Matthew Perry was 'in love with' Courteney Cox - but stuck to casting rule
The death of Matthew Perry shocked and saddened people across the globe, many of whom had felt they'd known his most famous character, Chandler Bing.
Friends icon Matthew was just 54 years old when, on October 28, 2023, he died in the hot tub of his LA home. His death was ruled as an accident from the 'acute effects of ketamine', and followed many years of addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Despite his difficulties, Matthew remained a source of inspiration for many and was an outspoken advocate for rehabilitation. And he never forgot the five castmates he rose to fame with as a young actor, with one member of the gang holding a particularly special place in his heart.
Now, Erik Fleming, one of the five people charged in relation to Matthew 's death, is due to be sentenced. Fleming, 54, pleaded guilty in August to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine as well as one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He had initially been due for sentencing on October 30, but this date was delayed.
Those who knew Matthew best will no doubt be recalling happier times with the gifted actor, remembered for his comic timing and magic onscreen chemistry with Courteney Cox, who played his onscreen wife. Poignantly, it's been reported that Matthew's love for Courteney were real both on and off the script.
READ MORE: Friends' Janice actress describes sweet encounter she thinks was 'sign' from Matthew Perry
During their time together on the wildly popular sitcom, Matthew allegedly harboured strong feelings for Courteney, who was at that point in a relationship with her Scream co-star David Arquette. Sadly, it was reported he was never "able to get over her".
Speaking with US Weekly in 2022, sources claimed: "Matthew's always been in love with her. Matthew has never fully been able to get over her." However, things remained strictly platonic between the pair, with the castmates making sure their close friendships never crossed over into romantic territory, unlike their fictional counterparts.
Opening up to Access in 2021, Matthew revealed that director Jim Burrows had implemented a "no hookup rule". He explained: "There was a rule that we had, it was really important to the six of us, that we kept a friendship, that we were friends."
In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big, Terrible Thing, Matthew spoke fondly of Courteney, who he described as "cripplingly beautiful". Making sure to include heartfelt messages to his fellow Friends alumni, Matthew also thanked Courteney "for making America think that someone so beautiful would marry a guy like me".
In an Instagram statement following Matthew's passing, Courteney paid tribute to her 'funny' and 'kind' co-star, and shared one of her fondest memories of their time working together. Courteney wrote: "I am so grateful for every moment I had with you, Matty, and I miss you every day. When you work with someone as closely as I did with Matthew, there are thousands of moments I wish I could share. For now, here's one of my favourites."
She continued: "To give a little backstory, Chandler and Monica were supposed to have a one-night fling in London. But because of the audience's reaction, it became the beginning of their love story. In this scene, before we started rolling, he whispered a funny line for me to say. He often did things like that. He was funny and he was kind."
Marking a year since his death, the actress posted on Instagram, "Missing you today and always," alongside photos of the pair. Courteney and her former husband, David, whom she married in 1999, split in October 2010, and, as of 2013, the actress has been in a relationship with Snow Patrol guitarist Johnny McDaid, whom she met through mutual friend Ed Sheeran.
Speaking with NBC's Today programme back in October, to mark the one-year anniversary of Matthew's death, his family spoke of how he'd hoped to marry and have children of his own - a dream that never came to fruition. His sister, Emily Morrison, poignantly stated that all her famous brother "really wanted to do was to love and be loved".
