlanc and Perry fashion, the actor couldn’t help but add a joke to the tribute, which Perry likely would have enjoyed. “And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me,” he concluded his message.
Matt LeBlanc’s message for his friend and brother, Matthew Perry. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/yHlCCeV1aj
— no context chandler bing (@NoContxtBing) November 14, 2023
The Friends cast reunited in 2021
Although “Friends” ended in 2004, the cast got together for a highly-anticipated and long-awaiting reunion special in 2021. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer joined Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc on their old set. The emotions were high, tears flowed, and laughter rang out.
Of course, the six cast members fell right back into old patterns and enjoyed their big reunion. “It’s funny, when we do get together, it’s like no time has passed. We pick up right where we left off,” LeBlanc told People Magazine of the reunion vibes.
The Friends cast grieve Perry’s tragic death
Sadly, the cast members were reunited again at Perry’s funeral on November 3. Aniston, Kudrow, Cox, Schwimmer, and LeBlanc were photographed attending Perry’s service along with his other friends and family members.
The cast was said to be so devasted by Matthew Perry’s death that they released a joint statement in the days following his passing.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates.” The statement continued, “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 addition, Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel Green on “Friends,” is said to be taking Perry’s death hard. The actress recently lost her father, “Days of Our Lives” star John Aniston. Now, with Perry’s passing, she’s reportedly working through major grief.
Matthew Perry was found dead on October 28
Matthew Perry was found unresponsive at his LA home of an apparent drowning. The “17 Again” star was discovered in his jacuzzi. Over the years, Perry has been open about his struggle with drugs and alcohol. However, no drugs were found at his residence at the time of death.
Perry’s official cause of death won’t be known until all of his autopsy and toxicology results come back. Meanwhile, the world continues to mourn the actor’s death.
Image Credits: YouTube, YouTube, YouTube, Matthew Perry/Instagram.
