Matthew Perry’s close friend shares heartbreaking details about actor’s funeral

Virgin Radio

12 Nov 2023, 15:47

Hank Azaria has shared some heartbreaking details about late star Matthew Perry’s funeral service in Los Angeles on 3rd November.

The actor, best known for playing Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom Friends, was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park cemetery in the Hollywood Hills after he tragically passed away at his home on 28th October, aged 54.

Hank also appeared in Friends as Phoebe Buffay’s love interest, David, and was close to Perry. He attended the funeral alongside fellow Friends stars Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Matt Le Blanc and David Schwimmer.

"I was at the funeral last weekend. You know, sad. He was a hilarious man, so we would sort of [be] alternately laughing and crying remembering him," Hank told The Messenger.

He added: "We’ve all had people we’ve lost. The world really lost him. In a way, it’s nice to have the world sort of sharing with you."

Perry had a significant impact on Hank’s life, as the actor previously credited him for helping him to get sober. Now, he hopes to continue spreading awareness of addiction in tribute to his late friend.

"Whatever I can do to continue his mission of spreading the word of recovery and helping folks, I’ll do whatever I can,” he said.

Perry was very open about his struggles with substance abuse and addiction, which is why a foundation has been set up in his name to help others going through similar situations.

The Matthew Perry Foundation hopes to continue the actor’s “commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction” and will “honor his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences.”

The foundation’s website also opens with a widely shared comment from Perry, in which he said: “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.”