Matthew Perry: Friends stars 'devastated' by death

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 collective statement, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow expressed deep sorrow at the tragic loss.

The actor, known for his role in Friends, was reportedly discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence over the weekend.

An official post-mortem examination did not yield conclusive results. Authorities are currently awaiting the outcome of toxicology tests. The Friends cast conveyed their devastation over the loss of Matthew through a statement provided to the BBC.

"We were more than just co-stars; we were a family. The void left by Matthew's passing is incomprehensible," the cast members stated. "At this moment, we need time to grieve and process this overwhelming loss. We will share more in due course, when we're able to do so. For now, our heartfelt thoughts and love go out to Matty's family, friends, and all those who held him dear across the globe."

Matthew Perry was widely recognized for his portrayal of the witty Chandler Bing in the immensely popular '90s television sitcom, Friends. Additionally, he featured in various films. Salma Hayek, who acted alongside Perry in the 1997 film Fools Rush In, paid tribute to him.

"There's a unique connection formed when you share aspirations with someone and strive toward them together," she shared on Instagram. Hayek also reminisced about the significant period she and Perry shared, expressing deep nostalgia and gratitude for their time together.

"My dear friend, your departure feels untimely, but I'll forever treasure your humor, determination, and kind heart. Goodbye, sweet Matthew, you'll always be remembered," Hayek added.

Molly Hurwitz, Perry's former fiancée, reflected on watching Friends with him while he prepared for the cast's 2021 reunion. "Experiencing his rediscovery of brilliance was a magical time," she expressed.

"He would appreciate the recognition of his immense talent that the world is now discussing. And indeed, he was incredibly talented."

He was complicated'

Hurwitz continued, "I had a different, deeply personal connection with him. While my love for him was profound and beyond comprehension, he was a complex individual who brought me pain like I had never experienced before. 

"In my adult life, no one has left a more profound impact on me than Matthew Langford Perry. I am profoundly grateful for the lessons I learned from our relationship." 

She also acknowledged the "invaluable" support of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and concluded, "I find solace in the knowledge that you are finally at peace." 

During the pinnacle of his fame, Perry battled addiction to painkillers and alcohol, seeking treatment at rehabilitation centers on multiple occasions. 

In 2016, he disclosed to BBC Radio 2 that he couldn't recollect three years of filming Friends due to his struggles with alcohol and drugs. 

Additional information has emerged regarding the discovery of Perry on Saturday afternoon in the hot tub at his Pacific Palisades residence. 

The Los Angeles Fire Department, as cited by the LA Times, reported, "Upon first response arrival, an adult male patient was found deceased. A bystander had discovered the patient and repositioned him to ensure his head was above water. 

"Firefighters removed the victim from the hot tub and conducted a brief medical assessment, determining that he had passed away." 

Actor Hank Azaria, known for his role as David, Phoebe Buffay's boyfriend, in several episodes of the sitcom Friends, described Perry as a "brother." 

In an Instagram video, Azaria shared, "Matthew was the first friend I made in Los Angeles when I moved there. I was 21, and he was 16. 

"We did a pilot together... and we became very close friends. We were more like brothers for a long time." 

He went on to say, "From a recovery perspective – I've been sober for 17 years – and I want to say that the night I entered AA, Matthew brought me in. 

"Throughout my first year of sobriety, we attended meetings together, and he was incredibly supportive. He was caring, giving, and wise as a sober person, and he played a significant role in helping me achieve sobriety."