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FRIENDS CO-STARS Maggie Wheeler and Morgan Fairchild have remembered Matthew Perry for the joy he “brought to so many” following his death age 54.
The actor, who became a superstar playing funnyman Chandler Bing during 10 seasons of the US hit comedy Friends, died after an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home, US outlets have reported.
Wheeler, who played Perry’s on-off girlfriend Janice Hosenstein during the early series of the TV show and often appeared to perform her catchphrase “Oh! My! God!”, paid tribute to Perry on Instagram.
“What a loss,” Wheeler captioned a picture of the pair.
“The world will miss you Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.
“I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Meanwhile Fairchild, who played Perry’s on-screen mother and erotic novel writer Nora Bing, said on Twitter: “I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son’, Matthew Perry.”
I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my “son”, Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew pic.twitter.com/QWMsBVJEAr
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) October 29, 2023
The 73-year-old US actress added: “The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock.
“I’m sending love and condolences to his friends and family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road and Falcon Crest.”
Perry, who was nominated for an Emmy for his role in Friends, starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Courteney Cox – who played Perry’s on-screen wife Monica Geller.
The actors reunited on screen for the first time in 2021 after the show ended its celebrated 10-year run in 2004, having become a pop culture phenomenon.
Perry’s other notable TV work includes the short-lived Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip, written by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, while he also starred in several films, including Fools Rush In, opposite Salma Hayek and his father John.
US actress Mira Sorvino, who starred alongside Perry in 1994 film Parallel Lives, said on Twitter: “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!!
“May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!”
Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!! 💔 💔 💔
— Mira Sorvino (@MiraSorvino) October 29, 2023
While Legally Blonde star Selma Blair described Perry as her “oldest boy friend”.
Sharing a picture of the pair, she said: “All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day.
“I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also paid tribute to Perry after attending the same school.
“Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening.
“I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them.
“Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”
Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 29, 2023
Perry was one of the most familiar faces on television during the 10 series of Friends.
In a statement Warner Bros, the entertainment company which made Friends, said: “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros Television Group family.
“The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.
“This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
During his time on the show, Perry struggled with addiction and anxiety which he described in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing which was published in 2022.
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Behind the laughter he suffered his demons. RIP.
So farewell then Chandler. Thanks for everything.
A global day of mourning has been declared. The wars around the world, the differences put aside for one day only as the world mourns your man from friends with the forehead.
@: I am not ignorant of everything that’s taking place right now, the dark times and the plight of nations but can you allow me to remember someone who gave me great joy over the years, casting me back to better times – is that too much to ask?
@I can see clearly now: lol nobody is stopping you. The world revolves around you and you better let everyone know.
Il see you at Matthews funeral for a drink.
#staystrong
@: Oh such a condescending remark and a weak effort at sarcasm but I applaud you in your endeavour! #sorry
@I can see clearly now: shouldn’t you be grieving the loss of your dear friend the American celebrity.
@: Should you not be grieving your loss? It is indeed far greater, the loss of one’s self respect.
Apparently he was a devout Christian
@: most celebs are into cults
And?
Could HE be anymore dead
@Niall Lappin: what’s next from your amazing comedy brain ..quotes from Father Ted ?
@Niall Lappin: It should have been the BE in capitals.
Who?
All the disrespectful people commenting saying things like ‘who?!’ need to take a good look at themselves… basically looking down on people suffering with addiction and mental health issues.
Hope everything stays fine for you All x
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