Matthew Perry Death: 'We were more than just cast mates', say 'Friends' co-stars in joint statement

The primary cast of Friends

Actor Matthew Perry's sudden demise has left his legion of fans in shock. The actor, most widely known, for his role of Chandler Bing in the American sitcom 'Friends', passed away on Saturday at at the age of 54. While thousands mourn his demise and pay tributes, the most touching message has come from the rest of cast of 'Friends'. Having worked together on the show for 10 seasons, the primary cast of were like family to each other and losing a member has not been easy.

The cast members of ‘Friends' and Perry's co-stars are devastated by the actor's death. Two days after Perry's death, his fellow castmates from the hit television series - Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer - spoke out in a joint statement, obtained by PEOPLE.

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," their statement reads. "There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."

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"In time we will say more, as and when we are able," the statement continues. "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

The message is then signed by Aniston, Cox, Kudrow, LeBlanc and Schwimmer.

Series co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane were joined by executive producer Kevin Bright in issuing a joint statement on Sunday.

"We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew's passing," they wrote. "It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives. He was a brilliant talent."

Reflecting on Perry's breakout performance, they noted, "It's a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew's case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us."