Remembering Matthew Perry: Charlie Puth's touching rendition of FRIENDS theme echoes at Emmy Awards

In a poignant moment at the 75th Emmy Awards, the late Friends star Matthew Perry was posthumously honored in a touching performance featuring singer-songwriter Charlie Puth. Perry, who passed away unexpectedly in October last year, was remembered during the prestigious award ceremony held on Monday night.

The emotional tribute unfolded with Charlie Puth joining forces with country duo The War and Treaty to deliver a stripped-down version of the iconic Friends theme song. Videos of the heartfelt cover quickly circulated on the internet, resonating with netizens worldwide and adding an emotional touch to the ceremony.

During the In Memoriam segment of the Emmy Awards on January 15, Charlie Puth, alongside the husband-wife duo, took the stage to pay homage to the beloved actor. The segment commenced with Puth performing his hit song "See You Again" before transitioning into an acoustic rendition of "I'll Be There For You" by The Rembrandts, the iconic theme song of Friends.

Matthew Perry's untimely demise in October 2023 left fans and the entertainment industry in shock. Initially, the cause of his death was inconclusive, pending toxicology reports. However, The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later revealed that Perry passed away due to the "acute effects of ketamine."

In addition to Perry, the In Memoriam segment honored several other celebrities who passed away in 2022. The late American screenwriter Norman Lear received a special tribute from Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers, emphasizing their unique family bond within Norman Lear's extended family.

"We were part of a very unique family, not just the bunkers, but Norman Lear's extended family," expressed Rob Reiner during the introduction of the segment. The tribute also featured other luminaries such as Andre Braugher, Barbara Walters, Bob Barker, Kirstie Alley, and Suzanne Somers.

Following the emotional homage to Matthew Perry at the Emmys, fans flooded social media platforms to share their thoughts and reflections on the beloved Friends star. The heartfelt performance by Charlie Puth added a poignant touch to the ceremony, ensuring that Perry's legacy continues to resonate within the hearts of fans worldwide.