MATT'S CHANGE OF HEART

THE FRIENDS STAR LOST A PAL IN MATTHEW PERRY — BUT THAT TRAGIC PASSING HELPED BRING THE ACTOR MUCH CLOSER TO THEIR FORMER CASTMATES.

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THERE FOR THEM The tragedy of Matthew’s passing brought out Matt's softer side, a source tells Star. “He makes time for people [now] and is patient with them like never before. He's been a kinder, gentler version of himself.”

THE Chandler Bing to his Joey Tribbiani! Matthew Perry’s death hit the Friends cast hard, Matt LeBlanc especially. The 57-year-old actor penned a heartfelt tribute to his costar, 54, on Instagram shortly after he was laid to rest at L.A.’s Forest Lawn Memorial Park on Nov. 3, 2023. “It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye,” Matt captioned a carousel of photos taken of the pair over the course of the NBC sitcom’s 10-year run. “The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never.”

He’s done more than that. He’s turned the tragedy into an opportunity for growth. “The entire