Matthew Perry has passed away at the age of 54.
The beloved US actor – perhaps best known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends – was reportedly found dead at his Los Angeles home, as confirmed by law enforcement, BBC News reports.
A statement from Warner Bros. Television Group – the company that produced Friends over its incredible 10 seasons – paid tribute to Perry in a statement. “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry,” the statement read, adding: “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family.
Matthew Perry has died at the age of 54. Credit: Frederick M. Brown / Getty
“The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
TMZ and the Los Angeles Times have both reported that Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub after authorities arrived at the actor’s home at around 4:00PM on Saturday, October 28.
Speaking to BBC News, a spokesperson for the LA Fire Department revealed that first responders were dispatched to an address in the Pacific Palisades area in response to an unknown “water emergency”. However, Perry was not mentioned by name.
Law enforcement sources – who have remained anonymous due to the ongoing investigation – have not provided a cause of death, but informed the LA Times that no drugs were found at the scene. Additionally, it is believed that no foul play was involved in the star’s passing.
Credit: David M. Benett / Getty
Perry’s death is currently being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery-homicide detectives, with a cause of death due to be determined by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office at a later date.
Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry’s acting journey would lead him to become an international household name.
He was raised in Ottawa, Canada, following his parents’ separation. His father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor and model, hinting at the artistic genes that Perry would later tap into. In fact, Perry recently shared a touching photo alongside his father in an Instagram post.
Matthew Perry and his father. Credit: Instagram/MatthewPerry
Initially, Perry pursued a tennis career in his teenage years and was even ranked as a top junior player in Canada. However, his passion for acting soon took precedence, and he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 15 in an effort to pursue his dream.
After landing roles on shows like Boys Will Be Boys (1987-1988), Growing Pains (1989), and Sydney (1990), Perry’s acting breakthrough came in 1994 when he starred as the sarcastic yet lovable Chandler Bing. Undoubtedly, this role would go on to be Perry’s most famous role, with Friends becoming one of the most successful television shows in history – running for 236 episodes over 10 seasons.
In fact, the series finale in 2004 was watched by 52.5 million viewers in the US alone – cementing it as the most-watched television episode of the 2000s.
Starring alongside his five other main castmates – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer – Perry would earn an Emmy nomination for the role. But most importantly, he became part of TV history, as the show remains as popular now as it was in the 90s.
Perry with Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox in Friends. Credit: Getty
While Friends remained a significant highlight of his career, Perry continued to showcase his versatility across different platforms. He appeared in films like Fools Rush In alongside Salma Hayek and The Whole Nine Yards with Bruce Willis. Moreover, Perry made notable appearances in TV dramas such as The West Wing and The Good Wife.
He would also star in the hit teen comedy movie 17 Again and even made a memorable appearance on the sitcom Scrubs alongside his father back in 2004.
Later in his career, Perry co-created, co-wrote, produced, and starred in the comedic drama Mr. Sunshine. He also played the lead role in the TV reboot of The Odd Couple, further cementing his reputation as a force in the world of comedic acting.
Off-screen, Perry faced personal challenges, including struggles with addiction – a battle he was often candidly open about with his fans. In fact, last year, Perry released his memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, where he detailed his personal struggles as he skyrocketed to fame as one of the most recognized actors on the planet.
In fact, in an interview with PEOPLE last year, Perry said: “I say in the book that if I did die, it would shock people, but it wouldn’t surprise anybody. And that’s a very scary thing to be living with.”
Perry would go on to become a spokesperson for drug addiction and recovery.
With a career spanning decades and roles that became integral parts of pop culture, Perry’s contributions to television and film have touched the hearts of millions of fans worldwide – and there’s no doubt he will continue to make people laugh for generations to come.
Nevertheless, Matthew Perry’s death has left an immeasurable void in the entertainment world.
Our thoughts are with Perry’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
Thank you for the memories, Matthew.
