Matt LeBlanc writes gut-punch tribute to friend Matthew Perry: ‘You’re finally free’
Matt LeBlanc has become the first of the lead stars of Friends to post a tribute to Matthew Perry following his former co-star’s death at the age of 54.
In a heart-wrenching post shared on Instagram, the actor, who played Joey Tribbiani in the beloved sitcom opposite Perry’s Chandler Bing, shared a compilation of photos from the show, including moments from several iconic scenes.
The 56-year-old wrote in his caption: ‘Matthew.
‘It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.
‘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.’
He concluded his message with a quip that demonstrated the love he shared with Perry, as well as Joey and Chandler’s heartwarming and enduring friendship throughout the 10 seasons of the Friends.
‘And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me,’ he wrote.
Perry died on October 28 after reportedly drowning at his home in Los Angeles.
The initial toxicology tests that were conducted did not show any fentanyl or methamphetamines in his system when he died.
A cause of death is yet to be determined, with the results of his autopsy pending a toxicology report.
Following Perry’s death, the other five lead stars of Friends – LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow – shared a joint statement expressing their heartbreak.
‘We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,’ they said in the statement sent to People.
‘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.’
