Matthew Perry laid to rest: 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' cast attends private funeral
Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on F.R.I.E.N.D.S, was laid to rest in a private funeral in Los Angeles on Friday (local time). The ceremony was reportedly held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, which is near the Warner Bros. Studios lot, where the beloved show F.R.I.E.N.D.S was filmed. It witnessed the presence of Perry's family members, as well as his F.R.I.E.N.D.S co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.
Cause of death and ongoing investigation
Perry died aged 54 due to an apparent drowning, per reports. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence on October 28. First responders declared him dead at the scene after a medical assessment. An initial autopsy was inconclusive, leading to further investigation. The exact cause of Perry's death was deferred pending a toxicology report. Law enforcement sources said no drugs were found at the scene, and there were no signs of foul play either.
'Devastated' 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' cast expressed profound grief
The remaining five co-stars of the iconic show—who had transformed into dear friends during the series's decade-long (1994-2004) journey—offered a collective tribute to Perry on Tuesday. They stated, "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Perry. We were more than just cast mates. 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."
Perry fought courageous battle with drug addiction
Perry struggled with substance use for more than three decades. His long-standing battle was no secret. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he revealed the exorbitant cost he bore on his path to sobriety—a staggering $7M (in a previous interview, he estimated it to be $9M). Perry also shared he had sought rehabilitation on 15 separate occasions. Underscoring the severity of his health battles, the actor revealed he endured 15 life-saving surgeries throughout his life.
Perry's legacy: Look back at remarkable career in Hollywood
Perry's extraordinary talent brought joy to countless viewers, earning him a devoted fan base. His portrayal of Chandler in F.R.I.E.N.D.S kept audiences laughing for 10 remarkable seasons. Beyond this beloved role, his television credits included Sunset 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Odd Couple, Cougar Town, Ally McBeal, and The West Wing. He also charmed audiences in films such as Fools Rush In alongside Salma Hayek, Three To Tango, and The Whole Nine Yards, co-starring Bruce Willis.
