Friends- the show is an American sitcom that ended in 2004. It has been nearly 20 years since the last episode of friends aired and we have never recovered from it. The show has one of the biggest fandoms with the lead performance of Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller and Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing.
The show is infamously known because of its relatability and fun moments. Ever since 2004, quite a few actors, including the lead Matthew Perry have passed away. Here is a list of all the stars who are no more with us
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry was reportedly found dead in a Jacuzzi on October 28, 2023. He passed away at the age of 54. There were no drugs found at his place other than his prescribed medications. Matthew battled with addiction and had a memoir in 2022 that spoke about his substance use struggles. He played the character of Chandler Bing, a data analyst. His character was famous for his quirky and sarcastic remarks he made during the course of the show. Perry has starred in shows like Go on, the odd couple and movies like fools rush in, 17 again etc.
James Michael Tyler
James Michael Tyler played the role of Gunther, a barista in the coffee house where all the six friends would be seen hanging out all the time. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018. He died at the age of 59. He was a great actor and musician and advocated cancer awareness as well. In an interview he mentioned that he wanted to save one life at least before he passes away.
Ron Leibman
Ron Leibman who portrayed the character of Rachel Green’s father, Dr. Leonard Green has appeared in only four of the episodes yet was undoubtedly one of the most memorable characters to appear on the show. Ron passed away in 2019 at the age of 82 following his struggle with pneumonia. He has won a Primetime Emmy and a Tony for some of his works.
Paxton Whitehead
Paxton played the infamous role of Mr. Waltham, Rachel’s boss at the Bloomingdale. He was also in every hit show in the 90s like Desperate Housewives, Mad About You and Frasier. Paxton passed away at the age of 85 due to complications in the hospital.
Gary Collins
Gary Collins made a guest appearance in season 5 where he appeared as a host of the fictional telethon pledge in which Joey worked. He won a daytime Emmy and had some of the biggest roles in the Sixth Sense, Charlie’s Angels, The Love Boat etc. He passed away due to natural causes in October 2012, at the age of 74.
Mike Hagerty
Mike Hagerty portrayed Mr. Treegar, the building supervisor who had a recurring role in the show. He passed away after having a seizure in 2022. He was 67 at the time.
Some of the other people who made guest appearances and have passed away are Ron Glass who played the role of Ross’ divorce lawyer, Taylor Negron, as Alessandro who owned the restaurant Monika worked in, in season 4, Mary Pat Gleason who made an appearance as the nurse in season 1, Stan Kirsch who played the role of Monica’s boyfriend Ethan in season 1.
