Matthew Perry’s death brings ‘Friends’ co-stars even closer as they renew their ‘unbreakable bond’

Matthew Perry’s death brings ‘Friends’ co-stars even closer as they renew their ‘unbreakable bond’
'Friends' stars David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc were 'devastated' by Matthew Perry's death in 2023 (Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The cast of 'Friends' has always shared a special bond, but the tragic death of Matthew Perry in 2023 reportedly brought them even closer, with an insider revealing the emotional connection they have maintained in the wake of his passing.

Perry, who died at the age of 54 after drowning in his hot tub, had a lasting impact on his former castmates from the hit television series — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. The grief they shared after Perry's death only deepened their friendship.

Matthew Perry's death brings 'Friends' cast 'even closer'

"It’s bittersweet, but his death brought them all even closer," a source close to the 'Friends' cast shared with OK! magazine.

The insider noted that the cast members, who had drifted apart somewhat over the years, have grown closer now.

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Cast members of NBC's comedy series 'Friends': David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Cook, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay (Warner Bros Television)

"They check in with each other more often now," the source said.

They have even "renewed" an old "text chain" by which they communicated with each other during their early days of working together in the iconic sitcom.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 1: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE)  Matthew Perry poses for pictures at Magic Ra
 Matthew Perry poses for pictures at Magic Radio on April 1, 2015 in London, England. Perry is presenting Magic Radio shows on April 2 and 9 (Alex B Huckle/Getty Images)

Aniston, Kudrow, Cox, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer "still share an unbreakable bond", one that has only strengthened since Perry’s death.

The source emphasized that their friendship remains steadfast, providing them with support through this painful chapter in their lives.

Mathew Perry’s death shakes 'Friends' family to the core

Matthew Perry’s unexpected death sent shockwaves through the 'Friends' family and beyond. The beloved actor, who was adored by millions for his portrayal of Chandler Bing, died on October 28, 2023, after an apparent drowning incident at his Los Angeles home.

The official cause of death was later confirmed to be the acute effects of ketamine, which had contributed to his tragic end.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23:  Actor Matthew Perry speaks onstage during the 64th Annual Primetime
 Matthew Perry speaks onstage during the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre LA Live on September 23, 2012, in Los Angeles, California (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Two days after his death, the remaining cast members of 'Friends' released a heartfelt joint statement, expressing their devastation and sorrow, PEOPLE magazine reported.

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," they wrote.

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Cast members of NBC's comedy series 'Friends' - Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox,  Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow- with talk show host Conan O' Brien (Warner Bros Television)

They added, "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," the statement further read. "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

The message was subsequently signed by Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer.

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