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Kelsey Parker surrounds herself with family after loss of baby son in poignant snap
Podcast host Kelsey Parker has made a return to social media for the first time since announcing the devastating death of her third child as she takes a break away Kelsey Parker has surrounded herself with her family as she takes a much-needed trip away following the death of her third child. The Wanted star Tom Parker's widow sadly announced her third child was born stillborn last month. She shares her child with her partner Will Lindsay, and broke the devastating news on social media as she revealed they had a little boy named Phoenix. Since then, Kelsey has taken time away from social media and a break away from her day-to-day life. Marking her return to Instagram, Kelsey shared a family photo with Will and her two children with Tom, Aurelia, six, and Bodhi, four. They soaked up the sun in a hot location as they looked out at a stunning view together. The podcaster chose not to share where they have decided to take a break to, but said: "Exactly what we needed. Thank you @jet2 for making it so easy. X." Just last month, Kelsey shared the heartbreaking news of her son on her account. Her devastating tribute to her son included one simple heartbreaking caption: 'Phoenix Parker-Lindsay, you will forever be loved." She added a moving poem, entitled For Phoenix, Born Sleeping, Forever Loved. The poem read: 'The world grew quiet as you arrived, So loved, so longed for, yet not alive. Our precious boy, our angel light, Born with wings, took silent flight. 'We named you Phoenix, brave and bright. A soul of love, of warmth and light. Though we never heard you cry, You'll live in hearts that won't ask why. No breath you drew, no eyes to see, Still, you mean everything to me. You'll journey with us, softly near, In every sigh, in every tear.' Kelsey was flooded with support from her followers as well as celebrity pals, which she preempted with a message. In her post, she wrote: "Before I receive an influx of lovely messages and heartfelt wishes, I wanted to just say that I truly appreciate everything you are all going to say and share. "But with the news being so raw, I would really like to ensure that we as a family are given space and time to process this devastating and earth-shattering news. I love you all and thank you for your understanding and space. Love always, Kelsey, Will, and the Parker Family." Kelsey shares children Aurelia, five, and Bodhi, four, with The Wanted star Tom Parker, who tragically died from brain cancer in 2022 at the age of 33, four years after they married. She had opened up to the Mirror in January about her excitement at welcoming a third child into the family home which she now shares with tree surgeon Will, after finding love again last September. Confessing that the baby, which would have been Will's first child, was a "happy accident", Kelsey said she was gently preparing Aurelia and Bodhi for a new sibling. Will also told us: "I'm over the moon. This is something I've wanted for a long time. I couldn't be happier and I know Kelsey is going to be an amazing mum, as she already is." If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands (stillbirth and neonatal death charity). You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email helpline@
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
David Beckham and Amanda Holden lead celebrations after Lionesses' Euros triumph
Social media is ablaze with celebrations and congratulatory messages following the Lionesses' historic win in the Euro 2025 final. Tonight, England took on Spain live from St Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland, in the hopes of replicating their Euro 2022 success against Germany at Wembley. And boy did they, as Sarina Wiegman's squad triumphed over their former rivals, having lost to Spain once before in the World Cup final. With no intention of admitting defeat at any point, the 1-1 game was taken to penalties, which led to England thrashing their opponents 3-1 and going on to lift that glorious trophy. It's safe to say the scenes were emotional as the Lionesses pulled one another into hugs and wiped away tears after Alex Greenwood, Niamh Charles, and Chloe Kelly scored in their shoot-outs, causing the stadium to erupt. The reactions were just as wild back home, too, as celebrities including Piers Morgan, Amanda Holden, Rylan Clark, and Alan Carr were keen to wish captain Leah Williamson and her teammates a very big well done. 'BOOOM! Well done @Lionesses – and great to see an Arsenal star score the winning penalty. Congrats @chloekelly', posted long-time Arsenal fan Morgan on X. 'YESSSSSSS @Lionesses GO ON GIRLLLSSSS', wrote an excitable Rylan. Alongside a snap of herself with Williamson at Glastonbury last year, country music icon Shania Twain had the most fitting use for her most famous lyric, writing: 'SO happy for the Lionesses … Let's f***ing go girls!!' 'They've done it again.. Back To Back! Massive', tweeted Rio Ferdinand alongside a smiley snap with the team. