Just one day after his tragic death, tributes to Friends star Matthew Perry continue to pour in, as his TV dad Kathleen Turner opens up.
Turner, 69, played Helena Handbasket, a transgender character often referred to as the “father” of Perry’s beloved character Chandler Bing.
The actress revealed this in a statement People that she was ‘very sad for Matthew’ and added that she had not seen him for ‘at least ten years’.
‘I liked him. He had a good sense of humor and a good heart,” Turner revealed to the outlet, adding that he “loved people.”
She added that liking people is “tremendously important to me, especially for an actor,” while also opening up about him seeing one of her Broadway shows.
Kathleen’s tributes: Just one day after his tragic death, tributes to Friends star Matthew Perry continue to pour in, as his TV ‘dad’ Kathleen Turner opens up
Father: Turner, 69, played Helena Handbasket, a transgender character often referred to as the “father” of Perry’s beloved character Chandler Bing
“He came to one of my Broadway shows and came backstage. When he saw me he shouted, “Hey dad” and everyone thought it was pretty cool. I think it was for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” she added.
“It’s extremely sad considering how young (he was) and unfortunate that he couldn’t gain more control,” she said, referring to his battle with addiction.
‘I can’t imagine that the pressure those boys lived under would be a worldwide phenomenon. It must have been overwhelming,” she said.
Turner only appeared for three episodes in 2001 as Helena Handbasket, although she revealed that she is still recognized for that role.
“I’m still constantly recognized as Chandler’s dad by a certain age group,” she revealed in the interview.
“I met someone last night and she said, ‘Aren’t you a movie star?’ I said, “Yes, but before your time,” Turner began.
‘And she said, “Well, where could I know you from?” and I said, “Chandler’s dad.” She said, ‘Oh, my God!'” Turner added.
She also shared that she was part of the episode where Chandler married Courteney Cox’s Monica.
Pressure: ‘I can’t imagine that the pressure those boys lived under would be a worldwide phenomenon. It must have been overwhelming,” she said
Chandler’s father: ‘And she said, “Well, where could I know you from?” and I said, “Chandler’s dad.” She said, ‘Oh, my God!'” Turner added
Addiction: “It’s extremely sad considering how young (he was) and unfortunate that he couldn’t gain more control,” she said, referring to his battle with addiction
Tight: ‘It was a clique, everyone. They were a very close group,” Turner added in the interview
‘The wedding! I was married to Morgan Fairchild. There was no time for anything other than shooting,” she said.
Turner added: “I must emphasize that these kids were a close-knit group. I was more in and out of his life,” referring to the six main Sars played by Perry, Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc.
“They were all a clique. They were a very close group,” Turner added in the interview.
Warner Bros., the production company behind Friends, added in their own statement: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family.”
“The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day and we send our love to his family, his loved ones and all his devoted fans,” they concluded.