Sean Penn Commends Matthew Perry's 'Bold' Honesty About Addiction Before 'Tragic' Death

Sean Penn has kind, but candid, words to say about Matthew Perry, both his dark journey through addiction and his light as an actor.

The Oscar-winning actor, 63, knew Perry from his guest role on two episodes of Friends in 2001. Penn appeared visibly moved while discussing Perry on Piers Morgan Uncensored, calling the late actor a “talented guy.”

“I saw him somewhat recently, and we were both catching a flight out of Los Angeles airport, and I complimented him on what I knew of his book,” Penn tells host Piers Morgan, 58, on Wednesday's episode.

Penn admits, “I hadn't read the book, I had seen several of his interviews, and he seemed to be talking about it, had confronted it and was very intelligent and bold about it and generously offering his experience to people to be helpful.”

Perry died on Oct. 28 at age 54 at his home in Los Angeles after an apparent drowning. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on Nov. 3 in a service attended by loved ones that included Perry’s Friends costars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.

Penn — whose son Hopper, 30, also struggled with and overcame addiction — expressed empathy.

“It's tragic, I can't say that I was terribly surprised,” Penn continued. “I don't know what the whole coroner's report things and everything, but I know he had done a lot of damage to his organs over the years.”

“You know, tough situation, and he got to do that, he got to leave that tale behind and he got to give a lot of joy to a lot of people with his talent,” he added. “So, I wish his family well.”

Two days after Perry's death, his Friends costars exclusive issued a joint statement to PEOPLE that they were “utterly devastated.”

Last week, they all also shared individual tributes, with Aniston, 54, writing on Instagram: “Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain. I talk to you every day… sometimes I can almost hear you saying ‘could you BE any crazier?’”

LeBlanc also struck a bittersweet chord, writing, "It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never. Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love."

The Episodes star, 56, ended with a lighthearted quip: "And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”

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Piers Morgan Uncensored airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on TalkTV.