Friends Star Helen Baxendale Spotted for First Time Since Matthew Perry's Death

Friends star Helen Baxendale was spotted looking sombre as she made her first public appearance since the death of her former co-star, Matthew Perry. Perry was found dead in his hot tub on Saturday afternoon, with the LA County coroner's office currently listing the case status of his death as 'open.' An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause.

Baxendale, who joined the sitcom in series four as Ross' English love interest, Emily Waltham, for 14 episodes, was seen in Richmond walking her dog. The actress kept a low profile, frequently checking her phone and appearing distraught.

While it has been two decades since Baxendale featured in Friends, her character's storyline with Ross remains one of the show's most memorable. Their relationship dominated series four, culminating in their marriage after Ross mistakenly said Rachel's name instead of Emily's at the altar.

After her time on Friends, Baxendale enjoyed a successful career in British series, including a lengthy stint on Cold Feet. Her most recent on-screen appearance was in 2019's TV drama, Agatha and the Midnight Murders.

The remaining cast members of Friends have yet to publicly address Perry's death, with reports suggesting they are still processing the loss of their "brother." Showbiz correspondent Kinsey Schofield revealed that the actors are preparing a joint statement to commemorate their close friend's passing.

Matthew Perry's death comes after a long battle with drugs and alcohol. In his memoir, he candidly shared his struggles and revealed his extensive efforts to get sober. Perry's health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were also known.

Fans around the world continue to mourn the loss of the beloved actor, as Friends remains a popular show that resonates with audiences to this day.