Zac Efron Remembers F.R.I.E.N.D.S Star Matthew Perry: 'He Was A Mentor To Me’

Zac Efron is “devastated” by the loss of his 17 Again co-star Matthew Perry. He remembered the F.R.I.E.N.D.S alum during the red carpet event at the world premiere of his upcoming film The Iron Claw. The 36-year-old told People his candid thoughts about playing Matthew Perry if given a chance in a future biopic. Notably, it is suggested the late actor once expressed he wanted Zac Efron to essay his role if ever a movie was made on his life. Now, the High School Musical star reportedly said he was honoured to learn Matthew Perry chose and wished for him to play the role.

Recalling their time together in the 2009 teen fantasy 17 Again, Zac Efron called the F.R.I.E.N.D.S alum his mentor. The Iron Claw fame reminisced about learning comedic timing from him during the shooting of the film. “I’m devastated for his loss. He was a mentor to me, and we made a really cool film together. I looked up to him, I learned comedic timing from that guy. I mean, when we were filming 17 Again, it was so surreal for me to look across and have him be there, because I’ve learned so much from him, from his whole life,” he said.

Directed by Burr Steers, Matthew Perry and Zac Efron played the main protagonist Mike O’Donnell in 17 Again. While Matthew essayed the lead at 37, Zac was recruited to play Mike at 17. The movie revolves around a man filled with regrets, getting a chance to re-do his mistakes by becoming a teenager again after experiencing a time vortex.

During the interaction, Zac Efron admitted he’d be honoured to play Matthew Perry in a potential biopic. “I’m honored to hear he was thinking of me to play him. We’ll see. I’d be honored to do it,” he told People.

Globally known for playing Chandler Bing on the popular sitcom, Matthew Perry was found dead at a Los Angeles home on October 28. According to TMZ, the actor passed away after apparently “drowning” in a hot tub. It is suggested first responders discovered him unresponsive and TMZ claims no foul play was involved in the incident.

Despite his success with F.R.I.E.N.D.S, Matthew Perry was vocal about his struggle with drug addiction. During a 2016 BBC Radio interview, the actor claimed he doesn’t remember filming F.R.I.E.N.D.S from season 3 to 6. The actor was raised in Ottawa, Canada, where he attended his elementary school with the incumbent Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.