- The Nashville Predators organist played the Friends theme in honor of Perry
- ESPN’s Robert Griffin III wrote a heartfelt social media post about the actor
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Athletes, teams and sports fans are reacting to the sudden death of former Friends actor Matthew Perry, who reportedly drowned at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday.
“Matthew Perry was more than Chandler Bing,” wrote former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III on left us. Rest in peace.’
The 54-year-old American-Canadian actor was known as a die-hard hockey fan, prompting the organists for the Nashville Predators and Los Angeles Kings to play the Friends theme during their respective games on Saturday night.
Perry’s favorite team was the Ottawa Senators, and he even managed to feature their logo in his hit 2000 comedy The Whole Nine Yards.
The club honored Perry on social media following news of his death: “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Matthew Perry, one of Ottawa’s proudest sons and hockey’s biggest fan.”
Matthew Perry and guests attend the New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils playoff game in 2012
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote that Matthew Perry was more than Chandler
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Matthew Perry, one of Ottawa’s proudest sons and 𝑡ℎ𝑒biggest hockey fan ♥️ 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/DLmGNx3xdZ
– Ottawa Senators (@Senators) October 29, 2023
Matthew Perry (left) managed to smuggle an Ottawa Senators logo into the Whole Nine Yards
Matthew Perry also threw out the first pitch before an LA Dodgers game in 2012
“Matthew Perry’s death is a loss felt not only by his fans around the world, but also by the city of Ottawa,” the Senators fan wrote on X.
“He was not only a talented actor, but also a proud hockey fan. His love of the game and his contributions to both the entertainment and sports worlds will be remembered with great affection. “Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Ottawa during this difficult time.”
Perry also made frequent appearances in the NHL over the years, attending New York Rangers games at Madison Square Garden and also watching the Kings and Anaheim Ducks in Southern California.
Golden State Warriors owner Peter Guber and actor Matthew Perry watch a game in 2013
But Perry was more than just a hockey fan.
He threw out the first pitch at a Los Angeles Dodgers game in 2012 and was also known for supporting the New England Patriots, according to Paramount.
Additionally, Perry was frequently spotted at Los Angeles Lakers games during the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal era in the early 2000s.
And Perry didn’t just watch sports. Perry was born in Massachusetts and grew up in Ontario. In his youth he became one of the best Canadian young players.
“I had to be successful at everything I did so I could feel better about myself,” Perry told The New York Times in 2002. “I had this incredible drive on the tennis court, and that translated into acting. “
Retired WWE star Mick Foley was a huge Friends fan and said he identified with Chandler Bing
Ultimately, Perry ranked 17th nationally in singles and third in doubles before focusing primarily on acting.
Several wrestlers also shared their sadness on social media, including WWE’s Alexa Bliss and former star Mick Foley.
“I am truly so sorry to hear of the passing of actor Matthew Perry,” Foley wrote.
“I’m such a huge fan of #Friends (I’ve been wearing a Friends shirt for the last two days) and Perry’s Chandler Bing character was the one I identified with the most.” “My condolences go out to his family , his friends and his many fans.”
Matthew Perry’s sudden death sparks grief across sports world: ESPN’s Robert Griffin III remembers Friends actor, former junior tennis star and die-hard NHL fan as ‘more than Chandler Bing’