(UnitedVoice.com) – During its run, more than 20 million people watched “Friends” each week. Some of the episodes garnered more than 50 million views. The show propelled several actors to fame, and they’ve remained there nearly 20 years after it ended, as new viewers watch reruns on streaming platforms. Sadly, one of the stars tragically lost his life recently, and his co-stars have broken their silence.
On October 28, news broke that Matthew Perry died at the age of 54. The beloved actor who played Chandler Bing on “Friends” passed away at his Los Angeles home. Friends and fans posted tributes to the actor on social media, but his former co-stars — Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow — remained silent in the immediate aftermath.
Finally, on October 30, the actors released a joint statement commenting on their co-star’s death. The group spent 10 seasons together on the hit NBC show. The group said they were “utterly devastated by the loss of [Perry].” They explained that they were “more than just cast mates,” they were also “a family.” The statement went on to say that they would speak about their friend more at a later time, but for right now, they are thinking about his family, friends, and fans.
“Friends” cast issues joint statement on the loss of Matthew Perry:
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. 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… pic.twitter.com/VBkx7qD5LO
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) October 30, 2023
According to reports, Perry was alone in his hot tub when he went underwater for an unknown reason. Someone was able to lift his head so that it was out of the water and move him to the edge of the jacuzzi.
First responders arrived at the scene and pulled him out of the water. The Los Angeles Fire Department issued a statement saying firefighters determined the actor died prior to their arrival. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy but has not released the results yet, pending the results of a toxicology report. It could be weeks before the public learns what killed Perry.
Perry is survived by his parents, Suzanne Morrison and John Bennett Perry, his stepfather, “Dateline” correspondent Keith Morrison, and his five siblings.
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