08 November 2023 , 18:13
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Matthew Perry's tragic death shocked fans around the world and left those closest to him struggling with how to cope.
The actor was found dead in his hot tub weeks ago by his assistant who tried to get the actor's head above water before calling for paramedics. Prescription drugs were reportedly found on the scene, but those closest to the star believe he was sober before he died after enduring years of drug and alcohol addiction.
He rose to fame playing Chandler Bing on the long-running sitcom Friends with Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and Matt Le Blanc. The remaining Friends cast members released a joint statement after his death.
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The star died at his Los Angeles home a few weeks ago (Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)
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"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," the statement read, "There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."
"In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world," the statement finished.
After the cast attended his funeral earlier this week, a source told Closer magazine that the Friends stars are feeling regret that they should have done something to help him. "Jen went straight over to Courteney's home in the wake of the news and they've barely left one another's side since, as they try to process their emotions," the source said.
Jennifer and Courteney seem to be taking the death the hardest (AFP via Getty Images)"In addition to their grief, they both feel an incredible sense of regret - telling friends how they wish they could have done more to help Matty," the source continued, "After the reunion show [in 2021], they'd all agreed to plan a dinner just the six of them, but despite good intentions, it didn't happen, and that is something that weighs heavily, not only on Jen and Courteney, but on Matt, Lisa, and David, too."
Jennifer and Courteney appeared to be the most affected. "At the reunion, they all saw how much Matt was struggling and, at the time, Jen and Court had spoken about reaching out to him more," the source said, "but the hectic schedules got in the way and now all they're left with is the very raw heartache of knowing it's too late."
The source claims that the two actresses are being reassured that "there was nothing they could do" and that Matthew had a great support system.