Matt LeBlanc has paid tribute to Matthew Perry, honouring his Friends co-star and real-life pal with a heartfelt message.
Perry was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on 28 October, leaving legions of fans around the world devastated. The actor, who was 54, was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills neighbourhood of Los Angeles on 3 November.
The funeral service was attended by all of Perry’s Friends castmates, including Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and LeBlanc.
LeBlanc, 56, and Perry played Joey and Chandler respectively on the hit Nineties sitcom, with their friendship arc delivering some of the show’s funniest – and most heartwarming – moments.
Honouring Perry’s legacy, LeBlanc shared a series of stills from the show on Instagram.
His caption read: “It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.
“It was an honour to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never,” LeBlanc continued.
“Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love. And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”
In the emotional aftermath of his death, the lead stars of Friends released a joint statement paying tribute to Perry, whose portrayal of the ever-sarcastic yet loveable Chandler Bing catapulted him to global fame, while asking for time to “process this unfathomable loss”.
In the statement first released to People on 30 October, the stars wrote: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. 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. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Earlier this week, Perry’s death certificate was released by the Los Angeles Police Department.