Viola Davis leads Hollywood stars mourning Matthew Perry after death

(Picture: REUTERS)

Viola Davis has led the Hollywood stars have remembered Matthew Perry after his death aged 56.

The actor, who became a superstar playing funnyman Chandler Bing during 10 seasons of the US hit comedy Friends, died after an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home, US outlets have reported.

Tributes have since been pouring in from Perry’s Friends co-stars and Hollywood heavyweights, among them Viola, 58, and Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair, 51.

‘This is devastating. Your book shifted so many close to my heart,’ the Oscar-winner Viola wrote on Instagram.

‘The people no one sees and most throwaway. It was a gift. Beyond the joy you brought to many, your heart reigned supreme. Rest well…..know that you brought love.’

While Legally Blonde star Selma Blair described Perry as her ‘oldest boy friend.’

Sharing a picture of the pair, she said: ‘All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day.

‘I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.’

US actress Mira Sorvino, who starred alongside Perry in 1994 film Parallel Lives, said on Twitter: ‘Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!!

‘May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!

Perry, who was nominated for an Emmy for his role in Friends, starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Courteney Cox – who played Perry’s on-screen wife Monica Geller.

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The actors reunited on screen for the first time in 2021 after the show ended its celebrated 10-year run in 2004, having become a pop culture phenomenon.

Perry’s other notable TV work includes the short-lived Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip, written by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, while he also starred in several films, including Fools Rush In, opposite Salma Hayek and his father John.

More to follow.

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