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Inside Matt LeBlanc’s two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession – amid concerns he’s ‘unravelling’ in the wake of Matthew Perry’s death

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Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

As I delve into this poignant narrative, it’s impossible not to feel a profound sense of sympathy for Matt LeBlanc. The journey he has walked, from the heights of fame to the depths of sorrow, is a testament to the complexities and unpredictabilities of life.

For many of us he will always be loveable Joey Tribbiani. 

Stupid or unintelligent at times, prone to romantic entanglements, but incredibly devoted to his nearest and dearest, this fictional character from Friends often elicited hearty laughter – a show that many consider one of the finest American sitcoms ever made.

However, in the past few weeks, there has been genuine worry about Matt LeBlanc’s overall health and wellness, as he is the actor who gave life to the character Joey.

57-year-old LeBlanc has grown more secluded since the unexpected passing of his former Friends colleague Matthew Perry, who tragically drowned in a hot tub at his rented mansion following an overdose of ketamine, a medical anesthetic, on October 28, 2023, at the young age of 54.

The content on his Instagram account seems to suggest a man who is finding it difficult to cope with the profound grief he has experienced following multiple tragic losses in the past two years.

Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

To clarify, over the past four updates on the social networking site, interspersed with promotions for special Friends memorabilia, he has paid tribute to his late coworkers. Among them is James Michael Tyler, a popular Friends cast member who portrayed Central Perk’s Gunther character.

LeBlanc made his latest public outing in Los Angeles on Tuesday, and pictures showed him smoking a cigarette a day following the one-year anniversary of Perry’s passing. Those most familiar with the actor, including his remaining castmates, speculate that he might be struggling emotionally.

According to a source, he’s become quite secluded lately, and it’s not uncommon for several weeks to pass without any contact. (InTouch Weekly)

It was said that Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox had voiced worries about LeBlanc in the past.

I’ve taken it upon myself to actively arrange meetings with my ex-co-star, primarily at his residence in Los Angeles.

According to the source, she has spent the night there on more than one occasion. Moreover, she and Courteney have maintained contact to make sure that either of them is present to look after him.

Here, Mailonline looks back at LeBlanc’s two years of grief. 

Top Gear star Sabine Schmitz dies of ‘extremely persistent cancer’ – March 16, 2021 

Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

Approximately two years prior to the death of German racing driver Sabine Schmitz in March 2021, following a long fight against a particularly tenacious form of cancer, Jeremy LeBlanc had already vacated his position on BBC’s Top Gear show.

Since 2016, Schmitz was cherished as an integral part of the Top Gear family and presenting team. Her journey with the show began back in 2004 when she captured British audiences’ hearts by achieving a time under ten minutes around the Nurburgring Nordschleife in a diesel Jaguar S-Type, followed by her attempt to replicate this feat with a Ford Transit in the subsequent series.

In January 2020, even amidst her health struggles, she made a trip to London for the premiere of Top Gear’s 28th season, marking her final appearance on the show.

In one of the segments, LeBlanc – a dear friend of Schmitz – appeared frequently. Later, he confessed that Schmitz’s demise left him deeply saddened.

Posting a picture of us together on social media, he captioned it: ‘Took away before her time. She was radiant and her smile is forever etched in my memory. Rest In Peace, my friend.’

Following this, Top Gear broadcasted a 30-minute tribute show for Schmitz, which included cameos from LeBlanc, Freddie Flintoff, Chris Harris, and Paddy McGuinness. Notably, previous hosts Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May, Rory Reid, and other notable figures were also part of the special.

Former Friends actor James Michael Tyler loses his battle with prostate cancer – October 24, 2021 

Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

One of the first individuals to express condolences after the passing of Friends co-star James Michael Tyler, at the age of 59, on October 24, 2021, was the actor.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the beloved actor Tyler, recognized by many for his role as Gunther, the coffee-shop worker who harbored affection for Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Green, passed away due to prostate cancer at his residence in Los Angeles. This occurred three years after he was diagnosed with the illness.

The next day, LeBlanc, who doesn’t often use Instagram, posted a heartfelt message about his past colleague on various social platforms.

Reframing the text for a more casual and conversational tone, it could be: “Posting some memories we made on Friends, I said: ‘Man, we sure had some great times! Miss you already, buddy. Rest in peace, pal.’

In the year 2018, Tyler received a cancer diagnosis, but it wasn’t until just before his passing that he chose to share his struggle openly with the public.

For a span of ten years, from 1994 to 2004, he was featured in an impressive 150 episodes of the popular television series. Moreover, he made appearances on other shows such as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Modern Music, Episodes, Just Shoot Me!, and Scrubs.

Although he was ill, Tyler joined the Friends reunion special on HBO Max in May, 2021, which took place five months before his passing, through a video call platform called Zoom.

In a heartfelt tribute, LeBlanc’s fellow actors shared their respect for Tyler following the confirmation of his passing, each posting their own heartfelt messages.

Top Gear stunt-driver Ken Block is killed in a snowmobile accident  – January 2, 2023

Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

In January 2023, another tragic incident occurred in the world of Top Gear, as Ken Block, an accomplished American stunt-driver, passed away unexpectedly in a bizarre snowmobile accident. This unfortunate news added to LeBlanc’s sorrow.

In 2016, Block, a guest star with LeBlanc on a particular episode, was operating a snowmobile on his ranch in Utah when it overturned, tragically crushing him and resulting in fatal wounds.

In the year 2009, a 55-year-old man who is a father of three made his debut on a popular British TV show called Top Gear alongside James May.

In a standout episode of Top Gear, LeBlanc joined forces with Block to unexpectedly crash a staged wedding at St. Paul’s Cathedral while driving a customized Ford Mustang.

However, the thrilling scene, filled with spins and circles (donuts), caused controversy when it was recorded near the Cenotaph – a monument honoring those who served during World War I in Whitehall.

In an emotional Instagram post, the actor later confessed that our dear stunt-driver, who had years of experience, passed away prematurely.

Sharing a photo from their time on set, he wrote: ‘So saddened by the loss of Ken Block. A true talent and friend taken far too soon. 

I’ll deeply miss our times together, dear friend, a loss that I share with everyone fortunate enough to have met you. My heartfelt sympathies extend to your loved ones during this difficult time.

Matthew Perry drowns in his hot-tub – October 28, 2023

Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

Nine months down the line, the actor faced the most devastating incident when his friend, Matthew Perry, was discovered lifeless in a hot tub.

Together with Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow, the duo also gained widespread recognition through their roles on Friends. Notably, Perry portrayed Chandler Bing, Joey’s clever roommate with a quick wit.

On October 28, 2023, the unresponsive body of Perry was discovered in a high-end rental property’s hot tub located in Pacific Palisades.

The toxicology results subsequently verified that the actor, who was battling addiction and alcohol problems prior to his demise, apparently took ketamine prior to the incident of drowning.

After his passing, LeBlanc shared a heartfelt tribute on a social media platform on November 14, 2023, featuring several photos of them side by side.

“Dear Matthew, saying goodbye isn’t easy for me; the moments we shared are truly some of the most cherished memories of my life.

It was a privilege to perform alongside you and consider you a friend. You’ll always bring a smile to my face, and I’ll forever cherish our bond.

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.’

Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death
Inside Matt LeBlanc's two years of grief: Star has battled with the loss of four friends in quick succession - amid concerns he's 'unravelling' in the wake of Matthew Perry's death

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2024-10-31 16:51

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