Matthew Perry’s loved ones gathered to honor his memory at his funeral on Friday.
The beloved actor and author, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” died on October 28 at the age of 54 at his home in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles.
Perry’s former “Friends” co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer, attended the memorial service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles near Warner Bros. Studios, where the hit NBC sitcom was filmed, People reported.
Perry’s father, John Bennett Perry, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, were also seen at the two-hour funeral, Deadline reported.
The former Friends cast previously issued a joint statement to People expressing their sadness over the loss of their friend and former co-star, who was found dead in his hot tub by authorities.
“We are all deeply devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. 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,” the group wrote in the statement. “Over time we will say more as we are able. At this time, our thoughts and love are with Matty’s family, his friends and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Several other former co-stars and friends shared how much Perry meant to them. Bradley Whitford, who co-starred with Perry in Aaron Sorkin’s 2006 series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” spoke of Perry’s “huge, open heart and pyrotechnic, happy brain” in an Instagram post, noting, “The “Most beautiful parts of Matt.” He was most vulnerable to the monster he would have to fight for the rest of his life.
Salma Hayek, who co-starred with Perry in the romantic comedy “Fools Rush In,” shared in her own post that she will “continue to appreciate” the actor’s “silliness” and “beautiful heart.”
Although the cause of death has not yet been announced, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy has been completed, according to People. However, the determination of the cause of death is “deferred” as “further investigations are still pending.” No illegal drugs were found at the scene, the Los Angeles Times reported. Foul play is not believed to have played a role in his death.
The formation of the Matthew Perry Foundation was announced on the Friday before the funeral. Sponsored and maintained by the nonprofit National Philanthropic Trust, the organization will work to help people struggling with addiction, which Perry spoke and wrote openly about in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing . The charity is already functioning, accepting donations and being “led by”. [Perry’s] with his own words and experiences and driven by his passion to make a difference in as many lives as possible.”
“In the spirit of Matthew Perry’s continued commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction, we are embarking on a journey to honor his legacy by establishing the Matthew Perry Foundation, guided by his own words and experiences driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible,” the foundation said in a statement.
Perry previously spoke at length about how he hoped to be remembered for his mission to help others struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
“When I die, as far as my so-called achievements go, it would be nice if friends were listed far behind the things I’ve done to help other people,” he said in a November 2022 Q episode with Tom Power Podcast. “I know it won’t happen, but it would be nice.”
He continued: “The best thing about me is when an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, ‘Will you help me?’ I can say yes and then go ahead and do it.”