David Schwimmer is grateful for the time spent with his beloved friend, Matthew Perry. Nearly three weeks after Perry’s sudden passing, his Friends co-star shared a heartfelt message in his honor.
“Matty, thank you for ten incredible years of laughter and creativity,” Schwimmer wrote alongside a Nov. 15 Instagram photo of the pair. “I will never forget your impeccable comic timing and delivery. You could take a straight line of dialogue and bend it to your will, resulting in something so entirely original and unexpectedly funny it still astonishes.”
Schwimmer emphasized that Perry also had a generous heart. “Which you were generous with,” he continued, “and shared with us, so we could create a family out of six strangers.”
Referring to the picture posted of him and Perry, each sporting suits and slicked-back hairstyles, the American Crime Story actor added, “This photo is from one of my favorite moments with you. Now it makes me smile and grieve at the same time. I imagine you up there, somewhere, in the same white suit, hands in your pockets, looking around—’Could there BE any more clouds?'”
Schwimmer’s touching message came just moments after his fellow co-star Jennifer Aniston also reflected on Perry’s legacy. “Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I’ve never experienced before,” the Morning Show star wrote. “We all experience loss at some point in our lives. Loss of life or loss of love. Being able to really SIT in this grief allows you to feel the moments of joy and gratitude for having loved someone that deep.”
The Friends cast, which included Perry, Schwimmer, Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and Courteney Cox, deeply loved Perry. “He was such a part of our DNA,” Aniston added. “We were always the 6 of us. This was a chosen family that forever changed the course of who we were and what our path was going to be. For Matty, he KNEW he loved to make people laugh. As he said himself, if he didn’t hear the ‘laugh’ he thought he was going to die. His life literally depended on it.”
Ending on a note similar to Schwimmer’s, Aniston wrote, “Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain. I talk to you every day… sometimes I can almost hear you saying ‘could you BE any crazier?'”
Matthew Perry died in an apparent drowning at the age of 54 on Oct. 28. Shortly after his passing, the entire Friends cast shared a collective statement in his memory.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” the cast shared in an Oct. 30 joint statement to E! News. “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
They continued, “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Schwimmer, Aniston, LeBlanc, Kudrow, and Cox have all been vocal about their enduring bond with Perry. Their statements reflect the depth of their shared experiences and the profound impact Perry had on their lives both professionally and personally. The Friends cast, who became global icons through their portrayal of a tight-knit group navigating life in New York City, often emphasized the real-life closeness that mirrored their on-screen relationships.
This outpouring of grief and love from Perry’s co-stars underscores the irreplaceable role he played in their lives. The sentiments shared by Schwimmer and Aniston capture the essence of a friendship that transcended the screen, built on mutual respect, shared laughter, and countless memories. The legacy of Perry’s humor, kindness, and talent remains a cherished part of their lives and the hearts of fans worldwide.
Perry’s untimely death has prompted a broader conversation about mental health, addiction, and the pressures of fame. His openness about his struggles endeared him to many, making his passing even more poignant for those who saw him not just as a beloved character but as a human being facing real challenges. Perry’s advocacy for addiction recovery and his efforts to help others highlighted his compassionate nature and commitment to making a difference.
As the world continues to mourn the loss of Matthew Perry, the tributes from his Friends co-stars serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of his life and work. Their words offer comfort to fans and underscore the lasting bonds forged through shared experiences and mutual support. In celebrating Perry’s legacy, Schwimmer, Aniston, and the rest of the Friends cast honor not just a talented actor but a cherished friend whose memory will continue to inspire and bring joy.
