'Friends' cast mourn Matthew Perry's death, release statement: 'unfathomable loss'

Matthew Perry starred with Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox on Friends.

The castmates of the iconic television series "Friends," including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, expressed their grief and devastation over the untimely death of Matthew Perry at 54. Exclusive to PEOPLE, the joint statement conveys the deep bond they shared with their late co-star and the immense loss they feel.

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” the actors wrote.

"In time we will say more, as and when we are able," the statement continues. "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world." The message is jointly signed by Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc, and Schwimmer.

Matthew Perry, known for his remarkable portrayal of Chandler Bing in the hit series "Friends," earned accolades, including a 2002 Emmy nomination.

Marta Kauffman and David Crane, the series co-creators, together with executive producer Kevin Bright, also expressed their profound shock and sorrow at the loss of their dear friend. "We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing," their joint statement conveys. "It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives. He was a brilliant talent."

Reflecting on Perry’s pivotal role in the show, they acknowledged, "It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us."

The creators also extended condolences to those mourning Perry and paid homage to the tradition of Friends episode titles, saying, "We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken."

Maggie Wheeler, known for her role as Chandler's on-and-off-again TV girlfriend Janice, also expressed her profound grief on Instagram, saying, "What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew Perry. 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."

Also read: Comedian slammed for 'mocking' Matthew Perry's death

Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28.