LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sean Penn recently appeared on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored' and broke his silence on Matthew Perry's death, calling the 'FRIENDS' star a "talented guy."
The Oscar Award winner, 63, whose son Hopper battled crystal meth addiction as a teenager, also praised Perry for being "bold" and opening up about his struggle with substance abuse as well as for his efforts to help other suffering from a similar condition.
"What a talented guy. I can't claim to have known him well, but I liked him very much," Penn told Morgan while talking about Perry, who was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home on October 28 and pronounced dead the same day.
Sean Penn complimented Matthew Perry before the latter's death
Speaking about Perry, Penn recalled that he met the sitcom star sometime before his death. The 'I Am Sam' star also shared that he applauded Perry's book 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing' when they met.
"I saw him somewhat recently, and we were both catching a flight out of Los Angeles airport, and I complimented him on what I knew of his book," Penn remembered.
"I hadn't read the book, I had seen several of his interviews, and he seemed to be talking about it, had confronted it, and was very intelligent and bold about it and generously offering his experience to people to be helpful," he shared.
"It's tragic, I can't say that I was terribly surprised," Penn said of Perry's sudden death. "I don't know what the whole coroner's report things and everything, but I know he had done a lot of damage to his organs over the years," he added.
"You know, tough situation, and he got to do that, he got to leave that tale behind and he got to give a lot of joy to a lot of people with his talent. So, I wish his family well," Penn concluded.
Fans left emotional over Sean Penn's comments about Matthew Perry
Several fans took to social media to react to Penn's heartwarming comments about Perry.
"Matthew was Best. No one can replace him. Chandler Bing," one said. "MAN WAS GOOD," another added.
"Man was so good," a third fan echoed. "Matthew was a goat (Greatest Of All Time)," one stated.
One said, "My sincere condolences on the passing of Matthew Perry. Sean Penn's reflections highlight the impact of this loss on the entertainment community. May Perry's legacy be remembered with warmth and his contributions celebrated."
While another added, "What a great loss! may his soul rest in peace."
When did Sean Penn first meet Matthew Perry?
Penn first met Perry when the former made a small appearance in 'FRIENDS' back in 2001, playing the role of the boyfriend of Ursula, Phoebe's twin sister.
The actor starred in two episodes titled 'The One With The Halloween Party' and 'The One With The Stain.'
While Penn and Perry were not the closest of friends in real life, the duo knew each other for more than two decades since first meeting on the set of 'FRIENDS.'
In his recent interview with Morgan, Penn shared that he liked Perry "very much" and admired him for sharing his struggles with addiction with the world.
Penn's comment on Perry's death comes nearly a week after a source told the Daily Mail that 'FRIENDS' stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Le Blanc and David Schwimmer were in early talks to honor Perry at the upcoming Emmy Awards.
"When it comes to Matthew's death, emotions are still running high and it is still a very touchy situation, which is totally understandable," an insider told the outlet.
"But Jen, Lisa, and the rest of the cast want to honor him publicly at some point and give him the tribute he so rightfully deserves - and there have been rumblings to do it at next year's Emmys," they added.
While Perry will likely be featured in the 'In Memorium' segment at the Emmys, the source believes his 'FRIENDS' costars would also like to share their personalized memories of the actor on stage.
"They all would love to get together on stage to speak about him and also have their own unique moment sharing memories about him and telling the world about the man he was in real life," the insider said.
"If they can all agree on a worthy tribute and get the blessing of his family, they will absolutely get together to make that night a special moment for Matthew and all who loved him," they added.
