Matthew Perry's Death Reportedly Hit Grumpy 'Friends' Co-Star 'Like A Bucket Of Cold Water'

Matthew Perry's death in October 2023 was not just another Hollywood tragedy for Matt LeBlanc; it was a moment that changed him. 

Following the actor's death, LeBlanc has reportedly been a better version of himself. He is said to have switched from his usual grumpy personality to a friendlier and kinder person. 

Matt LeBlanc reportedly kept a low profile in the months following Perry's passing, leaving close friends worried about his reclusive behavior. 

Friends of LeBlanc say the loss of his longtime co-star pushed him to rethink how he approaches people and life. They claim that, while he had always carried himself with a confident, sometimes guarded persona, Perry's passing led to noticeable changes. 

One insider said the loss hit LeBlanc "like a bucket of cold water" and has turned him into a "kinder, gentler version of himself." The source added that he now makes more time for others and treats people with a warmth they had not seen before.

According to Radar Online, those familiar with the star believe the change deepened after Perry's fatal drowning in a hot tub. "For all his tough guy swagger, that tragedy brought out LeBlanc's softer side, and he makes time for people and is patient with them like never before," they stated. 

When Perry died in October 2023, the impact on LeBlanc was clear. The Blast noted that the 58-year-old was the first of the "Friends" cast to share a personal tribute outside of the joint statement they released together, signaling just how much the news had affected him.

LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani opposite Perry's Chandler Bing, posted a series of throwback photos of the two on set. Alongside them, he shared a heartfelt message saying goodbye to his longtime friend and co-star.

"Matthew, it is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life," he wrote. 

He went on to add, "It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you, and I'll never forget you. Never."

In a final bittersweet touch, LeBlanc ended the tribute with a nod to their humor:

"Spread your wings and fly, brother, you're finally free. Much love. And I guess you're keeping the 20 bucks you owe me."

In the months following Perry's passing, those closest to LeBlanc reportedly grew concerned over his increasingly private lifestyle. The Blast highlighted that some of his former castmates noticed he had been keeping to himself far more than usual.

LeBlanc was spotted in Los Angeles in September 2024 during what was said to be his first public sighting in months. Witnesses saw him outside a car showroom in Van Nuys, dressed in a plain black T-shirt and dark jeans.

Photos showed him wearing a navy baseball cap, Nike sneakers, and sporting a gray beard, appearing noticeably different from his usual on-screen image. A source shared that the concern is not about his appearance or lifestyle choices, but rather the fact that he has become so withdrawn.

"What's concerning, though, for Jen [Aniston] and all the Central Perk crew, is that he's such a recluse these days and they barely hear from him from one month to the next," the insider said.

As the first anniversary of Perry's death approached in late 2024, LeBlanc's friends became increasingly concerned about him. An insider disclosed that Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer are determined to bring him back into the fold.

"They want to see him smiling again," the insider said, adding that the loss of Perry has reminded them all how short and valuable life is.

LeBlanc's demeanor reportedly shifted noticeably over time. Once upbeat and full of energy, the source suggested his confidence has taken a hit and that he has also stopped paying much attention to his physical appearance.

Perry's death continues to raise serious questions. The late star was found face down in the jacuzzi of his Pacific Palisades home. The Blast reported that U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada discussed Perry's final days in the Peacock documentary "Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy."

Estrada, who oversaw the investigation before stepping down in January, said Perry was given 27 doses of ketamine from individuals "who should have known much better."

The documentary laid out allegations that the treatments were administered in the days leading up to Perry's death. Estrada claimed that Dr. Plasencia, one of the people involved, saw Perry's situation as a way to make "a lot of money in a short amount of time" and allegedly acted on it.

Matt LeBlanc seems determined to honor Matthew Perry by leading with more kindness and patience than ever before.