Matthew Perry’s final farewell: Friends stars and family gather for funeral to say goodbye
Matthew Perry
REUTERS
Friends stars and Matthew Perry’s family have gathered for a final farewell just days after the actor died at the age of 54.
Perry’s loved ones gathered at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon.
The cemetery, which is opposite the Warner Bro Studios where Friends was filmed for a decade, was seemingly selected as the location for Perry’s funeral or memorial service.
Perry’s father John Bennett Perry and stepfather Keith Morrison were also among the guests.
WATCH NOW: A showbiz expert reacts to Matthew Perry's death
A number of Friends stars were seen at the event, with David Schwimmer and Matt Le Blanc joining the group later on.
Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox joined loved ones earlier.
Perry died aged 54 on Saturday after he was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home.
The actor, who battled addiction, was pictured enjoying a date with 25-year-old model Athenna Crosby just hours before.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
A person uses her mobile phone outside the home of late actor Matthew Perry
REUTERS
Aniston, Cox, LeBlanc, Schwimmer and Kudrow issued a statement about their shock and sadness.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” it said.
“We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
The statement added: “There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox Arquette, Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc
REUTERS
“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.”
Perry’s parents announced a foundation was set up in honour of the late star.
The organisation said in a statement: “The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realisation of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction.
Courteney Cox Arquette, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc
REUTERS
“It will honour his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible.”
The Matthew Perry Foundation also referenced a quote by Perry on its website, in which he said: “When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned – I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned and I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.
“Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.”
You may like
