LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The passing of Matthew Perry, widely known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom 'Friends', left the world in mourning.
Among the mourners was Hank Azaria, a close friend and fellow actor who had shared many memorable moments with Perry.
Azaria recently opened up about the emotional experience of attending Perry's funeral, revealing both the tears and laughter that filled the ceremony.
Matthew Perry and Hank Azaria's friendship was forged in Los Angeles
Azaria reminisced about the beginnings of his friendship with Perry, highlighting the special connection they formed early in their careers. The pair first met in Los Angeles while working on a TV pilot called 'Morning Maggie'.
Azaria, who was 21 at the time, instantly clicked with the 16-year-old Perry. As they embarked on their journeys in the entertainment industry, their bond grew stronger, evolving into a brother-like relationship.
They supported each other during the early days of their careers, sharing laughter and drinks as they navigated the ups and downs of Hollywood together.
While Azaria and Perry pursued their respective acting endeavors, their paths crossed once again on the set of the iconic sitcom 'Friends'.
Azaria made several guest appearances on the show as David, the on-and-off-again boyfriend of Phoebe Buffay, played by Lisa Kudrow.
Azaria's tribute to Perry on Instagram highlighted the deep bond they shared.
From their early days in Los Angeles to their time together on 'Friends', Azaria expressed his gratitude for their friendship and the countless nights they spent laughing and enjoying each other's company.
Saying goodbye to 'a hilarious man'
On November 3, friends, family, and colleagues gathered at the Forest Lawn cemetery in Hollywood Hills to bid farewell to Matthew Perry.
Azaria, who cherished his friendship with Perry, attended the intimate funeral service.
He described the ceremony as a mix of sadness and laughter, a reflection of Perry's unique ability to bring joy and humor to those around him. As tears were shed, memories of Perry's hilarious nature brought smiles to the faces of mourners.
Azaria emphasized the significance of the world sharing in the loss, acknowledging the impact Perry had on a global scale.
“I was at the funeral last weekend,” the 'Simpsons' voice artist told The Messenger.
“You know, sad. He was a hilarious man, so we would sort of [be] alternately laughing and crying remembering him.”
"We’ve all had people we’ve lost. The world really lost him. In a way, it’s nice to have the world sort of sharing with you", Azaria continued.
The New York Times also shared a beautiful and touching peice conveyed by Azaria on Matthew Perry.
Final farewell to Matthew Perry was somber affair
Perry's funeral was attended by his immediate family, including his father John Bennett Perry, mother Suzanne Perry, stepfather Keith Morrison, and sisters.
The 'Friends' cast, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt Le Blanc, also paid their respects to their beloved co-star.
The somber ceremony provided an opportunity for everyone to come together and honor the memory of a talented actor who had touched so many lives.
Resting among legends
Forest Lawn cemetery in Hollywood Hills is the final resting place for numerous celebrities, including Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Ronnie James Dio of Black Sabbath.
Perry now lies among these legends, forever remembered for his contributions to the world of entertainment.
Fans praise Hank Azaria's 'wonderful tribute'
Azaria's heartfelt recollections of Perry's funeral has touched fans with several taking to Twitter. One fan tweeted, "Bravo to @HankAzaria for his courageous, personal glimpse into the Program that saved many of our lives. I’m honored to be on the same path with such terrific role models".
Another penned, "Absolutely beautiful, thank you so much for sharing Matthew sounded like a truly wonderful person, generous with his time and friendship despite, or perhaps partly because of, his troubles!"
One tweet read, "What a beautiful tribute to an amazing friend - thank you for sharing it with those of us who never knew him but felt we did!"
Another complimented Azaria saying, "Such a wonderful tribute to your Friend".
