Zac Efron has disclosed that he is finding it difficult to come to terms with Matthew Perry’s passing.
In the 2009 film 17 Again, Perry’s character was portrayed by Efron as a younger version of the actor.
During the recent event to install his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Efron paid respect to his former co-star.
“Working with him and [director Burr Steers] was a lot of fun and it really did push and motivate me in a lot of ways,” he stated. I’m incredibly grateful to Matthew for pushing me into the next phase of my profession.
Since then, the actor from High School Musical has opened up about his recollections of the late actor and how he helped him during that difficult period in his life.
Efron said to Variety, “He was in a unique position for me in my career, and in my life.”
“I am deeply affected by his passing.”
Efron also mentioned how much Perry had meant to him personally, stating, “Being an actor and in the spotlight can be incredibly lonely.” It can be very isolating.
It’s critical to maintain ties with pals in which you can converse and exchange stories. I wish I had the chance to do that with Matthew throughout the last few years.
“I cherish the time we spent together,” he continued.
“He’s been on my mind a lot, every day.”
Perry had previously stated that he would want to see Efron play him in a biopic, to which Efron responded that he “would be honored.”
Following the discovery of the Friends actor’s body in his hot tub on October 28, admirers and colleagues who have collaborated with him throughout the years showered him with tributes.
Following the news of Perry’s passing, the co-stars of Friends released a united statement honoring the late actor.
“We are all so completely devastated by Matthew’s passing,” they wrote. We were not just coworkers. We belong to a family.
We’re going to take a moment to grieve and digest this unbelievable loss since there is so much to say. We will provide additional information later, as we are able.
“For the time being, our love and thoughts are with Matty’s friends, family, and everyone who has loved him everywhere in the world.”
After sharing their own unique condolences, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, and Courteney Cox touched the hearts of Friends fans all over the world.
