Matt LeBlanc slams reports he is set to retire from acting a year after Matthew Perry’s death

Matthew LeBlanc has criticised reports that he is leaving the entertainment sector.

The 57-year-old American actor has been a part of the show since 1987 when he made his acting debut in the short film Doll Day Afternoon. He went on to land roles in the horror film Grey Knight, sport comedy film Ed, and TV shows including Married… with Children and Red Shoe Diaries.

However, his 1994 role as the endearing Joey Tribbiani in the smash hit Friends made him a household name and one of TV’s highest-paid stars. The actor reprised his role in the waning spin-off series Joey in the years since Friends ended, appeared in a parody of his own in the smash hit TV shows, and hosted the storied British car show Top Gear.

Matt and the other Friends cast members were shocked last year when Chandler Bing actor Matthew Perry passed away in his own home after using drugs and drinking in his hot tub. A spokesperson for the star refuted the claims, which came out in a new report that made it clear Matt was planning to leave the stage at the age of 54 following Matthew’s passing.

Asked if there was truth to reports Matt planned to retire from the entertainment industry, his publicist responded flatly: “Rubbish”. The actor’s strong denial comes in response to a report from the MailOnline that claimed he was about to leave the limelight for good.

A source told the outlet that his life was such a significant event, and a close friend had passed away. He has had his life reevaluate as a result. He wants to concentrate on other matters because that is what is currently important to him.

According to the source, “He would need the ideal opportunity to return to front of the camera for any role in TV and film because he has quietly retired.” He is financially secure and doesn’t want to be anywhere near as much anymore.

Matt has taken time out of the spotlight in recent years, however. His most recent TV appearances came in 2021 when he starred in a hugely popular HBO Friends reunion special that brought him back together with co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer, as well as Matthew. He also made an appearance in a special Top Gear episode that year in honor of legendary motor racing driver Sabine Schmitz, who passed away from cancer at the age of 51.

Matthew passed away in his California home in October of last year after being discovered unconscious in the hot tub. The Friends cast was devastated. In a joint statement, the stars wrote: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. More than just cast members, we were. We are a family. There is a lot to say, but we’re just going to take a moment to grieve and go through this heartbreaking loss.

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Source: Mirror