Matthew Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the beloved TV series ‘Friends,’ has tragically passed away at the age of 54 in his Los Angeles home, according to reports from US media.
Emergency responders found Perry unconscious in a hot tub at his residence, but their attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, as cited by law enforcement sources reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed their response to a “death investigation for a male in his 50s” at 4:10 pm but did not disclose the name of the deceased.
A fire department spokesperson confirmed their response to a “water emergency,” which could indicate a pool, spa, bathtub, or fountain incident but could not confirm reports of drowning.
NBC, the network that aired ‘Friends’ for a decade, posted the news on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Battle with Addiction and Triumph Over Adversity
Matthew Perry, a key figure in the iconic ‘Friends’ series that ran from 1994 to 2004, had well-documented struggles with addiction during his years of fame. Despite his battles with painkillers and alcohol, he remained a fan favorite for his portrayal of the witty Chandler Bing, gaining a massive global following.
The actor’s health challenges, including a burst colon in 2018 attributed to substance abuse, required multiple surgeries and the use of a colostomy bag for months. These were detailed in his memoir ‘Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,’ published the previous year. Perry underwent numerous detox attempts and spent millions in his quest for sobriety.
Perry dedicated the book to “all of the sufferers out there” and wrote in the prologue, “I should be dead.” He mentioned, “People would be surprised to know that I have mostly been sober since 2001. Save for about sixty or seventy little mishaps over the years.”
Reports from TMZ, which first broke the news, indicated that no drugs were found at the scene, and Perry was discovered by his assistant, who promptly called 911. Both TMZ and the LA Times suggested that there were no signs of foul play, according to anonymous sources.
Heartfelt Condolences from Hollywood Friends and Colleagues
Reactions from Perry’s Hollywood colleagues poured in on social media. Mira Sorvino, who starred with Perry in the 1994 television movie “Parallel Lives,” wrote, “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!” Josh Charles, who appeared with Perry on ‘The Good Wife,’ expressed, “Awful news. RIP brother.” Warner Bros. TV, which produced ‘Friends,’ conveyed their devastation at Perry’s passing and extended their condolences to his family, loved ones, and fans.
Matthew Perry: From Tennis Star to Iconic Actor – A Lasting Legacy
Matthew Perry’s life journey took him from being a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada to becoming an iconic actor, with his early appearances in popular shows like ‘Charles in Charge’ and ‘Growing Pains’ laying the groundwork for his later success. As the witty Chandler Bing in ‘Friends,’ he negotiated a substantial salary, reaching $1 million per episode alongside his co-stars during the show’s 236-episode run.
While the enduring appeal of ‘Friends’ led to a highly lucrative reunion episode in 2021, his passing marked the end of an era. Perry’s career also extended to the big screen with roles in films like ‘Fools Rush In’ and ‘The Whole Nine Yards.’ Despite receiving five Emmy nominations, including two for his guest roles in ‘The West Wing,’ he never secured the coveted award. His legacy goes beyond his work on ‘Friends,’ and as news of his death spread, the Hollywood community poured in with condolences and cherished memories of this beloved actor.
