LOS ANGELES. – The cast of Friends have said they are “utterly devastated” by the loss of their fellow star Matthew Perry, who died on Saturday at the age of 54.
In a joint statement, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow said it was an “unfathomable loss”.
The Friends actor was reportedly found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Saturday.
Perry’s post-mortem examination was inconclusive.
Officials are awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” the Friends cast said in the statement released to the BBC.
“We were more than just castmates. 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. In time we will say more, as and when we are able.
“For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Perry was best known for playing wisecracking Chandler Bing in the hugely popular ‘90s TV sitcom.
He also appeared in a string of films. Salma Hayek, who starred with Perry in 1997’s Fools Rush In, added her tribute.
“There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside pictures of the pair including one Perry had posted calling their romantic comedy “probably my best movie.”
Hayek continued: “Throughout the years, he and I found ourselves reminiscing about that meaningful time in our lives with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude.
“My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart. Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you.”
Perry’s former fiancée Molly Hurwitz posted about watching Friends with him as he prepared for the cast’s 2021 reunion. “Being with him as he rediscovered his brilliance was magical,” she said.
“He would love that the world is talking about how talented he was. And he really was very talented.” – BBC.