Adele Pays Tribute to Matthew Perry at Las Vegas Concert Hours After His Death

Shortly after Matthew Perry's death was confirmed Oct. 28, Adele took a moment during her Las Vegas concert to share the impact his Friends character had on her childhood.

By Jess Cohen Oct 29, 2023 7:28 PMTags
Watch: ‘Friends’ Star Matthew Perry Dead at 54

Matthew Perry unknowingly played a special role in Adele's life.

Shortly after the actor's death was confirmed on Oct. 28, the Grammy winner dedicated her song "When We Were Young" to Matthew during her residency concert in Las Vegas.

While introducing the track, Adele explained that although she'd never met Matthew, he—as well as his beloved Friends character Chandler Bing—will always be a part of some of her "favorite" childhood memories.

"One of my friends, Andrew, when I was 12 did the best Chandler impression," she told the crowd. "And he would do it all the time to make us laugh. And if anyone was having a bad day or feeling low, he would just pretend to be Chandler. And I'll remember that character for the rest of my life." 

The Grammy winner went on to address Matthew's personal struggles, which he discussed last year in his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.

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Celebrity Deaths: 2023's Fallen Stars

"He was so open with his struggles with addiction and sobriety, which I think is incredibly, incredibly brave," she added. "I just wanna say how much I love what he did for us, especially what he did for me. One of the best comedians...and hopefully now he can rest in peace."

Rachel Murray / Getty Images for Clinique/Screen Media Films / Dayn Nanda / E! News

The Fools Rush In actor passed away at the age of 54 after an apparent drowning at his home in Southern California, his rep, as well as a law enforcement source, confirmed to NBC News Oct. 28.

A day later, on Oct. 29, Matthew's family shared a message on his passing. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," they said in a statement to People. "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend."

"You all meant so much to him," the message, addressing Matthew's fans, continued, "and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

Keep reading to revisit Matthew's life in photos...

—Reporting by Dayn Nanda

1988

The Boys Will Be Boys star poses for a photo while at the Limelight in New York City.

1990

The Sydney actor takes a break while on the set of the CBS series in Los Angeles, California.

1994

The Friends star sits by the well-known fountain that serves as the backdrop for the show's opening sequence.

1996

The Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing author attends the Scream premiere in Los Angeles.

1997

Perry poses while on the set of Friends as his beloved character Chandler Bing.

2000

The 17 Again star attends the Los Angeles premiere of The Grinch.

2004

The actor hits the red carpet for the premiere of The Whole Ten Yards.

2006

The Mr. Sunshine star attends the Entertainment Weekly and Matrix Men upfront party.

2012

 The Odd Couple actor hangs out backstage at an event in celebration of the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards.

2016

Perry poses for a photo while at the play The End Of Longing.

2017

The American-Canadian actor was front and center at The Circle premiere in New York City.

2022

Perry attends the 2022 GQ Men of the Year party.

2023

Six months prior to his passing, the Almost Heroes star discussed his memoir while on stage at the 2023 Los Angeles Times Festival.

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