Matt LeBlanc returns to Instagram after 11-month absence, shares heartbreaking tribute to Matthew Perry -

Matt LeBlanc has broken his silence and shared a heartbreaking tribute to his friend and “brother,” Matthew Perry.

LeBlanc, 56, honored his on-screen roommate and best friend with a touching post on Instagram.

It was the Friends‘ actor’s first post on the social media site since January 2023.

“It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life,” LeBlanc wrote alongside a carousel of throwback photos from the friends’ time on the set of the hit NBC sitcom.

“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.”

“Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love,” he continued.

“And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me,” LeBlanc joked.

Perry was found dead at his home in Los Angeles last month. His death sparked tributes from fans from around the world.

In the aftermath of his death, the cast of Friends released a joint statement.

“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss,” the statement read. “In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”

Friends Special Episode, “The One That Could Have Been, Part One” From L-R: Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox Arquette And Matt Leblanc. All The Friends Ponder What Might Have Been If Each Had Taken A Different Path In Life And They Imagine: That A Frustrated Ross (Schwimmer) Stays With His Wife Carol (Jane Sibbett) And Ignores Her Disinterest In Him; A Married Rachel (Aniston) Is Starstruck When She Meets Hunky “Days Of Our Lives” Star Joey (Leblanc) Who Never Lost His Job As Dr. Drake Ramoray; Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) Is A Corporate Stockbroker; And A Portly Monica (Cox Arquette) Frets About Losing Her Virginity While Chandler (Perry) Is A Struggling Writer Who Stoops To Working As Joey’s Lowly Assistant Just To Make Ends Meet. (Photo By Getty Images)

A private funeral took place earlier this month for Perry. His former co-stars were reportedly in attendance.

Officials are still investigating the manner of Perry’s death, but do not suspect foul play.

Matt LeBlanc’s tribute breaks my heart. Their characters were one of the best friend duos ever, and I know that relationship spilled over into real life.

I can’t imagine the loss Matt LeBlanc is experiencing. My prayers are with him.