Matt LeBlanc's reps have hit back at claims he is set to retire(Image: CBS via Getty Images)

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

31 Oct 2024, 16:15 by Seamus Duff · Irish Mirror

Matt LeBlanc has slammed reports that he is retiring from the entertainment industry.

The 57-year-old American actor has been a part of the showbusiness world 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, it was through his 1994 casting as the lovable Joey Tribbiani in the smash comedy Friends that he became a worldwide star and one of TV's highest-paid actors. In the years since Friends reached an end, the actor reprised his role in short-lived spin-off series Joey, played a parody version of himself in the smash sitcom Episodes, and hosted iconic British car show Top Gear.

Matt and his other Friends cast mates were devastated last year when Chandler Bing actor Matthew Perry tragically died in his own home. A new report has suggested that Matt is planning to retire from the spotlight in the aftermath of Matthew's death at the age of 54 - but a spokesperson for the star has rubbished the claims.

The cast of Friends were devastated last year when Matthew Perry, far left, died suddenly(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Asked if there was truth to reports Matt planned to retire from the entertainment industry, his publicist responded flatly: "Rubbish". Their strong denial follows a report by the MailOnline which claimed the actor was preparing to quit the limelight entirely.

A source told the outlet: "Such an important part of his life and a good friend is gone. It has made him rethink his life. He wants to focus on other interests as that’s what is important to him right now."

The source went on to claim: "He would need the perfect opportunity to return in front of the camera for any role in TV and film as he has silently retired. He is financially stable and doesn't really want to be in the limelight anymore."

Matt has taken time out of the spotlight in recent years, however. His last TV appearances were in 2021 when he took part in a hugely popular HBO Friends reunion special, which brought him back together with co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer - as well as Matthew. He also appeared in a special episode of Top Gear that year which was in tribute to professional motor racer Sabine Schmitz, who died of cancer at the age of 51.

The cast of Friends were devastated in October last year when Matthew died after being found unconscious in the hot tub of his California home. In a joint statement, the stars wrote: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."

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