Friends star Matt LeBlanc in rare public sighting
Matt LeBlanc was spotted in a rare public sighting, looking shaggy and casual.
TV
Don't miss out on the headlines from TV. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Matt LeBlanc was seen sporting stubble and baggy sweats and looking quite unrecognisable amid fan fears for his Friends co-star Matthew Perry.
The actor, who played Joey Tribbiani on the popular TV show, is not often seen in public, reported The Sun.
LeBlanc, 54, was spotted at a body shop in Sherman Oaks, California, looking very different.
The TV star kept it casual, sporting baggy sweats as he shielded his face beneath a dark baseball cap and sunglasses.
Matt’s face was covered in white stubble – unusual for the typically clean-shaven star.
Stream more entertainment news live & on demand with Flash, a dedicated news streaming service. New to Flash? Try 14 days free now >
The rare sighting comes as fans expressed concern for Matt’s co-star and friend, Matthew Perry.
Perry, 52, has struggled openly with addiction in the past, and fans recently revealed fears that he may be using again.
Both LeBlanc and Perry recently attended the Friends reunion, which aired in 2021.
Fans have had plenty to say about both stars as of late.
Perry recently revealed the cover of his tell-all book, which featured a photo of him.
He teased his book on Instagram, sharing a photo of the cover along with the release date: “11. 1. 22.” In the caption, the Friends star promised to tell-all in the memoir.
He wrote: “So much has been written about me in the past. I thought it was time people heard from me.”
Referencing his struggles, the actor wrote: “The highs were high, the lows were low. But I have lived to tell the tale, even though at times it looked like I wouldn’t. And it’s all in here. I apologise it’s not a pop-up book.”
Fans gushed in the comments over Perry, who played Chandler Bing on Friends.
Several fans called him a “babe,” while other simply commented heart-eye emojis.
Others wrote: “This is amazing I can’t wait to hear from the man who is such a talented actor! Playing Chandler was genius, but that is only one of your many fantastic roles.”
Another commented: “I have just always loved everything about you, and I still do.”
The book comes almost one year after Perry left fans worried he’d fallen back into his addiction.
Perry sat down with his Friends costars for a “three question” interview with People in May 2021.
The group seemed upbeat as they reflected on their years on set together, and shared funny stories from the set.
Fans pointed out that the Canadian actor didn’t seem to be responding to questions in his typical comedic tone, and seemed to slur his words and even nod off at one point.
“Seeing Matthew sad is heartbreaking,” one fan wrote in the comments section.
They added: “I hope he gets better soon, I don’t know how I’m going to enjoy the reunion when Matthew is this sad.”
“This felt so good seeing but also broke my heart seeing Matthew Perry like this,” another wrote.
A third commenter said: “I know we are all sad about Matthew but let’s remember he has suffered a lot of health related issues and he has struggled with addiction.
“Let’s all be kind and polite and remember all the funny moments he gave us through his role as Chandler, thank you.”
A source later told The Sun that it wasn’t a relapse that led to Matthew’s slurred speech.
The insider revealed he had undergone dental work and was suffering in pain and feeling unwell.
The source said at the time: “Matthew turned up to the reunion and members of his team said that he had an emergency tooth procedure that day.
“That was said to impact his wellbeing and also how he was feeling. He had been in pain from what we understand, which caused the slurred speech.
“Obviously no one wants to film after a procedure, but it happened. The feeling was one of huge sympathy for Matthew especially in recent days given how people have reacted online.”
The insider added: “Matthew has told those around him that he is sober, and there is no need to worry.”
When it comes to LeBlanc, fans have been quick to point out changes in his appearance though it’s typically light-hearted.
After the Friends reunion aired, fans began comparing the star to an Irish dad or uncle on Twitter.
He was seen leaning back in a chair with his arms crossed across his chest through much of the show.
One social media user shared a pic from the show, writing: “Matt LeBlanc is your uncle when your parents forced your 6 year old self to stand up in front of the adults after a family dinner and sing a song you just learned in primary school.”
This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced here with permission
Originally published as Friends star Matt LeBlanc in rare public sighting
Surprise move from Aussie TV royalty
Logie winner Tony Armstrong has revealed a surprising career move outside of his life on camera - joining a recent trend among Australia’s television royalty.
Disney icon tells co-star she wasn’t nice
Raven-Symone has told Demi Lovato she “wasn’t the nicest” to work with when they starred on Disney Channel several years ago.