Matthew Perry’s Friends and Costars React to His Death: ‘Shock and Sadness Prevail’

Matthew Perry is receiving tributes from Hollywood and beyond after his sudden death.

On Saturday, several media outlets confirmed that the 54-year-old actor died of alleged drowning. As news about Friends star’s death made the rounds, many inside and outside the entertainment community shared memories of the five-time Emmy nominee.

In a message she shared on her Instagram Story, Rumer Willis — whose father Bruce Willis starred The whole nine yards along with Perry — wrote: “I’m so sad to hear that Matthew Perry has passed away. When I was a kid and I was on set when he and my dad ran the whole nine and the whole 10 yards, he was so kind and funny and dear to my sister and I and I think his physical comedy and that movie still make me laugh so much, I know he had a lot of challenges in his life and he brought a lot of joy to people with his comedy. I hope he can rest in peace.”

Remembering the life and career of Matthew Perry in photographs

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, one of Perry’s schoolmates in Ottawa, wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “The death of Matthew Perry is shocking and sad. I will never forget the games we played in the school yard and I know people around the world will never forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”

Perry’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip Costar and director Timothy Busfield shared an exclusive statement with PEOPLE: “Matty Perry was a gem. I was so lucky to act with him and direct him Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.”

Busfield continued: “He was a good, good man and a sweet, witty soul who will be missed, sorely. Not only by his millions of devoted fans, but also by those colleagues and friends he caused to collapse under his swift and fiery. He told me is that he once spent an entire evening entertaining a famous director. Taking him to one club after another, thinking to himself “he really likes me, maybe he’ll hire me.” It wasn’t until the next morning, after a great night, that he discovered it wasn’t the famous director at all . He was just some guy. He told that story himself. That’s the kind of man he was. Good luck, bro. I’ll miss you.”

Olivia Munn also expressed her condolences for the late actor in an Instagram Story post, writing: “He battled so much addiction and was brave enough to be open and honest about it. I’m so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today . Nothing but heartbreaking. Rest in love, Matthew Perry 💔”

Matthew Perry spoke openly about his journey of sobriety in the year before his death

Shannen Doherty, Perry’s former co-star when he appeared on Beverly Hills 90210 In 1991 he wrote on Instagram: “We were a gang a long time ago. We all grew up together going to Formosa, North and always laughing. Matt, Roger, David, Roxana. We played pretend and Matt had to say funny things to the girls in the bar. We always had fun and supported each other. You’d always find us all together in the booth talking in our own made-up language. And yes, Matt always had THAT sense of humor.”

Doherty recalled: “Matt and I had a date and it was on Valentine’s Day. He wanted to make a reservation at a restaurant in Malibu but he couldn’t so my dad made the reservation for him. We went and he talked about my father in Irish most of the time evenings. Our friendship lasted a long time. A lifetime indeed.”

She concluded: “I know many are hurting, especially our little group. She will be missed by many and definitely by us. Yes. I could be more poetic or say things better, but shock and sadness prevail right now.”

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty

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Valerie Bertinelli, who played Perry’s sister in the 1990 CBS sitcom Sydney, she posted a tribute to the star on her Instagram Story. “Rest in peace, sweet man,” she said.

George Takei He said in his dedication, “What tragic news to read. My heart goes out to his beloved and longtime co-stars.”

In a statement to PEOPLE, Laura Benanti, who starred on Go on with Perry, said: “Matty was a generous, brilliant man of unparalleled talent. I feel grateful to have known him.”

Matthew Perry Dead: Read Friends The 2022 PEOPLE cover star interviewed about his addiction and memoir

Perry’s Parallel lives Costa Rican Mira Sorvino also publicly reacted to the actor’s death. “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in heaven, you make everyone laugh with your quirky wit!!! 💔 💔 💔,” she wrote on Xformerly Twitter.

Meredith Salenger, who worked with Perry on the 1988 A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardonalso posted a tribute to X alongside photos of the two stars together.

“Oh no no no no no! Matty! Oh man. My heart is breaking. Matty… Matthew and I have known each other since we were 16. Oh man. There are no words. Rest in peace sweet @MatthewPerry. 💔😔 “, the actress wrote.

Tom Green, who grew up in Perry’s hometown of Ottawa, Canada, too divided by X“Shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic drowning death of Matthew Perry. He is one of many talented and amazing success stories from my hometown of Ottawa, Canada. Rest in Peace Matthew.”

Matthew Perry shares a rare photo with his father, actor John Bennett Perry

Nancy Sinatra added on the social platform: “Happy travels Matt. Thanks for being you. I wish you a peaceful journey home through the stars. If you loved Matthew Perry as much as I did read his book. You will learn a lot about him.”

Matthew Perry.

Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic

“Terrible news. RIP bro,” Josh Charles wrote in the statement.

Selma Blair paid tribute to Perry on her Instagram page, writing: “♥️. My oldest boyfriend. We all loved Matthew Perry, me especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Heartbroken. Sweet dreams Matty Sweet dreams.

Josh Gad, currently starring in Broadway’s Gutenberg Musicalwrote on Instagram: “What horrible news to break at the end of my show. No words. Just devastating. 💔💔💔 Love to all his friends and all his family.”

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

The most memorable Matthew Perry Friends Moments like Chandler Bing

Perry, who was best known for his role as Chandler Bing friends, was found dead in a home in Los Angeles on Saturday, according to multiple media outlets.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that officers responded to a call at Perry’s address regarding the death of a man in his 50s, but would not confirm the identity of the deceased.

TMZ was also told it was not foul play, and their sources said emergency responders were called to the residence for cardiac arrest.

Representatives for Perry did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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