Matt LeBlanc breaks silence with heartbreaking tribute to co-star Matthew Perry after death

Matt LeBlanc has paid tribute to his former Friends co-star Matthew Perry, saying their time on the show was 'among the favorite times' in his life.

Perry died at his home in Los Angeles on 28 October, with reports he was found in his hot tub.

It is believed that no drugs were found at the scene of Perry’s death, with law enforcement telling TMZ that first responders were initially called to Perry’s home for a 'water rescue'.

"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” his family said in a statement.

"Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend."

Former co-star Matt LeBlanc has now paid tribute to his late 'friend', joking that he still owed him money.

NBC

Posting photos of their time together on Friends, LeBlanc wrote on Instagram: "Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.

"It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never.

"Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love."

LeBlanc added: "And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."

Instagram/@mleblanc

At the end of last month, LeBlanc had issued a joint statement remembering Perry alongside Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer.

They said: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just castmates. We are a family.

"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."

NBC

NBC - which aired Friends - confirmed the tragic news of the beloved actor's death in a statement, saying staff felt 'incredibly saddened' by the 'too soon passing' of the actor, who played Chandler.

"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit," the statement said.

"His legacy will live on through countless generations."

Maggie Wheeler, who played Perry's on-screen girlfriend Janice, also paid tribute to her co-star.

Sharing a screenshot of them from Friends, she wrote in a heartfelt caption: "What a loss.The world will miss you Mathew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."