Friends star Matt LeBlanc has penned an emotional tribute to his late co-star and close friend, Matthew Perry, who passed away unexpectedly at the age of 54 on October 28. LeBlanc, renowned for portraying Joey Tribbiani alongside Perry’s Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom, shared a poignant post on Instagram featuring pictures of the two actors on the set of Friends.
Expressing his sorrow, LeBlanc wrote, “Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.” He considered it an honor to share the stage and a deep friendship with Perry, emphasizing that he will always cherish the moments they spent together. LeBlanc concluded the heartfelt message with a touch of humor, referencing a friendly bet: “And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”
Known for their on-screen chemistry as Joey and Chandler, LeBlanc and Perry’s friendship extended beyond the show. LeBlanc recalled the special connection they shared and conveyed his love for Perry, expressing that he is finally free.
The Friends cast, including LeBlanc, reunited in 2021 for HBO Max’s Friends: The Reunion special, where they reminisced about their time on the iconic sitcom. During the reunion, LeBlanc and Perry engaged in playful banter, imagining where their characters would be in 2021.
Matthew Perry’s sudden death shocked fans, prompting a joint statement from the Friends cast expressing their profound devastation. LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer described their bond as more than just castmates; they considered themselves a family. The cast pledged to take the time to grieve and process the loss before sharing more thoughts in the future.
In a show of solidarity, LeBlanc and other cast members attended Perry’s Los Angeles funeral service, occurring a week after his untimely passing. The loss of Matthew Perry has left a void for Friends fans and his colleagues alike, marking the end of an era for one of television’s most beloved ensembles.
Matt LeBlanc’s message for his friend and brother, Matthew Perry. ♥️ pic.twitter.com/yHlCCeV1aj
— no context chandler bing (@NoContxtBing) November 14, 2023
