Matthew Perry’s friend shares heartbreaking details about his funeral
Matthew Perry’s close friend has opened up some of the heartbreaking details about his funeral which took place earlier this month (3 November).
The 54-year-old actor, best-known for playing Chandler Bing, was reportedly found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home last month (28 October), leaving his five fellow Friends co-stars to reunite and say their final goodbyes at his funeral.
The likes of Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow were among those who attended the private funeral which took place at the Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills along fellow Friends alum, Hank Azaria.
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Azaria, who played Phoebe Buffay’s love interest, David, confirmed in a recent interview that he was amongst those in attendance at Perry’s funeral.
Speaking to The Messenger, The Simpsons voice actor opened up about the ceremony.
"I was at the funeral last weekend," Azaria, 59, said. "You know, sad. He was a hilarious man, so we would sort of [be] alternately laughing and crying remembering him."
The grieving close friend added: "We’ve all had people we’ve lost. The world really lost him.
"In a way it’s nice to have the world sort of sharing with you."
Azaria previously praised Perry, who also suffered with addiction, for sticking with him during his darkest days.
He shared a video to Instagram, where he said: "I'm a sober guy for 17 years, and I wanna say that, the night I went into AA [Alcoholics Anonymous], Matthew brought me in.
"The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together.
"He was so caring and giving. He totally helped me get sober. And I really wish he could've found it in himself to stay with the silver life more consistently."
He added: "Most nights you spent with Matthew you were crying laughing by the end.
"As an actor, he was so brilliant. I just wish we could have gotten what the rest of his career would've been."
The news of Perry's death was first confirmed by a statement from NBC - the network which aired Friends.
"We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry," it wrote.
"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit.
"His legacy will live on through countless generations."
Perry starred in the 10 season-long series alongside his five costars, and went on to become close friends with them both on and off camera.
The late actor's costars shared a heartbreaking tribute to him, writing: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew.
"We were more than just cast mates.
"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."
An investigation into Perry's death is ongoing and there is currently no cause of death.
There was no apparent foul play.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Matthew Perry, Celebrity, Friends, TV And Film
Rhiannon Ingle