5-11-2023 (LOS ANGELES) Actor Matthew Perry has been laid to rest in a small private ceremony in Los Angeles, according to reports in US media.
All five of his co-stars from the popular TV series “Friends” – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow – are believed to have attended the service held on Friday.
The ceremony took place at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, the final resting place of several Hollywood stars, including Fast & Furious actor Paul Walker and Star Wars’ Carrie Fisher.
Matthew Perry, who gained fame for his role as the witty and sarcastic character Chandler Bing on “Friends,” passed away at the age of 54 last weekend.
Photographs from the service showed Perry’s father, John Bennett Perry, his mother, Suzanne, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, arriving at the ceremony.
Perry’s co-stars expressed their profound grief and described their relationship as more than just castmates; they considered themselves a family in a joint statement earlier in the week.
A foundation has been established in Perry’s memory, pledging to continue the Emmy-nominated actor’s dedication to helping individuals struggling with addiction.
Throughout his life and in his recent memoir, Perry was open about his battle with substance abuse and addiction. He also founded a sober living facility for men facing similar challenges.
In a statement, the organization said, “The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realization of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction. It will honor 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 foundation also cited a quote from the actor on its website, in which he stated, “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.”
