Matthew Perry's loved ones and co-stars have spoken of their devastation following the actor's shock death aged 54.
The actor, who became a superstar playing funnyman Chandler Bing during 10 seasons of the hit comedy Friends, died after an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home, according to US media.
The sitcom's co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright, said they were "deeply saddened" by the news.
“We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well.
“He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.”
They added: “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
In a statement issued to People magazine, his family said they were "heartbroken", adding: "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend."
American actress Gwyneth Paltrow said she had shared a "magical summer" with Perry in the summer of 1993 where they "swam in creeks, had beers in the local college bar and kissed in a field of long grass".
"He had shot the pilot of Friends but it had not aired yet.He was nervous, hoping his big break was just around the corner. It was."
She added: "I hope Matthew is at peace at long last. I really do."
Perry's Friends co-stars Maggie Wheeler and Morgan Fairchild remembered him for the joy he “brought to so many".
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.
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
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!!!”
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.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 29, 2023
“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.”
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.
