LOS ANGELES, CA – Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends,” was honored during the In Memoriam segment at the 2023 Emmy Awards. The tribute featured a performance by Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty, who sang “See You Again” and The Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There for You” while photos of the celebrities who passed away in 2023 were shown.
The choice of “I’ll Be There for You” holds special significance for “Friends” fans, as it was the theme song for the beloved show throughout its 10-season run. Perry, who passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, received a warm applause from the audience as his image appeared on the screen.
Close friends and former co-stars of Perry also paid tribute to the late actor on social media. Matt LeBlanc, who portrayed Joey Tribbiani on “Friends,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reminiscing about the cherished moments he spent with Perry. Courteney Cox, who played Monica Geller on the show, wrote a touching post, expressing her gratitude for Perry’s friendship.
The 2023 Emmy Awards, originally scheduled for August but postponed due to a strike by actors and entertainment workers, finally took place at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony celebrated excellence in television and marked the 75th anniversary of the prestigious awards. The unprecedented delay allowed attendees to reflect on the loss of Perry and honor his contributions to the industry.
Jennifer Aniston, another one of Perry’s “Friends” co-stars, opened up about her deep affection for him in an emotional Instagram post. Aniston described the grief she felt upon losing Perry and emphasized the profound impact he had on her life. She shared personal texts between them, highlighting Perry’s desire to bring laughter to people’s lives.
The news of Perry’s passing shocked and saddened fans and celebrities alike. Tributes poured in from across the industry, with fellow actors expressing their condolences and fond memories of working with Perry.
Matthew Perry will always be remembered for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing and his contributions to the world of entertainment. His legacy lives on through the beloved character he brought to life and the laughter he shared with audiences worldwide.