Matt LeBlanc writes heartbreaking tribute to Matthew Perry: ‘You are finally free’
“I will always smile when I think of you and I will never forget you. Never,” LeBlanc shared in memory of Perry, who passed away on October 28
Matt LeBlanc is honoring his on-screen roommate and real-life friend Matthew Perry following the actor’s sudden death at age 54 on October 28.
The actors played best friends Joey Tribbiani and Chandler Bing on Friends, and two weeks later, LeBlanc shared an emotional tribute on Instagram with photos of the couple on the set of the NBC sitcom.
“Matthew. I say goodbye with a heavy heart. Our time together was truly the favorite of my life,” LeBlanc, 56, wrote. friend.”
“I will always smile when I think of you and I will never forget you. Ever,” he continued. “Spread your wings and fly away brother you are finally free. Much love.”
At the end of the post, LeBlanc joked: “And I guess you’re keeping the $20 you owe me.”
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LeBlanc and Perry have long been considered one of television’s most beloved best friend duos, and when the cast reunited in 2021 to film the HBO Max special Friends: The Reunion – and chat spoke to PEOPLE for an exclusive look at the reunion – they’re familiar friends again. I’m so stupid myself.
Reflecting on where they imagine their characters going in 2021, nearly two decades after the hit sitcom ended, LeBlanc tells PEOPLE Joey will probably “open a sandwich chain” , Perry added that his on-screen friend would then “eat all the bread”. “.
Matt LeBlanc (L) and Matthew Perry pose backstage after a performance of “The End Of Longing”, Matthew Perry’s debut play in which he stars at The Playhouse Theater on April 30, 2016 in London, Older brother
LeBlanc later added in his answer that it would be a “dinosaur-themed sandwich shop”, based on his co-star’s joke. “Bronto-burger.”
Regarding his character’s fate, Perry said he believes Chandler “will be a great father” and “a great comedy writer”.
They then joked again when Perry called the chemistry between the cast “magical” and LeBlanc said bluntly: “I would say awkward.”
“It’s a strange magic,” Perry added.
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Reunited with special friends
In his conversation with PEOPLE, LeBlanc also reflected on what it was like to be all in the same room again.
“It’s funny, when we meet, it’s like no time has passed,” he said. “We pick up right where we left off.”
He elaborated on the level of connection he felt with Perry and the rest of the cast — Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox and David Schwimmer — when he said of their long-standing relationship, ” I think everyone has a relationship like that in their life. You know that when you talk to that person, it’s really sincere, sincere and open. You know that there’s no ulterior motive. “There’s no secret. Those are important relationships.'”
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Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Courteney Cox Arquette as Monica Geller, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani
‘Friends’ cast – Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry.
LeBlanc also showed his support for Perry by attending the premiere of his former co-star’s play, The End of Longing, which opened in London’s West End in 2016.
He shared a post-show photo of Perry with the caption: “Him and the cast are amazing. Come on man.”
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Days after Perry’s death at his home in Los Angeles, Perry’s friends broke their silence.
A joint statement sent to PEOPLE read: “We are all deeply saddened by Matthew’s passing. We were more than just co-stars. We were family.” “There is so much to say, but now we will take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
They concluded: “Over time, we will talk more when possible. For now,