Matt LeBlanc, the actor who played Joey Tribiani on Friends, has shared his own personal statement following the death of his co-star and beloved friend, Matthew Perry.
For years, the actors played best friends on the show, only to become that in real life. Now LeBlanc is sharing a few words of his own after sharing a joint statement with the rest of the Friends cast.
Alongside several photos of their time on set as Joey and Chandler, 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.”
LeBlanc continued, “It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never.”
“Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love. And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”
Truly heartbreaking.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, Perry was discovered unconscious in his hot tub on October 28. He was just 54 years old.
While is cause of death has yet to be revealed, pending the result of several more test, the beloved actor has been laid to rest. The ceremony reportedly took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles.
According to previous reports, the ceremony lasted about an hour and was attended by LeBlanc, the rest of the cast, and many of his closest friends and family.
Shortly before his funeral, the cast of Friends shared a joint statement exclusively with People. The statement signed by Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer read:
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. 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. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Perry’s loved ones.