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Missing a Friend

Salma Hayek’s touching tribute to Matthew Perry on what would have been his 56th birthday


Salma Hayek remembered her late friend Matthew Perry with a throwback from 'Fools Rush In' on what would have been his 56th birthday, nearly two years after his passing.


Salma Hayek’s touching tribute to Matthew Perry on what would have been his 56th birthday© Getty Images for LACMA
AUGUST 20, 2025 4:15 AM EDT

Some people come into our lives and leave a lasting imprint, for Salma Hayek, one of those people was Matthew Perry. Nearly two years after the actor’s untimely passing, the Mexican-born star honored her late friend with a photo and a clip from the time they shared the screen together.

Salma Hayek and her heartfelt memory of Matthew Perry on what would have been his birthday© IG: @salmahayek
Salma Hayek shared an emotional memory of Matthew Perry on what would have been his birthday

“Thinking of you today, Matthew 🕊️,” Salma wrote alongside images from Fools Rush In, the 1997 romantic comedy the two co-starred in. The occasion was a bittersweet one, yesterday, August 19th would have marked Perry’s 56th birthday.

Salma Hayek’s touching tribute to Matthew Perry on what would have been his 56th birthday© IG: @salmahayek
Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry were co-stars in several films

For Hayek, the date did not go unnoticed, just as it had not last year when she marked Perry’s first birthday after his death. At the time, she wrote: “Happy birthday, my dear friend. Today we celebrate your life, your laughter, and the love you spread.”

Hayek shared her initial grief in October 2023, two days after Perry’s passing. "Two days ago, I woke up to the shocking news that Matthew Perry is no longer with us. It has taken me a couple of days to process this profound sadness." 

Salma Hayek also remembered Matthew Perry on his first birthday in the absence of the actor.© IG: @salmahayek
Salma Hayek also remembered Matthew Perry on his first birthday in the absence of the actor.

"There is a special bond that forms when you share dreams with someone and work together to make them come true,” she reflected.

A Legal Break in Perry’s Death

This week, new developments in Perry’s death came to light. Jasveen Sangha, known in Hollywood as "The Queen of Ketamine,” has reportedly pleaded guilty to her role in supplying the drugs that led to the actor’s overdose.

Authorities raided Sangha’s North Hollywood residence, where they uncovered a clandestine stash of ketamine vials, the same substance that was found in Perry’s system at fatal levels. They also discovered methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax, all of which she was allegedly selling within Hollywood circles.

Matthew Perry died in 2023 from a ketamine overdose.
© David M. Benett
Matthew Perry died in 2023 from a ketamine overdose.

Sangha, 42, is facing five charges, including distributing ketamine with fatal results. According to officials, she is one of five people accused of supplying Perry with the drug, profiting off the actor’s addiction while ultimately contributing to his overdose.

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