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer penned: 'Champions! Congratulations @Lionesses — what a team. What a game. What drama. You dug deep when it mattered most and you've made the nation proud. History makers.' And while a homecoming parade will be held in London on Tuesday for the Lionesses, Labour leader Sir Keir previously suggested a bank holiday would not be implemented if the team were to win, despite overwhelming demands from footie fans. Over on Instagram, Spice Girl Mel B posted, 'Yes yes yesssss!!! Girl power!!!!!!!!' on her Story, while Jess Glynne, who is dating Alex Scott, also watched along from home. The Hold My Hand hitmaker shared a video of her TV and could be heard shouting: 'Come on, the girls! What are you sayin'? Oi oi! Proud of you! Come on.' Ever the supportive girlfriend, she also shared a clip of Scott, whom she began dating in 2023, presenting for BBC Sport, writing alongside it sweetly: 'My womannnnn'. Elsewhere, Holden and Carr watched the nail-biting final together, along with their crew, as they are currently away shooting their new series of Amanda & Alan's Greek Job. The hilarious TV duo filmed themselves soaking up the glory as England won the match before bursting into the Three Lions anthem. Ashley James also filmed herself and showed her family giddy with joy after Kelly successfully bagged the winning penalty, while Stacey Solomon caught the action from her widescreen TV in Pickle Cottage. The Loose Women and Sort Your Life Out star was joined by what sounded to be her entire brood, who grew justifiably rowdy once England's victory was sealed. 'Smashed it gals', Solomon wrote alongside a gorgeous clip of her sons dancing around in the living room. Also watching from home was Romeo Beckham, while dad Sir David Beckham posted a slew of pics in the aftermath of the win. Ever the patriot, the sporting legend's Insta Story was full of lion and England flag emojis as he heaped praise on the 'champions' and tagged several players, adding a special 'well done' to Michelle Agyemang. While Becks is currently holidaying in sunnier climates with his famous family and therefore not at tonight's match, one public figure who did put in an appearance was Prince William. More Trending The Prince of Wales took daughter Charlotte to the final and later shared a joint personal message in celebration. This also marked the first time the 10-year-old Princess has ever signed off an official message. It read: 'What a game! @lionesses, you are the champions of Europe and we couldn't be prouder of the whole team. Enjoy this moment @England. W & Charlotte.' The Prince of Wales, who is patron of the Football Association (FA), sat next to the PM for the match and later made his way to the pitch for the trophy ceremony. Other famous faces sharing their reactions to England's epic win this evening included Peter Andre, James Bond favourite Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jessie Ware, Ashley Cain, and Amelia Dimoldenberg. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Ian Wright names 'major favourite' for 2027 Women's World Cup after England win Euros MORE: Hannah Hampton was told she would never play football due to a serious eye condition MORE: Why Beth Mead was allowed to take penalty twice in England's Women's Euro 2025 triumph over Spain
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Colson Smith makes awkward Jack P Shepherd wedding blunder after being made best man
Coronation Street star Jack P Shephard wed his fiancee Hanni in a stunning ceremony in Manchester this weekend as he made Colson Smith his best man before an awkward blunder Jack P Shepherd's former Coronation Street co-star Colson Smith found himself in an awkward mistake as he celebrated his wedding. The David Platt actor, 37, married his fiancee Hanni Treweek on Saturday in a stunning ceremony surrounded by their nearest and dearest. They wed at Manchester Cathedral in front of their friends, family and Jack's Corrie co-stars. Jack and Hanni then headed over to a swanky hotel in the city were the party continued into the evening. However, it seems the partying may have been too much for Colson as he took to social media the following day. The former Craig Tinker star took on a very special role of being part of Jack's groomsmen for the wedding. He was by Jack's side as he said his vows and became a married man. Just before the ceremony, Jack posed for a photo with Colson as they soaked up the moment together. Colson has since shared the snap on his Instagram, but his caption caught the attention of his fans. The Celebrity Big Brother star wrote: "26/8/2025 The Shepherd Wedding." However, many quickly realised Colson had got the date wrong by a month. In the awkward moment, it seemed Colson wanted to quickly correct the mistake as he then shared a blank screen and commented: "Or 26/7/2025," followed by an upside down emoji. Despite Colson's mistake, it didn't stop Jack and Hanni from having the best day of their lives. They hired out the swanky Hallé St Peter's in the city for their reception, where they were joined by even more of their friends and family. Amongst the guests were Lucy Fallon, Tina O'Brien and Julia Golding. Jack's on-screen mum Helen Worth also looked a picture of happiness as she walked hand-in-hand with her husband towards the venue. Jack and Hanni performed their first dance after they revealed they took up dance lessons to prepare for their big day and it certainly paid off. The newlyweds strutted their stuff on the dancefloor before they were joined by their guests to party the night away along to a live band. On Sunday, bride Hanni took to her social media for the first time to share a message as a wife. She posted a series of romantic snaps from the day and gushed: "Introducing Mr & Mrs Shepherd. "Words cannot describe how beautiful yesterday was for us - it was more than perfect the love & energy in the room (and outside) was incredible - our hearts our truly full thank you so much to you all - it means the world to us. "Love is all you need x It took a whole team - a team we couldn't be happier with, thank you so much - we are literally in awe of how talented you all are."
