It has been two years since the world lost Matthew Perry, the beloved actor who immortalised the character of Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom 'Friends'. His untimely death at the age of 54 left a void in the hearts of millions. Now, his final resting place has finally been marked with a permanent plaque, offering a tangible spot for fans to pay their respects and remember his legacy.
A Long-Awaited Tribute at Sanctuary of Treasured Love
Matthew Perry rests at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills, specifically in a private outdoor mausoleum section known as the Sanctuary of Treasured Love. For a significant time after his burial, the spot remained unmarked. Recently, a simple yet poignant plaque was installed. It bears his full name, "Matthew Langford Perry," along with his dates of birth and death: August 19, 1969 – October 28, 2023.
The epitaph chosen reads, "Much Loved — Friend —", a gentle and fitting nod to his most famous role that brought friendship into living rooms across the globe. According to reports, visitors have already begun leaving tributes. On New Year's, flowers were placed at the site, with one bouquet accompanied by a note stating, "Thank you for the memories. You are far from forgotten." A Batman-themed keychain was also left nearby, referencing Perry's well-known and lifelong affection for the Caped Crusader.
In the Company of Hollywood Royalty
Matthew Perry's mausoleum is situated among the final resting places of numerous Hollywood legends, making his sanctuary a part of cinematic history. His co-star from the film 'The Whole Nine Yards', Michael Clarke Duncan, rests just steps away. The same area houses the shared graves of iconic mother-daughter duo Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.
The list of notable neighbours is extensive and includes:
- Screen legend Bette Davis
- Flamboyant entertainer Liberace
- Heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio
- Comedian and actor Freddie Prinze
The larger cemetery grounds are also the final home to stars like Brittany Murphy, Paul Walker, John Ritter, and comedy great Stan Laurel. In a poignant connection for 'Friends' fans, the grave of John Aniston—veteran star of 'Days Of Our Lives' and father to Jennifer Aniston—is only a short walk away, forever linking Perry to his close friend and co-star.
A Legacy of Talent, Struggle, and Advocacy
Following Matthew Perry's death, which was attributed to the "acute effects of ketamine" after he was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, his 'Friends' family released a joint statement. They expressed, "We were more than just cast mates. We are a family." Jennifer Aniston later reflected on their efforts to support him, saying, "We did everything we could when we could."
Perry was remarkably open about his battles with addiction and alcoholism. In his memoir, he recalled a moment when Aniston confronted him, telling him, "We can smell it," to which he admitted, "I know I'm drinking too much." In his later years, he channelled his experiences into advocacy, passionately supporting recovery. He even transformed his Malibu home into a sober living facility, Perry House, aiming to help others on their journey.
Today, the new plaque at Forest Lawn stands as a quiet, permanent marker. It is a place that commemorates not only his immense talent and the joy he brought to millions but also honours his very human fight and his desire to make a difference. For fans worldwide, it is now a dedicated space to remember Matthew Langford Perry—the actor, the friend, and the advocate.
