Friends Cast Mourns Unexpected Passing of Matthew Perry at Funeral

On Friday, the late Matthew Perry was remembered by his close associates during a funeral service held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, near the iconic Warner Bros. Studios. Among the attendees were Perry's esteemed Friends co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.

Commencing at 3 p.m. PST and concluding at 5 p.m. PST, the funeral provided a solemn opportunity for Perry's loved ones to pay their respects. The actor, aged 54, passed away on October 28 at his residence in Los Angeles, with reports initially citing an apparent drowning, as disclosed by TMZ. Law enforcement authorities, however, conveyed that no drugs were discovered at the scene, and no indications of foul play were evident.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the completion of an autopsy, with results pending a toxicology report. Notably, an online record currently designates the actor's cause of death as "deferred," indicating that it is subject to additional investigation. The circumstances surrounding Perry's passing remain under scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.

Following the untimely passing of Matthew Perry, his family conveyed their profound grief through a statement provided to PEOPLE the day after his demise. The statement expressed the family's heartbreak over the tragic loss of their beloved son and brother. Acknowledging Perry's impact on the world both as an actor and a friend, the family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love from those who held a special place in his heart.

Additionally, Perry's Friends co-stars issued a joint statement, exclusively shared with PEOPLE. In their collective message, they expressed profound devastation at the loss of Matthew, emphasizing that their connection transcended beyond being mere castmates—they considered themselves a family. The statement conveyed the difficulty in finding words to capture the depth of their grief and the need for a moment to process the incomprehensible loss.

While recognizing that there is much more to share in the future, the co-stars expressed a commitment to taking the time to grieve. Their thoughts and love were extended to Perry's family, friends, and all those who cherished him globally. The poignant message was collectively signed by Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.

Prior to his unexpected passing, Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, who had grappled with alcohol and drug addiction over the course of several decades, had envisioned establishing a foundation to provide support for individuals facing substance abuse challenges. In a poignant tribute to his memory, his loved ones realized this vision as The Matthew Perry Foundation launched its official website on Friday.

The mission statement of The Matthew Perry Foundation underscores its dedication to embodying Matthew's unwavering commitment to aiding those wrestling with the disease of addiction. The foundation aims to pay homage to Perry's legacy, drawing inspiration from his own words and experiences, and fueled by his fervent desire to make a meaningful impact on as many lives as possible.

The foundation's website showcases a black-and-white photograph of Perry alongside a compelling quote that encapsulates his aspiration to assist others. In a November 2022 appearance on the Q With Tom Power podcast, Perry articulated, "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." The quote emphasizes the actor's belief in the collective strength needed to combat addiction, stating, "Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down."