Zac Efron, known for his roles in movies like High School Musical, recently opened up about the significant impact that the death of his former co-star Matthew Perry has had on him. The two actors starred together in the 2009 film 17 Again, where Efron portrayed a younger version of Perry’s character.
During the unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Efron took a moment to pay tribute to Perry. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Perry and director Burr Steers, mentioning how it had propelled and motivated him in various ways. Efron said, “It really pushed me into the next chapter of my career. For that, thank you so much Matthew.”
Efron also shared his cherished memories of Perry, highlighting how the late actor had supported him during a crucial time in his life. He mentioned that Perry held a unique position for him both professionally and personally. As Efron reflected on Perry’s passing, he admitted, “His death is affecting me a lot.”
Being an actor in the spotlight can often be lonely and isolating, according to Efron. He emphasized the importance of reaching out to friends and fostering relationships where one can openly talk and share stories. Efron expressed regret that he hadn’t had the opportunity to do that with Perry in the past couple of years. He said, “I hold the time we shared together really dear. I’ve been thinking about him a lot, every day.”
Perry, best known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, was found dead in his hot tub on October 28. His untimely demise led to an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues who had worked with him over the years.
The remaining Friends cast members, including Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow, released a joint statement expressing their devastation and describing themselves as a family. They conveyed their love and thoughts to Perry’s family, friends, and everyone who held him dear.
The loss of Matthew Perry is not just felt by his fellow actors but also by fans around the world. Efron’s heartfelt words and the touching tributes from Perry’s Friends co-stars serve as a reminder of the impact he had on people’s lives.
