All the Heart Wrenching Celebrity Reactions to Matthew Perry's Death
Costars, friends, and all of Hollywood share their grievances at the unexpected death of the Friends actor.
All of Hollywood has come together to mourn following the sudden death of Friends actor Matthew Perry. On Oct. 28, news broke out he died of an apparent drowning, leaving friends, costars, and fans alike shocked at the unexpected news.
His passing comes only a year after the release of his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. Since then, many in the entertainment community have already come to honor his life and memories.
His Friends co-stars — including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer — have expressed their utmost grief, as the main cast has repeatedly shared that they still see each other as family.
"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," their joint statement reads. "There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."
"In time we will say more, as and when we are able," the statement continues. "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
LeBlanc took to Instagram on Nov. 14 to put out an additional tribute of his own, stating in a post, "It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. 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. And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."
Morgan Fairchild, who played Perry's on-screen mother in Friends, shared her condolences on the platform formerly known as Twitter, stating, "I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my 'son', Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew,"
Rumer Willis — whose father Bruce Willis co-starred alongside Perry in The Whole Nine Yards — shared on her Instagram story, "I'm so sad to hear about Matthew Perry passing. When I was a kid and I was on set while he and my dad were doing whole nine and whole 10 yards he was so kind and funny and sweet with my sisters and me and I think his physical comedy and that movie still makes me laugh so much, I know he had many challenges in his life and brought a lot of joy to people with his comedy I hope he can rest peacefully."
Shannen Doherty, Perry's one-time costar when he had a guest appearance on Beverly Hills 90210 in 1991, shared her grievances on Instagram: "We were a gang way back. We all grew up together going to the Formosa, North and constantly laughing. Matt, Roger, David, Roxana. We played dare and Matt had to say ridiculous things to girls at the bar. We just always had fun and supported each other. You would always find us all together in a booth speaking in our own made up language. And yes, Matt always had THAT sense of humor."
She continued, "Matt and I had a date and it was on Valentine’s Day. He wanted to get a reservation at a restaurant in Malibu but couldn’t so my dad got the reservation for him. We went and he talked about my dads Irish persuasiveness the majority of the night. Our friendship spanned a long time. A lifetime really."
"I know many are hurting, especially our little gang. He will be missed by many and definitely by us. Yes. I could be more poetic or say things better but right now, shock and sadness prevail," she concluded.
Olivia Munn mourned for the late actor in an Instagram Story post, writing, "He struggled with so much addiction and was brave enough to be open and honest about it. I'm so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today. Nothing short of heartbreaking. Rest in love, Matthew Perry."
Also honoring Perry on her Instagram Story is Valerie Bertinelli, who played Perry's sibling on the 1990 CBS sitcom Sydney, writing, "Rest in peace, sweet man."
Mira Sorvino, Perry's Parallel Lives costar, tweeted, "Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!
Selma Blair paid tribute to Perry in an Instagram post, sharing, "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."
Actress Viola Davis grieved on Instagram, writing, "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."
"I’m incredibly saddened to hear of Matthew Perry’s passing today," Octavia Spencer posted on Instagram. "His gift to the world will be remembered forever. Sending love to Matthew’s family, friends, co-stars and millions of fans around the world."