The entertainment world continues to feel the ripple effects of Matthew Perry’s untimely passing, a loss that left fans and colleagues alike reflecting on his legacy. Nearly two years after his death, Salma Hayek—his co-star in the beloved 1997 romantic comedy Fools Rush In—has once again stirred memories and emotions by sharing a heartfelt tribute on what would have been Perry’s 56th birthday. On August 19, 2025, Hayek posted a poignant message on Instagram, accompanied by a nostalgic photo and a memorable clip from their film together, prompting an outpouring of affection from fans around the globe.
Matthew Perry, best known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. According to People and Mid-day, Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles and was pronounced dead at 4:17 p.m. The cause of death was later confirmed as an accidental overdose due to acute effects of ketamine. Following an investigation, Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” was charged and ultimately pleaded guilty to distributing the drugs that led to Perry’s fatal overdose, as reported by Mid-day and the Justice Department.
In the days immediately following Perry’s passing, tributes poured in from all corners of the entertainment industry and beyond. His Friends co-stars, family members, and other celebrities gathered to mourn him at a funeral held on November 3, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles. The ceremony was intimate, attended by those closest to him, and marked a somber farewell to a figure who brought laughter to millions.
Salma Hayek, who played opposite Perry in Fools Rush In, was among those deeply affected by his loss. The film, directed by Andy Tennant, tells the story of Alex Whitman (played by Perry), a New York architect sent to Las Vegas for work, and Isabel Fuentes-Whitman (played by Hayek), a Mexican-American photographer. After a chance encounter and a whirlwind romance—including an unexpected pregnancy and a spontaneous marriage—the film explores themes of love, culture, and family with humor and heart. The chemistry between Perry and Hayek was undeniable, and the movie remains a fan favorite to this day.
Two days after Perry’s death, Hayek took to Instagram to express her grief, admitting she needed time to process the news. She reminisced about their shared dreams and the special bond that developed while making the film. "There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them. I was very moved last year when Matthew shared on his Instagram stories how much he loved Fools Rush In, and how he thought that film we did together was probably his best movie," Hayek wrote, as cited by People. She concluded, "Throughout the years, he and I found ourselves reminiscing about that meaningful time in our lives with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude. My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart."
On what would have been Perry’s 56th birthday, Hayek once again reached out to her late friend through social media. She posted a still from Fools Rush In and a video clip from the film, captioned simply, "Thinking of you today, Matthew. Pensando en ti hoy, Matthew." The scene she chose featured one of the movie’s most beloved moments: as Alex is overwhelmed by the size of Isabel’s family gathering, Isabel quips, "I guess a lot of people couldn’t make it." It’s a line that fans still remember fondly, a testament to the film’s enduring charm and the duo’s on-screen rapport.
Fans responded to Hayek’s tribute with warmth and gratitude. One commented, "This movie is one of my 'stop and sit to watch' when it’s on. A beautiful love story and tribute to Hispanic culture." Another wrote, "One of my absolute FAVORITE movies!! You two together were silver screen magic!! Still heartbroken losing the greatness that was Matthew Perry." The comments reflect a broader sentiment: Perry’s work, and particularly his performance in Fools Rush In, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry himself reflected on his time working with Hayek. He described their creative differences with affection, recalling, "Her long-winded ideas weren’t always helpful. There’s one scene in which I’m professing my love for her, and she suggested that we don’t look at each other, rather, that we should look out at our future together. I finally said, ‘Listen, Salma, I’m telling you I love you in this scene. You look wherever you want, but I’m going to be looking at you.’" Despite their disagreements, Perry acknowledged that whatever approach they settled on, it worked—audiences loved the result.
The impact of Perry’s death extended beyond the entertainment world. In the wake of his passing, the National Philanthropic Trust established the Matthew Perry Foundation to support individuals struggling with addiction—a cause close to Perry’s heart, given his own well-documented battles. The foundation stands as a living legacy, aiming to help others avoid the pain that Perry and his loved ones endured.
For many, Fools Rush In remains a touchstone of 1990s romantic comedies, notable not just for its humor and heart, but for the genuine connection between its leads. The film’s blend of cultures, witty banter, and emotional depth struck a chord with viewers, making it a staple for those seeking comfort and nostalgia. As People noted, Perry and Hayek’s friendship endured long after the cameras stopped rolling, and their mutual respect shines through in both their public statements and private memories.
Nearly two years after his passing, the tributes to Matthew Perry have not waned. Instead, they serve as reminders of a talent gone too soon and a man whose struggles and triumphs were shared with the world. Salma Hayek’s ongoing remembrances ensure that Perry’s legacy—in film, television, and as an advocate for addiction recovery—remains vibrant and meaningful.
As fans continue to revisit Fools Rush In and Perry’s other works, the laughter and love he brought to the screen endure. And through the heartfelt words and memories of those who knew him best, Matthew Perry’s spirit lives on in the hearts of many.
