Los Angeles, CA – In a poignant moment during the 2023 Emmys In Memoriam segment, the late Matthew Perry was honored alongside other departed stars, including Len Goodman, Andre Braugher, Lance Reddick, Paul Reubens, Barbara Walters, Angela Lansbury, Kirstie Alley, and more. The emotional tribute featured performances by pop singer Charlie Puth and the singer-songwriter duo The War and Treaty, beginning with Puth’s rendition of “See You Again” and concluding with a stripped-down cover of the iconic “Friends” theme song, “I’ll Be There for You” by The Rembrandts.
Perry, renowned for his portrayal of the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing on the ’90s and early 2000s NBC sitcom “Friends,” passed away unexpectedly on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. Law enforcement discovered him unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence, with no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later revealed that he succumbed to “the acute effects of ketamine.”
Having graced over 200 episodes of “Friends” across its 10-season run, Perry’s unexpected demise profoundly impacted his co-stars. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer released a joint statement expressing their devastation: “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 unfathomable loss.”
Aniston, in an exclusive conversation with Variety, shared her last interactions with Perry on the day of his passing, revealing his positive state: “He was happy. He was healthy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy — that’s all I know.” LeBlanc took to Instagram, expressing, “The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you, and I’ll never forget you.”
Following Perry’s untimely death, the Matthew Perry Foundation emerged to support individuals grappling with addiction, a testament to the actor’s lasting impact beyond the screen.
