Also paying homage to the recently-deceased actor are his former 'Friends' co-star Morgan Fairchild and 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' castmate and director Timothy Busfield.
- Oct 29, 2023
AceShowbiz - Rumer Willis, Olivia Munn, Morgan Fairchild, and more become the latest stars to have paid tribute to the late Matthew Perry. The former "Friends" actor died at home on Saturday, October 28 in an apparent drowning aged 54 and his friends and former co-stars are mourning the "comedic genius."
Rumer recalled how kind Matthew was to her when she visited her dad Bruce Willis on the set of their movie "The Whole Nine Yards" with her sisters Scout Willis and Tallulah Willis.
She wrote on her Instagram Story, "When I was a kid and I was on Set while he and my dad were doing whole nine and whole 10 yards he was so kind and funny and sweet with my sisters and me and I think his physical Comedy and that movie still makes me laugh so much, I know he had many challenges in his life and brought a lot of joy to people with his comedy I hope he can rest peacefully."
Olivia reflected on the actor's past struggles in her tribute. She penned on her Instagram Story, "He struggled with so much addiction and was brave enough to be open and honest about it. I'm so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today. Nothing short of heartbreaking. Rest in love, Matthew Perry (sic)."
Fellow "Friends" star Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler's mother, also spoke of her "heartbreak" at the news. She posted on X, "I'm heartbroken about the untimely death of my 'son', Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I'm sending love + condolences to his friends + family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road + Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew (sic)."
I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my “son”, Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthewpic.twitter.com/QWMsBVJEAr
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) October 29, 2023
Matthew's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" co-star and director Timothy Busfield will miss his friend "desperately." He told People in a statement, "Matty Perry was a gem. I had the great, good fortune to act with and also direct him on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip."
"He was a good, good man and a sweet, funny soul who will be missed, desperately. Not only by his millions of devoted fans, but by those co-workers and friends who he made crumble to the floor with his fast and searing wit."
"He told me that he once spent an entire evening entertaining a famous director. Taking him to one club after another, thinking to himself, 'He really likes me, maybe he'll hire me.' It wasn't until the following morning, after a great night, that he discovered it wasn't the famous director at all. He was just some guy. He told that story on himself. That's what kind of man he was. Happy Trails, brother. I'll miss you."
Meanwhile, Nancy Sinatra urged fans to pay tribute by reading the actor's biography, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir". She wrote, "Happy trails to you, Matt. Thanks for being you. Wishing you a peaceful journey home through the stars. If you loved Matthew Perry as I did read his book. You will learn a lot about him."
Maggie Wheeler, who famously played Janice Hosenstein, the on/off girlfriend of Matthew's character Chandler Bing in "Friends", shared a photo of them together on Instagram and wrote, "What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."
Warner Bros., the production company behind 'Friends' have released a statement on the tragedy. They said, "We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family."
"The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans."
Like Olivia Munn, Mira Sorvino - who starred with Matthew in "Parallel Lives" - addressed the late actor's struggles on X, "Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!! [broken heart emojis] (sic)."
