Salma Hayek has shared a heartfelt tribute to her dear Fools Rush In co-star, Matthew Perry, who passed away on October 28 at the age of 54. The two starred as star-crossed lovers in the 1997 romantic comedy, a film Perry often held in high regard, calling it “probably my best movie.”
Just a couple of days ago, I awoke to the devastating news of Matthew Perry’s departure. It’s been a challenging few days as I’ve grappled with the profound sorrow that this loss has brought me. On Instagram, I’ve taken the opportunity to reminisce and remember the bond that forms when you chase dreams alongside someone and work together to turn those dreams into reality.
Accompanying her heartfelt message were a collection of pictures featuring the two co-stars. Salma Hayek also shared a quote from Perry, a response to a question posed to him last year about his most cherished role, to which he replied;
“I did a movie that I loved called Fools Rush In with Salma Hayek — that was probably my best movie.” These words moved Hayek deeply and were a testament to the special connection they shared.
Fools Rush In, directed by Andrew Tennant and released in 1997, cast Perry as Alex Whitman, a pragmatic New York City project manager, and Hayek as Isabel Fuentes, a spirited Mexican-American photographer. Their paths intertwine one fateful night, leading to an unexpected pregnancy and a decision to raise the child together. What follows is a blend of hilarity and romance.
Over the years, both Hayek and Perry found themselves revisiting that significant period in their lives, enveloped by nostalgia and gratitude. Hayek expressed, “My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart. Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you.”
In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” released last year, Perry fondly recollected his time making the film. He affectionately poked fun at Hayek’s “very elaborate and lengthy” scene ideas but ultimately acknowledged that the experience was one of great accomplishment.
“I was bouncing around doing my funny little things, and [Tennant] would take me aside and say, ‘You don’t have to do that. You’re interesting enough to watch without doing that,'” Perry recalled, admitting that this perspective led to one of the best performances of his career. Perhaps it was a different way of saying, “Matty, you’re enough,” the words he had longed to hear throughout his life.
