Friends star Matthew Perry dies aged 54

Gwyneth Paltrow has recalled the romantic moments she shared with ex Matthew Perry as she joined the growing chorus of celebrities in paying tribute to the star following his tragic death.

The 54-year-old actor, beloved for his performance in the hit sitcom as Chandler Bing, was found dead in an apparent drowning on Saturday.

Following the tragic news, Matthew’s ex Gwyneth recalled spending a “magical” summer with him just over a year before Friends premiered in September 1994.

“I met Matthew Perry in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts,” she wrote on Instagram. “We were both there for most of the summer doing plays.

“He was so funny and so sweet and so much fun to be with. We drove out to swim in creeks, had beers in the local college bar, kissed in a field of long grass. It was a magical summer.”

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Gwyneth wrote that at the time of their meeting, the actor had already shot the pilot for Friends, but the show that would become an international sensation had not aired yet.

“He had shot the pilot of Friends but it had not aired yet,” The Shakespeare in Love star added. “He was nervous, hoping his big break was just around the corner. It was.

“We stayed friends for a while until we drifted apart, but I was always happy to see him when I did. I am super sad today, as so many of us are. I hope Matthew is at peace at long last. I really do.”

His Friends co-stars Maggie Wheeler and Morgan Fairchild were among the many actors remembering the star.

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Maggie, who played Chandler’s on-off girlfriend Janice Hosenstein on the show, wrote on Instagram: “What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew Perry.”

Meanwhile, Fairchild, who played his on-screen mother Nora Bing, said on Twitter: “I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son’, Matthew Perry.”

Another famous face to have left a tribute was Inter Miami owner Beckham, who sent his condolences with a poignant tribute posted to his Instagram Stories.

David posted a black and white image of Matthew, writing: “It’s just so sad. We’ll miss this laugh,” while adding a heartbroken emoji.

The former professional footballer then followed up his tribute with a snap of Matthew’s iconic Friends character, in which he added: “Thank you for all the laughs, Chandler Bing.”

It was Matthew’s role in Friends as Chandler – alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow – that launched him to international stardom.

Perry was cast as the awkward Chandler Bing, famous for his sarcastic one-liners and his childish behaviour with roommate Joey Tribbiani. The role earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002.

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