or
Sign in with lockrMail
BREAKING NEWS
OK LogoNEWS

'Friends' Cast 'Still in Shock' Over Matthew Perry's Death: 'It Made Them Realize How Short Life Is'

friends cast in shock

Nov. 19 2023, Published 6:00 a.m. ET

Link to FacebookShare to XShare to FlipboardShare to Email

The cast of Friends is still struggling to process costar Matthew Perry's tragic death, according to a source.

The 17 Again actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, October 28, nearly one year after the release of his tell-all memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.

Article continues below advertisement
friends cast photo  golden globe awards  mega
Source: mega

The cast of 'Friends' is still 'in shock' after Matthew Perry's death.

"They’re still in shock," an insider told a news outlet of the sitcom stars. "They’ve always said they were like a family and now, one of the original six is gone."

In his book, Perry candidly revealed never-before-heard details of his career, as well as his struggles with addiction — a battle his costars had no idea was as serious as it was at the time.

Article continues below advertisement
friends cast photo matthew perry courteneycoz  mega
Source: mega

Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, October 28.

Article continues below advertisement

"If Matthew could still perform on the show, they could turn a blind eye," the insider explained. "They didn’t realize he was a functioning addict teetering on the edge."

"The Friends cast tried to help Matthew early on," the insider continued. "But they didn’t feel equipped to handle Matthew’s substance abuse. It was totally beyond their realm."

Article continues below advertisement
matthew perry jen aniston
Source: mega

Jennifer Aniston was the closest of the cast to Perry in recent years.

MORE ON:
Matthew Perry

Want OK! each day? Sign up here!

Article continues below advertisement

Even after the final episode of Friends, which ran from 1994 until 2004, the pals still reached out to Perry. The insider shared that Jennifer Aniston, 54, was the cast member he was closest to in recent years, noting she "spoke to Matthew the most of anyone in their old gang, but she still wishes she could’ve done more to help him."

David Schwimmer, 57, also contacted the Numb actor after a recent health scare, "but Matthew wasn’t very responsive."

"Toward the end, he kind of shunned people," the insider noted. "David wished he could’ve helped, but Matthew didn’t really let him."

Article continues below advertisement
friends cast photo  emmy awards mega
Source: mega

'Friends' ran from 1994 until 2004.

Article continues below advertisement

As they continue to grieve, the insider added that Perry's former costars "know it’s pointless to blame themselves for not doing more."

"He never blamed anyone for his problems but himself. They just can’t believe he’s gone," the insider said. "He was a sweet guy who deserved a lot more than he got. They can’t believe they’ll never hear Matthew’s self-deprecating wit again. It’s made them realize how short life is."

Never miss a story — sign up for the OK! newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what OK! has to offer. It’s gossip too good to wait for!

Article continues below advertisement
Source: OK!
Article continues below advertisement

As OK! previously reported, Aniston, Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc released a joint statement on Monday, October 30, mourning the loss of their friend.

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," the heartfelt message 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," the statement continued. "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

The source spoke with Star about the Friends cast's grief over Perry's passing.

More From OK! Magazine

    Opt-out of personalized ads

    © Copyright 2024 OK!™️. A DIVISION OF MYSTIFY ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK INC. OK! is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Offers may be subject to change without notice.