Fans of the late actor Matthew Perry expressed disappointment and confusion when he was noticeably absent from the ‘In Memoriam’ segment of the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday night. Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic TV series “Friends,” was not included in the tribute, despite his contributions to both film and television.

During the awards ceremony, actress Hannah Waddingham, known for her role in “Ted Lasso,” delivered a heartfelt rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” as part of the remembrance segment. However, Perry’s absence did not go unnoticed by viewers, who took to social media platforms like Twitter to voice their dismay.

Responding swiftly to the outcry, the official BAFTA Twitter account acknowledged the fans’ concerns on ‘In Memoriam’. When one fan questioned the omission of Matthew Perry from the tribute, the account clarified that Perry would be honored in the upcoming TV Awards ceremony. They directed followers to the “In Memory Of…” section on their website for more information.

About Matthew Perry’s death:

Matthew Perry tragically passed away on October 28, 2023, after being found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. He was pronounced dead at the age of 54. Perry’s funeral took place on November 3, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, where he was laid to rest. Among the attendees were his five “Friends” co-stars, as well as his family members, including his father, mother, and stepfather.

At his funeral, the song “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush was played, a poignant choice as Perry had a deep connection to the song and even referenced it in signed copies of his autobiography. In part to aid those struggling with depression or addiction issues, Perry had released his autobiography, demonstrating his commitment to supporting those facing similar challenges.

Following his untimely passing, the National Philanthropic Trust established the “Matthew Perry Foundation” to provide assistance to individuals battling addiction, further cementing Perry’s legacy of generosity and compassion.

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