Tributes poured online for actor Matthew Perry, who died after an apparent drowning at his home Saturday. He was 54.
Perry was best known for starring as Chandler Bing on the long-running NBC sitcom “Friends.” He also had memorable roles in the films “Fools Rush In” and “The Whole Nine Yards.”
In an exclusive statement to People Sunday morning, Perry’s family said, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend… You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
In a statement provided to media Saturday evening, Warner Bros. Television Group, the studio behind “Friends,” wrote, “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
A statement from NBC Entertainment read, “We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry. He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations.”
Gwyneth Paltrow posted Sunday morning reminiscing on what appeared to be a pre-fame summer romance when she and Perry were both employed at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts in 1993: “He was so funny and so sweet and so much fun to be with. We drove out to swim in creeks, had beers in the local college bar, kissed in a field of long grass. It was a magical summer… I am super sad today, as so many of us are. I hope Matthew is at peace at long last.”
Actress Morgan Fairchild, who guest starred on several episodes of “Friends” as the mother of Perry’s character, posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter).
“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,” Fairchild wrote.
Maggie Wheeler, who played Perry’s on-again/off-again girlfriend Janice, wrote, “What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Critic Richard Roeper said Perry “fashioned one of the most memorable sitcom characters of his generation in Chandler Bing,” whom he portrayed in all 236 episodes of “Friends.”
Read tributes to Matthew Perry below:
🧵I once spent a few afternoons at Matthew Perry’s house, co-rewriting the Odd Couple pilot after his first draft was nixed by CBS. At one point I said that when I was stuck on a story problem, a walk often helped me solve it. Matthew said, “I can’t really do that.”
— Joe Keenan (@MrJoeKeenan) October 29, 2023
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Perry, an avid hockey fan would have enjoyed these various tributes made by NHL teams.
Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 29, 2023