Beloved ‘Friends’ Star Matthew Perry Laid to Rest in LA Cemetery
Matthew Perry, the iconic comedy actor known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit TV sitcom ‘Friends,’ has been laid to rest at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Los Angeles. The 54-year-old actor was found dead in his home hot tub six days before his burial.
Perry’s Friends co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer, attended the somber and simple hour-long service dressed in black. Matt LeBlanc, who played Chandler’s lovable roommate Joey, joined them outside the church. The bond shared by the cast members was evident in a joint statement they released, stating that they were devastated by the loss and considered themselves a family.
Director Jim Burrows, who directed numerous episodes of Friends, broke the news of Perry’s apparent drowning death to the three female stars via text messages. Burrows described their reaction as being utterly destroyed, stating It’s a brother dying.
Among the mourners at the service were Perry’s divorced parents, John Perry and Suzanne Morrison, as well as his stepfather, TV journalist Keith Morrison. Forest Lawn Cemetery is the final resting place for several Hollywood greats, including Carrie Fisher, Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, and Debbie Reynolds.
A private funeral service was held on Friday, followed by Perry’s burial in a dark wooden coffin during a family-only ceremony. The funeral concluded with a rendition of Peter Gabriel’s Don’t Give Up, which was one of Perry’s favorite songs. Its lyrics resonated with the depths of despair he often experienced throughout his lifelong battle with addiction.
While no narcotics were found in Perry’s body, the LA County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that further toxicology tests are underway to determine if he had any prescription drugs in his system.
The untimely death of Matthew Perry has left fans around the world mourning the loss of a talented actor who brought laughter and joy to their lives. As the news of his burial spreads, the world reflects on his memorable portrayal of Chandler Bing and the lasting impact he leaves behind.