LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – The 2023 Emmys paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Matthew Perry, along with several other beloved stars. The emotional In Memoriam segment featured performances by pop singer Charlie Puth and singer-songwriter duo The War and Treaty. Perry’s unexpected death at the age of 54 sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends,” passed away at his Los Angeles home. According to law enforcement, Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub with no signs of foul play or drugs at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed that Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine.
Perry’s passing deeply affected his “Friends” co-stars, who expressed their devastation in a statement. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer described themselves as a family and promised to take time to grieve and process the loss. Aniston revealed in an exclusive interview with Variety that she had been texting with Perry on the day of his death and expressed disbelief at his sudden passing. LeBlanc shared a heartfelt Instagram post, reminiscing about their time on the show and calling Perry his friend. He also mentioned the establishment of the Matthew Perry Foundation to support individuals dealing with addiction.
The tribute at the Emmys served as a poignant reminder of Perry’s contribution to the entertainment industry. With over 200 episodes across 10 seasons, his portrayal of Chandler Bing left an indelible mark on audiences around the world. The performances by Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty further added to the emotional resonance of the segment.
Perry’s death has sparked conversations about addiction and mental health, as well as the importance of supporting individuals in their recovery. While his passing is a tremendous loss, the memory of his talent and the impact he made will endure. As the entertainment community mourns the loss of a beloved actor, the legacy of Matthew Perry will be remembered for years to come.