'Friends' cast reunites to honor Matthew Perry with charity tribute two years after his death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew Perry’s 'Friends' co-stars continue to honor his life two years after his death.
They are raising money for charity through a unique collection of abstract artwork based on the show's theme song.
Cast signs ‘Friends’ soundwave art for charity
The Matthew Perry Foundation on Friday, December 12, shared several photos on Instagram capturing the moment when Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow signed a collection of abstract artworks.
This artwork will be used to raise money for charities of their choosing. The nonprofit, which is dedicated to continuing Perry's legacy by fighting the stigma surrounding addiction, explained the initiative, writing that the "cast has teamed up with @soundwaves_art and artist Tim Wakefield for a very special collection of artwork this holiday season.”
Tim Wakefield, the artist, “has transformed the actual soundwaves of the Friends theme song into these beautiful designs each inspired by a different character, and each cast member has autographed their own small run of artworks," the foundation's caption continued.
In collaboration with Perry’s estate, a limited number of the prints will also feature the late actor’s official signature, further adding to the collection's special nature.
'Friends' cast united in grief after Mathew Perry's death
The ‘17 Again actor’ was found dead at his Los Angeles home in October 2023, with his accidental drowning determined to be the result of the acute effects of ketamine, according to an autopsy.
Shortly after his death, the entire main cast of the show, Cox, Schwimmer, LeBlanc, Kudrow, and Aniston released a joint statement to PEOPLE, expressing their deep devastation.
"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” they wrote. “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." They further said, "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."
Jennifer Aniston reflects on Mathew Perry’s struggles and loss
Jennifer Aniston recently shared her personal grief and reaction to the news of Perry's death in an interview with Elle.
She admitted that hearing the news at the time was “alarming and shocking, yet not shocking,” and referenced a conversation they often had as a cast, “We always said, ‘I hope I never get that phone call,” she explained.
Aniston concluded her reflection with a tribute to her friend, “We miss him. He’s missed. He was a brilliant human being and an extraordinary talent, loved deeply, and wanted happiness more than anything. It makes me sad that he never really achieved that, because he deserved it.”
