Emmys fans in tears as show pays emotional tribute to Friends star Matthew Perry

16 January 2024 , 03:35

703     0

The Primetime Emmy Awards paid heartbreaking tribute to Matthew Perry (Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Primetime Emmy Award viewers were left beside themselves as the show paid a tear-jerking tribute to Matthew Perry.

Fans teared up Monday evening during the 75th annual award show as some of Hollywood's most beloved stars were remembered during the emotional "In Memoriam" segment of the night.

Every year the award show dedicates a special segment of the awards to highlight some of the TV legends that passed away over the course of the past year, and this year's was especially heartbreaking.

This year, viewers reached for the tissues as a moving clip played showing some of the greats that were lost in the last year as a remix of Wiz Khalifa's See You Again performed by singer Charlie Puth and The War and Treaty played in the background.

But what really took viewers by surprise was the heartbreaking moment that the Friends theme song I'll Be There For You, The Rembrandts played at the end and actor Matthew Perry's image was shown.

Emmy-nominated Murphy Brown actor Charles Kimborough dies aged 86

READ MORE:

The Emmy Awards paid special tribute to Matthew Perry with Friends theme song

Viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, sharing their emotional reactions to the segment. One fan wrote: "I started sobbing when they played the Friends theme song. Matthew I miss you every day." Another wrote: "I feel heartbroken. Using the theme of Friends and Matthew Perry appearing makes me feel so sad and sentimental." And a third added: "Catching a bit of these #EmmyAwards still cannot believe Matthew Perry is gone What’s wonderful rendition of the Friends theme song as a tribute."

Fans everywhere grieved as the beloved actor tragically passed away at the age of 54 years old after being discovered unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence. Just last week, the investigation into the actor's death was officially closed as it was confirmed that his cause of death was deemed an accident from the acute effects of ketamine.

Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54 years old

During the course of his life, Matthew left behind a long lasting legacy as he was remembered as the lovable quirky character Chandler Bing on Friends who brought laughter and comfort to fans for 10 seasons. Ahead of his death, Matthew also shared his hope that his lasting legacy will be the work that he did to support people struggling with addiction and alcoholism. Matthew famously shared his own struggles as a means to inspire others in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.

During the "In Memoriam" segment, a long list of other beloved Hollywood stars were recognized including the incredible lives of Andre Braugher, Angela Lansbury, Treat Williams, Angus Cloud, Lance Reddick, Suzanne Somers, Leslie Jordan, David McCallum, Bob Barker, Paul Reubens, Kirstie Alley, Barbara Walters, Alan Arkin, and more.

Caroline Gaspich