Matthew Perry's funeral attended by heartbroken Friends stars and parents

04 November 2023 , 05:32

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The one where they all mourn their friend - Actors gather in LA for Matthew Perry's funeral (Image: SplashNews.com)

As Matthew Perry was laid to rest, his funeral has brought together many of his famous coworkers at a cemetery in LA that is already home to Hollywood's elite.

Perry's family was seen arriving first at the event, with Matthew's father, John Bennett Perry, and stepfather, Keith Morrison spotted arriving early at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Then, the celebrities started to trickle in, beginning with David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow. Later, they were spotted walking with costars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox in a group walking toward the ground of the cemetery on Friday. Matt Le Blanc is also believed to have been in attendance.

READ MORE: Matthew Perry had 'no desire to get back into drugs and alcohol' before his shock death

Matthew Perry's Friends costars have gathered in LA for the star's funeral (SPLASH)

With a star-studded guest list, Perry's funeral was small but packed with those who were closest to him (SPLASH)

The actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, tragically passed away on Saturday due while relaxing in a hot tub or jacuzzi. Perry also was in the hit The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, Fools Rush In and others - and with an outpouring of support from his former coworkers, it's likely many of them gathered at the cemetery as well.

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Forest Lawn Memorial Park is opposite Warner Bros Studios, where the show Friends filmed for ten years. The gathering comes after Matthew's former co-stars came together to share an emotional tribute following his death. "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," they said in a statement.

ennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow arrive at Matthew Perry's funeral (Shutterstock / SplashNews.com)

In the tribute, which was shared with People, they continued: "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,” they continued. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

In a statement, Matthew's family also wrote: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

Actors and family members gathered to say a tearful goodbye to Perry (SplashNews.com)

Matthew's family and friends have also come together to set up a foundation to honour the late star and the work he did helping those with addiction issues. In a statement, the organisation said: “The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realisation of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction.

"It will honour his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible." The Matthew Perry Foundation also referenced a quote by the actor on the website.

It read: "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. Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.

A bitter Friends' reunion happened in LA, as the costars gathered to mourn Matthew Perry (SPLASH)

Matthew was found unresponsive in his hot tub in a suspected drowning at his Los Angeles home on October 28. Law enforcement says 911 dispatched responders at around 4:00 pm due to a report of cardiac arrest.

When they arrived on the scene, they began water rescue protocol after Matthew had seemingly drowned. It was reported that there were no illegal drugs on the scene and cops did not suspect any foul play.

Matthew could be awarded with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame should his family accept. Matthew was previously accepted for the star back in 2013 after being submitted by his PR firm, but the ceremony was never scheduled and in 2018, the award expired.

Actors, directions, Hollywood elite, and Matthew Perry's family all said goodbye today (Shutterstock / SplashNews.com)

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which oversees the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, stated that they would love to honour the late actor with a star and posthumous ceremony, but it's up to his family to decide whether it would happen.

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"The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is confident it could renew the award for Matthew," a source told TMZ. They explained that the award would have to be approved by the chair of the selection committee, but chamber officials reportedly said the vote would be a "slam dunk."

Scarlett O'Toole