Friends cast gearing up for ‘bittersweet’ reunion for the first time since Matthew Perry’s death-Danni Scott-Entertainment – Metro

The Friends cast are planning to reunite after Matthew Perry’s death (Picture: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Months after the shocking death of Matthew Perry, his co-stars will reunite for the first time for the 20th anniversary of Friends.

Perry, who played Chandler Bing in the hit US sitcom, was found ‘unresponsive in the pool at his residence’ on October 28, 2023.

He was pronounced dead at the age of 54, with his autopsy ruling the incident an accident due to ‘drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine’ as well as ketamine usage.

After his death, friend and actress Minnie Driver shared that she believed the show’s success had influenced his struggles with addiction and ultimately his death.

Friends is widely considered one of the best sitcoms ever aired, with the finale broadcast for the first time on May 6, 2004.

Along with Perry, the show made stars out of main cast members Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc.

He died in October last year in his hot tub (Picture: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for GQ)

Perry rose to fame on Friends over two decades ago (Picture: Warner Bros. Television)

The remaining cast will reunite for the anniversary next month, despite a ‘huge void’ left by the 17 Again star’s death.

They ‘know Matthew would’ve wanted them to carry on and celebrate the show. So that’s very much on their minds as they move forward,’ a source told Us Weekly. 

It’s not thought this reunion will be public but the co-stars want to commemorate the special occasion in some way, with talks ongoing between them.

‘The prospect of having a reunion or a formal get-together without Matthew is bittersweet,’ continued the insider. ‘There will be a huge void.

The remaining cast, including his on-screen wife Courteney Cox, are planning to reunite (Picture: Warner Bros. Television)

It’s been 20 years since the finale aired (Picture: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

‘Matthew’s death reminded them how precious life is and the importance of catching up with each other more frequently. It underlined the unbreakable bond they share and the need to look out for each other.’

In the days after the tragic news broke, the Friends cast released a joint statement saying they were ‘utterly devastated’ and insisting they are ‘family’.

Individually each member shared a tribute to Perry in their own way, sharing throwback pictures and touching memories.

In a heart-wrenching post shared on Instagram, LeBlanc shared a compilation of photos from the show, including moments from several iconic scenes.

Perry’s death last year came as a huge shock (Picture: Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

The cast said they were ‘utterly devastated’ by the loss (Picture: Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

The Episodes actor wrote in the caption: ‘Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life.

‘It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never. Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love.’

It was revealed last month that Perry left over $1million (£781,475) to be distributed between the unnamed trustees of the Alvy Singer Living Trust.

The will had been created 15 years ago, with the Fools Rush In star saying he wanted to leave ‘a majority of his belongings to a trust.’

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