Matt LeBlanc pays emotional tribute to late co-star Matthew Perry, becoming the first of the “Friends” cast to release his own statement since the actor died last month at age 54.
In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, the actor called working with Perry “one of the best times of my life.”
Perry, who died Oct. 28, starred opposite LeBlanc’s Joey Tribbiani as Chandler Bing on the NBC hit comedy “Friends.” From 1994 to 2004, the two starred as best friends in the sitcom.
“It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. “The times we’ve had together are honestly some of the best times of my life,” LeBlanc captioned a series of photos from the show over the years, showing one of the cast members sharing a group hug.
“It was an honor to share the stage with you and call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I will never forget you. Never,” he continued. “Spread your wings and fly, brother, you are finally free. All love.”
He ended the tribute with a “Friends” reference. “And I guess you keep the $20 you owe me,” he said.
Perry starred in all ten seasons of TV’s most successful comedy, Friends, appearing in all 234 episodes. It was his role as Chandler Bing alongside LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer that shaped his career.
LeBlanc and his fellow cast members released a statement last month expressing their sadness and paying tribute to Perry: “We are all deeply devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just actors. We are a family.”
“There is so much to say, but for now we will take a moment to grieve and process this incredible loss. Over time, we will say more as we are able,” their statement continued. “Right now our thoughts and love are with Matty’s family, his friends and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Authorities say Perry was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home last month. TMZ was first to report the news. Nicholas Prange, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department, confirmed the death and said city firefighters “found an adult male unconscious in a freestanding hot tub.” Unfortunately, a quick medical examination revealed that the man had died before first responders arrived. The circumstances are being investigated by the LAPD and the LA County Medical Examiner.”
A coroner’s report and toxicology exam for Perry are expected in the coming weeks.
Since his death, a foundation established in Perry’s name helps people struggling with addiction. The Matthew Perry Foundation announced less than a week after the actor’s death that it would continue Perry’s “enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction.”
Perry released his memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing” in 2022 and discussed life behind the scenes on the sitcom and detailed his battle with alcohol and drugs. Perry wrote with candor and compassion, showing his determination to continue the near-fatal fight.
“There is light in the darkness,” Perry wrote in the prologue. “You just have to look hard enough to find it.”
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