Celebrities Exclusive Photos: Matthew Perry’s Funeral Service Attended by Co-Stars and Family
In a somber gathering presumed to be a funeral service for the late “Friends” actor Matthew Perry, exclusive photos obtained by The Post depict his co-stars and family members paying their respects at Forest Lawn Church of the Hills in Los Angeles on Friday. Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, and David Schwimmer were seen arriving together, all dressed in black. Notably absent in the photos was “Friends” actor Matt LeBlanc. Perry’s father, John Bennett Perry, and stepfather, Keith Morrison, were also seen outside the venue.
Before the gathering, Aniston’s bodyguards were spotted driving from her LA home to the church. Forest Lawn Church of the Hills is situated opposite the Warner Bros studios, where Perry filmed the beloved sitcom for 10 years. The critically acclaimed actor, known for his role as Chandler Bing, tragically passed away at the age of 54 from an apparent drowning at his home on October 28.
In a joint statement released on Monday, the cast expressed their devastation over Perry’s loss and emphasized their close bond beyond being cast mates. They requested time to grieve and process the “unfathomable loss” before sharing more about their beloved friend. Director Jim Burrows, who directed multiple episodes of “Friends,” revealed that he had immediately reached out to Aniston, Cox, and Kudrow upon hearing the news. He described the loss as akin to losing a brother.
The creators of “Friends,” Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with director Kevin Bright, also released a statement expressing their shock and profound sadness at Perry’s passing. They considered themselves blessed to have had him as a part of their lives.
Matthew Perry’s funeral arrangements were made by his mother, Suzanne, and stepfather, Keith Morrison. Perry’s sisters were also seen discussing the arrangements earlier in the week. Family members gathered to work on preparations for the service, dressed in all black as a mark of respect for the late actor.
Describing Perry as a brilliant talent, Kauffman, Crane, and Bright acknowledged his exceptional portrayal of Chandler Bing, which he truly made his own. They praised his wit, intelligence, and selfless heart, emphasizing the void left by his passing. They concluded their statement with the heartbreaking sentiment, “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Regarding Perry’s untimely demise, authorities were called to his residence after his assistant reported finding the actor unresponsive in his hot tub. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Perry’s history of drug and alcohol abuse was well-known, and he candidly shared his struggles in his memoir. He had battled addiction for years, attending numerous AA meetings, undergoing multiple rehab stints, and experiencing numerous detoxes and surgeries.
Despite speculation, Perry’s friend Athenna Crosby attested that he was “100 percent sober” in their recent interaction. She defended him against assumptions of a relapse, stating that he appeared positive, acting normally, and showing no signs of substance abuse.
Perry, who was unmarried and had no children, leaves behind a legacy as a talented actor and a cherished friend.
