The year marks 30 years since Friends first premiered—a milestone that feels both monumental and minuscule, especially in light of Matthew Perry’s sudden passing on October 28, 2023.
Fans across the world mourned the loss of Perry, who brought Chandler Bing’s wit and warmth into their lives and remained a cherished figure even decades after the show’s end.
For the tight-knit cast of Friends—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer—Perry was far more than a beloved co-star.
For 10 years, they shared laughter, memories, and deep concerns for him, offering support as he battled addiction and the personal struggles he revealed in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
In her heartfelt foreword to the memoir, Kudrow expressed her shock at learning the full extent of Perry’s hardships.
“He has survived impossible odds,” she wrote, “but I had no idea how many times he almost didn’t make it. I’m glad you’re here, Matty.”
Perry himself credited his co-stars with standing by him as he fought to heal, comparing them to penguins who protect one of their own when they are wounded, surrounding them until they are strong again.
Following Perry’s death, the cast released a united statement, a testament to their enduring bond. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” they said. “We were more than just castmates. We are a family.”
Expressing their profound grief, they added, “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able.”
In his memoir, Perry poignantly recalled the moment Aniston confronted him, revealing her concern as she told him she knew he was struggling with drinking.
Such moments underscored the depth of their bond—a family both on and off the screen.
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