'He was way too young to go': Richard Wilkins pays tribute to Friends' Matthew Perry after shock death
Matthew Perry's shock death aged 54 has left the world without one of its best friends, Nine's Entertainment Editor Richard Wilkins says.
"It's just very sad. He was way too young to go," Wilkins tells 9Honey Celebrity, noting how Perry's death is one that "hits home" as, thanks to his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, he "was so much a part of our lives".
"Friends was one of those shows that was appointment viewing and we all used to watch it... it was so compelling," Wilkins continues. "[The cast members] were best friends, but they were our friends as well."
Watch the video above.
Matthew Perry has died aged 54 following an apparent drowning. Getty
Nine's Entertainment Editor Richard Wilkins says Perry 'brought so much joy' to the world despite his private torment. Nine
READ MORE: 'What a loss': Actors in disbelief over Matthew Perry's death
Wilkins highlights how, away from the cameras, Perry lived a "difficult life" filled with challenges including addiction and substance abuse, but despite his behind-the-scenes torment, he "brought so much joy to all of us".
Over the years, he says, the cast of Friends proved time and time again how they were an ensemble, notably negotiating together for equal pay, which eventually saw each cast member earn $US1 million (approx. $2.64 million now) per episode for the show's final two seasons.
"They were very much a team and now they're one down, which is very sad," Wilkins says.
Perry was found dead on October 28 (October 29 in Australia) at his Los Angeles home following an apparent drowning. No foul play is involved.
In a statement to CNN, Warner Bos. Television Group confirmed Perry's death and promised his "legacy will live on in the hearts of so many".
"We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry," the statement reads.
READ MORE: 'Makes you feel good': Perry's last Instagram post
Wilkins highlights how the cast members of Friends were very much a team, notably negotiating equal pay together. NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Perry is pictured here with Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer in 2021. HBO Max
"Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family," the statement continues.
"The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans."
Tributes from fans and friends alike are flowing for Perry, who is being remembered not just for his humour, but also for his honesty and bravery in the face of his addiction battle.
READ MORE: Remembering Matthew Perry: The Friends star's life in pictures
"What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry," wrote actress Maggie Wheeler, who memorably played Perry's on-screen on-off girlfriend Janice in Friends, on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair in character.
"The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."
READ MORE: How beloved Friends star Matthew Perry found overnight success with the sitcom
"It's a sad day and a sad loss," Wilkins concludes. "Hollywood's wearing a black armband again today."
