Sean Penn Recalls Last Time He Saw Matthew Perry Before 'Tragic' Death: 'What A Talented Guy'

In a heartfelt interview, Sean Penn paid tribute to Matthew Perry, praising his talent and acknowledging the tragic circumstances of his death. 

Penn shared a recent encounter with Perry at Los Angeles airport, commending Perry's openness about substance abuse struggles. 

The "Carlito's Way" actor's comments coincided with reports that Perry's "Friends" co-stars are discussing honoring him at the 75th Emmy Awards on January 15. 

In an emotional interview on Piers Morgan "Uncensored," Penn paid tribute to "Friends" star Matthew Perry, acknowledging his tragic death.

During the candid conversation with Penn, 63, commended Perry for discussing his substance abuse struggles, labeling him a "talented guy." He said: "What a talented guy. I can't claim to have known him well, but I liked him very much."

Reflecting on a recent encounter at Los Angeles airport, the "Mystic Rivers" actor said, per Daily Mail: "I saw him somewhat recently, and we were both catching a flight out of Los Angeles airport, and I complimented him on what I knew of his book."

He continued: "I hadn't read the book, I had seen several of his interviews, and he seemed to be talking about it, had confronted it, and was very intelligent and bold about it and generously offering his experience to people to be helpful."

Penn, whose son faced addiction, expressed sadness over Perry's death, adding: "It's tragic, I can't say that I was terribly surprised. I don't know what the whole coroner's report things and everything, but I know he had done a lot of damage to his organs over the years."

He concluded: "You know, tough situation, and he got to do that, he got to leave that tale behind and he got to give a lot of joy to a lot of people with his talent. So, I wish his family well."

In 2001, Penn had a brief stint on "Friends," appearing as the boyfriend of Phoebe's twin sister in two episodes, "The One With The Halloween Party" and "The One With The Stain."

In a previous interview with Metro, "Friends" director Kevin S. Bright referred to Penn as the "least successful" guest star due to the difference in production style.

He said: "Just the style of the production wasn't what he was used to, doing a show like that, so there was a little deer in the headlight effect."

Penn's recent comments coincide with reports that Perry's "Friends" co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Le Blanc, and David Schwimmer are in preliminary discussions to honor him at the upcoming Emmy Awards.

The 75th Emmy Awards are set for January 15 at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, rescheduled three months after the original date due to the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.

Perry earned five Emmy nominations in his lifetime. Notably, he received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002 for his role in "Friends." He was twice recognized for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his appearances in "The West Wing" in 2003 and 2004.

According to the insider who spoke to Daily Mail: "When it comes to Matthew's death, emotions are still running high and it is still a very touchy situation, which is totally understandable."

"But Jen, Lisa, and the rest of the cast want to honor him publicly at some point and give him the tribute he so rightfully deserves - and there have been rumblings to do it at next year's Emmys," the source added.

While an In Memoriam segment is likely, there's a desire among the co-stars to share personal memories on stage, creating a special moment for Perry and his admirers.

The insider continued: "They all would love to get together on stage to speak about him and also have their own unique moment sharing memories about him and telling the world about the man he was in real life."

"If they can all agree on a worthy tribute and get the blessing of his family, they will absolutely get together to make that night a special moment for Matthew and all who loved him," the source said.