As the one-year anniversary of Matthew Perry's tragic passing approaches, his memory continues to resonate deeply with fans and friends alike, particularly with his former Friends co-star, Matt LeBlanc. LeBlanc, known for his role as the lovable Joey Tribbiani on the iconic sitcom, has largely remained out of the public eye since Perry's death. However, his recent appearance has sparked concern among fans, who noted a significant change in his appearance.
On Friday, September 7, LeBlanc was seen at a car showroom in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles-a rare public outing for the actor. The 57-year-old, who has always been known for his youthful charm and humor, looked markedly different.
Photos captured by TMZ show LeBlanc with grown-out gray hair, a gray beard, and a casual outfit consisting of a plain black T-shirt, jeans, and a dark blue baseball cap. The sight of LeBlanc, once the epitome of the fun-loving, eternally youthful Joey, now appearing visibly older and more subdued, has left fans concerned about his well-being.
Matt LeBlanc, 57, looks almost unrecognizable during rare outing in LA https://t.co/du5oLyRtmU — Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) September 7, 2024
LeBlanc's last public appearance was in December 2023, just two months after Perry's untimely death. Since then, he has maintained a low profile, making Friday's sighting all the more significant. The actor's close friendship with Perry, who played Chandler Bing on Friends, was a cornerstone of the show's appeal. Their on-screen chemistry mirrored their off-screen bond, making Perry's death a particularly heavy blow for LeBlanc.
Perry passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54, with the cause of death later confirmed to be the acute effects of ketamine. His death sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among fans worldwide. LeBlanc and the rest of the Friends cast-Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow-waited several weeks before publicly addressing the loss. When LeBlanc finally broke his silence in November, his heartfelt tribute on Instagram reflected the deep affection and respect he had for Perry. "It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend," LeBlanc wrote. "I will always smile when I think of you and I'll never forget you. Never."
The recent arrest of five individuals, including Perry's longtime assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, in connection with Perry's death has only added to the complexity of the tragedy. These individuals have been charged with illegally supplying Perry with ketamine, a drug he had struggled with as part of his long battle with substance abuse. Despite the investigation's findings, LeBlanc and his fellow co-stars have not yet issued statements, likely choosing to grieve privately.
LeBlanc's recent public appearance also comes after he attended Perry's funeral last November, alongside the rest of the Friends cast. The group was photographed together at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, where they paid their final respects to their beloved co-star.
For many fans, LeBlanc's visible transformation is a stark reminder of the toll that grief and time can take. The actor, once a staple on television screens around the world, now appears more like a man grappling with the loss of a close friend than the carefree character he portrayed for a decade. As the anniversary of Perry's death draws nearer, fans continue to hold out hope that LeBlanc will find peace and perhaps, one day, return to the screen in a way that honors the legacy of their unforgettable friendship.
While LeBlanc has kept a low profile, the outpouring of support from fans and the enduring popularity of Friends ensure that both he and Perry will remain beloved figures in the hearts of many. The memory of Chandler Bing and Joey Tribbiani's friendship is one that continues to bring joy and comfort to millions, even as those who brought them to life navigate the complexities of life after loss.
