Matthew Perry honored at Emmys with emotional ‘Friends’ theme song during in memoriam
Paying their respects.
As the stars gathered at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater for the 2024 Emmy Awards on Monday, their bright light was dimmed by the memory of losses experienced by the Hollywood community this past year.
The tribute was led by Charlie Puth, who at one point sang a moving rendition of the “Friends” theme song, “I’ll Be There for You.”
Matthew Perry was remembered in the final moments of the emotional in-memoriam segment. The late star died on Oct. 28 after suffering from “acute effects of ketamine,” with the contributing factors of “drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects.” He was 54.
Perry was found unresponsive and submerged in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home at the time.
During an initial sweep of the “Serving Sara” star’s home, authorities found anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications as well as pills for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Last month, it was revealed that Perry had 3,540 nanograms per milliliter of ketamine in his bloodstream when he died.
“He essentially died from an overdose of ketamine and had about three times the normal [dosage] amount in his system,” pathologist Dr. Michael Baden explained to The Post.
Perry allegedly had been sober and drug-free for 19 months before his death. However, sources recently told Us Weekly they believe that was not true.
The “Fools Rush In” actor was not the only major star to have passed this year.
In July, “Pee-Wee Herman” star Paul Reubens died at age 70 of hypoxic respiratory failure.
Reubens was also reportedly battling acute myelogenous leukemia.
“Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness,” his reps announced in a statement to The Post.
The statement continued: “Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit.”
One month earlier, “Everwood” actor Treat Williams was killed while riding his motorcycle on Route 30 near Dorset, Vermont. He was 71.
According to People, the actor was struck and killed by a car. Dorset fire chief Jacob Gribble told People that the driver was making a turn and didn’t see Williams’ motorcycle before the collision.
“He was an actor’s actor. Filmmakers loved him. He’s been the heart of Hollywood since the late 1970s,” Williams’ agent Barry McPherson said to the outlet. “He was really proud of his performance this year. He’s been so happy with the work that I got him. He’s had a balanced career.”
Legendary talk show Jerry Springer, who was omitted from the segment on Monday night, also passed away after a “brief illness” at the age of 79 in April 2023.
“Jerry’s ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word,” Jene Galvin, a longtime family friend and spokesperson, said.
Galvin added, “He’s irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on.”
TMZ reported that the talk show host was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer months earlier.
“If a legacy is what you’re best known for, obviously I’m best known for the crazy show,” Springer told The Post in 2022, referring to his hit talk show, “The Jerry Springer Show.”
“In a sense, I’ve become an adjective in the English language when people say ‘I’m having a Jerry Springer moment’ or when they say ‘Don’t go Jerry Springer on me now.’ Everyone knows instantly what they’re talking about.”
More recently, Ryan O’Neal passed away at the age of 82 in December. The “Love Story” star reportedly suffered “congestive heart failure” after enduring “cardiomyopathy” for years.
News of the two-time Golden Globe winner’s death was announced via his son’s Instagram.
“So this is the toughest thing I’ve ever had to say but here we go. My dad passed away peacefully today, with his loving team by his side supporting him and loving him as he would us,” Patrick O’Neal, 56, wrote on the social media site.
Ryan was laid to rest next to longtime love Farrah Fawcett at the Westwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Several fans of the “What’s Up Doc” actor were left stunned after he was omitted from Monday’s broadcast.
TV legend Norman Lear died at the age of 101 that same month.
The TV pioneer — whose trend-setting 1970s comedy shows “All in the Family,” “Maude” and “The Jeffersons” transformed the sitcom landscape — died from cardiac arrest.
“It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of Norman Lear, our beloved husband, father and grandfather,” read a statement issued by Lear’s extensive family. “Norman passed away peacefully on December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family as we told stories and sang songs until the very end.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” it continued. ” But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young.
“As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.”
During Monday’s ceremony, the Television Academy honored several other stars, including “Three’s Company” actress Suzanne Somers, John Beasley, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star Andre Braugher, Leslie Jordan, “Dancing With the Stars” judge Len Goodman, Cindy Williams and “The Price Is Right” host Bob Barker.
The awards show also paid tribute to the late “Euphoria” star Angus Cloud, Barbara Walters and Tommy Smothers.
Kirstie Alley and Stephen “tWitch” Boss, who died in 2022, were also honored.
An extensive list of Hollywood stars who passed away in 2023 can be found on the Emmys website.
