More than two years after his tragic passing, the final resting place of actor Matthew Perry has been updated with a permanent marker that includes a poignant reference to the sitcom that made him a global star.
A Private Resting Place Now Publicly Honoured
The beloved Friends actor, who died on October 28, 2023 at the age of 54, was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles. In a move common for celebrity burials seeking privacy, his family initially chose to leave the mausoleum space unmarked.
However, a new shiny bronze plaque has now been installed. It bears his full name, Matthew Langford Perry, along with his birth and death dates (August 19, 1969 - October 28, 2023). The final line offers a simple yet powerful epitaph: "Much loved — Friend —", an unmistakable nod to the iconic television series Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004.
While the exact installation date is not confirmed, multiple reports indicate the plaque was added within the last month. As recently as November 25, 2025, the site was still reported as being unmarked.
A Site of Constant Pilgrimage and a Star-Studded Cemetery
Despite the lack of a marker, Perry's grave has never been short of visitors or tributes. Fans have consistently found the quiet section of the cemetery, adorning the site with flowers and memorabilia in honour of the late actor.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park serves as the final resting place for numerous entertainment legends, including Michael Jackson, Walt Disney, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, and Paul Walker.
The Legal Repercussions of a Tragic Death
Matthew Perry was found dead in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home. An autopsy concluded his death was caused by the "acute effects" of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (a medication used to treat opioid addiction) listed as contributing factors.
A subsequent seven-month federal investigation led to charges against five people connected to supplying the actor with ketamine. Last month, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who sold vials of ketamine to Perry despite knowing his history of addiction and that an untrained assistant was administering it, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.
In the same month, a second doctor, Mark Chavez, pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine to Perry and was sentenced to eight months of home detention. Three other individuals—Perry's personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, drug seller Jasveen Sangha, and distributor Erik Fleming—are currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty for their roles.
Prosecutors stated that Perry had been using ketamine infusion therapy under medical supervision to treat depression. However, it is alleged he turned to illicit dealers after his doctors refused to prescribe further doses.
