The news of Friends icon Matthew Perry’s death has taken many by surprise, especially those closest to him on set: his co-stars. In a joint statement shared with People, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer shared they were “utterly devastated†by the loss of Perry. “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,†it reads. “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.â€
The team behind the show — showrunners Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright— shared Perry’s impact on them. “We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing,†they begin in their own joint statement. “It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.†They remember his “brilliant talent†and how he made Chandler Bing his own. They explain, “From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us.†They concluded their message by paying homage to the show that brought them Perry: “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.â€