Outrage as Matthew Perry snubbed from Bafta memoriam despite major film roles-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro

Matthew Perry was absent from the Bafta memoriam segment (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Viewers of the 2024 Baftas were left fuming when they noticed a certain star was missing from the memoriam package.

The segment remembered those we have sadly lost over the past 12 months, including Carl Weathers and Tina Turner, as well as those who made major contributions off-screen.

As Hannah Waddingham sang an angelic cover of Time After Time, images and videos of the late stars flashed on the screen – but people couldn’t help noticing how there was a Matthew Perry-shaped hole.

The Friends icon died on October 28 at the age of 54 from the ‘acute effects of ketamine,’ according to an autopsy report, and what followed was a worldwide outpouring of grief.

While he has been honoured in various ways since, Perry was not included in the film made by Bafta, with viewers left scratching their heads.

‘Cant believe they missed Matthew Perry off the memoriam list’, wrote X user blissett595.

‘Why is Matthew Perry not mentioned at the Baftas. Shame on you BBC !!!!!’, raged madeleineappel6.

‘I love the BAFTAs so much right. I watch it religiously every year. But to not include Matthew Perry in the in Memoriam is actually shocking…’, penned Emlops.

Others declared that they want ‘justice’ for Perry.

‘Could I BE any more shocked they left out Matthew Perry’, wrote Jax9998.

The Friends icon died late last year (Picture: Warner Bros. Television)

However, others argued that the reason why Perry was not included in the memoriam package was because he wasn’t a film actor.

‘Not sure Matthew Perry made any films??’, asked mikeacthomas.

‘Matthew Perry wasn’t a film actor. At least not one with any notable profile. Tonight’s awards from the British Academy are for Cinema only, I’m quite sure Matthew will be fondly remembered at their Television awards later in the year’, said AllSeeingEyeRis.

Although, fans of his work were quick to point out that Perry did, in fact, feature in several films, including 17 Again, The Whole Nine Yards, and Fools Rush In, to name just three.

After being bombarded with messages on social media, the official Bafta page directed followers to a tribute for Perry posted on their official website.

When contacted for comment, a spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: ‘I can confirm he will be remembered in our forthcoming Television Awards.’

Viewers noted how Perry was also a film actor, with his CV including 17 Again (Picture: Offspring Ent/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

He also appeared in The Whole Nine Yards (Picture: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

Most recently, Perry was remembered during the In Memoriam segment of the Emmy Awards, with fans left in tears over the tribute.

However, his Friends co-stars did not make an appearance, despite earlier reports that they would take to the stage together to honour him

It later emerged that the reason Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow didn’t end up attending the awards was because it was too soon for them to speak publicly.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter after the event, executive producer Jeannae Rouzan-Clay said Perry’s death was ‘still very fresh’ for the rest of the cast.

Jesse Collins, who also served as an executive producer, admitted while the idea was discussed ‘early on’, they wanted to ‘respect that they were their own family’.

He added: ‘We had talked about it early on — but I can imagine, from their side, they’re mourning someone who was still very close to them.

‘I can’t speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family.

The beloved actor continues to inspire people with his legacy (Picture: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for GQ)

Perry was honoured at the Emmys last year (Picture: Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)

‘It was probably just a little too soon.’

In a joint statement issued shortly after Perry’s death, the cast said they were ‘utterly devastated’.

‘We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,’ they shared.

‘There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.’

The statement continued: ‘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.’

Entertainment – MetroRead More