CELEBRITY
Matt LeBlanc puffs a cigarette during day out in Los Angeles amid claims the Friends star could be ‘unravelling’ following close friend and former co-star Matthew Perry’s sudden death
Matt LeBlanc was pictured lighting up a cigarette on Tuesday as he was pictured in Los Angeles, amid reports his Friends costars are concerned for his well-being.
The 57-year-old actor was seen in Southern California following the one-year anniversary of the death of his Friends costar Matthew Perry, who fatally drowned after he overdosed at 54 at his Pacific Palisades, California home October 28, 2023.
The Newton, Massachusetts-born star was one of the principal members of the show’s famed ensemble cast, which also featured Jennifer Aniston, 55, Courteney Cox, 60, Lisa Kudrow, 61, David Schwimmer, 57, and the late Perry.
LeBlanc appeared in the role of Joey Tribbiani on 235 episodes of the hit comedy that aired over 10 seasons on NBC from 1994-2004.
The Emmy-nominated star has not been seen on a frequent basis publicly in the year after Perry’s death, which came as result of a fatal dose of ketamine in a hot tub at his mansion.
On Tuesday, the actor – who has also been seen on TV shows such as the Friends spinoff Joey, the CBS sitcom Man with a Plan and the Showtime sitcom Episodes – wore a black ballcap with a V-neck black shirt and blue jeans.
He donned blue Asics sneakers with neon green trimming as he was seen exiting the vehicle and lighting up the cigarette.
Friends cast members remain concerned about their costar, who has kept an increasingly-lower profile as of late, an insider recently told In Touch Weekly.
‘He’s such a recluse these days and they barely hear from him from one month to the next,’ the insider told the outlet.
The insider told the outlet that worries were sparked after LeBlanc appeared ‘disheveled’ and ‘exhausted’ while he was seen in Los Angeles on multiple outings last month.
Following Perry’s death, LeBlanc issued a statement in a social media post November 14, 2023 that included multiple pictures of them together.
He wrote: ‘Matthew … It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. 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.’
He added: ‘Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love. And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.’
The latest LeBlanc sighting came a day after Cox on Monday shared a carousel of images of them with their Friends castmates.
Cox captioned the post – which garnered 2.5 million likes in a day – ‘Missing you today and always.’
In the social media memorial, she tagged the nonprofit organization created in his memory, the Matthew Perry Foundation, which aims to aid those dealing with addiction issues.
‘The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realization of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction,’ the organization said in a statement, adding that it’s focused on making ‘a difference in as many lives as possible.’
A quotation from the late actor posted on the nonprofit’s website reads, ‘When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned – I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned.
‘And I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that. Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.’
This month, the Pacific Palisades home where Perry drowned after overdosing was sold earlier this month for $8.55 million; while a doctor has entered a guilty plea to illegal drug distribution in connection with the actor’s death.
LeBlanc parked concern from pals after his disheveled appearance in September, according to a source for InTouch Weekly, after TMZ obtained pictures of him.
The insider claimed stars including Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox have expressed their concerns for Matt.
The two stars are said to have been making an effort to spend more time with him in recent weeks and make sure at least one of them is keeping an eye on him.
A source said Jennifer has ‘been spending a lot of time with Matt at his home … cooking for him, or just hanging out and watching movies, or sitting and chatting.
‘She’s even stayed over a couple of times. And both she and Courteney have been in contact to ensure at least one of them is around to keep an eye on him.’