Beloved actor Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has tragically passed away at the age of 54.
The circumstances surrounding Perry’s death are currently under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division. Preliminary reports suggest that there is no evidence of foul play. According to law enforcement sources cited by the Los Angeles Times, it appears that Perry died as a result of a drowning accident at his Los Angeles residence.
The news of his passing has left fans, friends, and the entertainment industry in mourning. Warner Bros. Television Group, in a statement to CNN, expressed their profound sorrow at the loss of their dear friend, acknowledging Perry’s remarkable talent as an actor and the lasting impact of his comedic genius on a global scale. Their thoughts and love go out to his family, loved ones, and the countless fans who cherished him.
Matthew Perry’s journey in the world of entertainment began in Williamstown, Massachusetts. After his parents’ separation, he relocated to Ottawa, Canada, with his mother, but his love for tennis eventually brought him back to Los Angeles. Alongside his passion for tennis, Perry also inherited an interest in acting from his father, leading him to embark on a career in the industry.
His acting career started with small roles in series like “240-Robert,” “Charles in Charge,” “Silver Spoons,” and “The Tracey Ullman Show.” Perry’s first film appearance was in 1988’s “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon,” alongside River Phoenix. In the year prior to the film’s release, he starred in the sitcom “Second Chances,” which was later renamed “Boys Will Be Boys.” Although the series did not achieve widespread success, Perry continued to secure more prominent roles in various TV projects, including “Growing Pains,” “Who’s The Boss,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
However, it was his role as the lovable and witty Chandler on the iconic sitcom “Friends” in 1994 that catapulted him to worldwide fame. Perry’s portrayal earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2002, and he received four additional Emmy nominations during his career, including two for his role as Joe Quincy on “The West Wing.” As a member of the beloved “Friends” ensemble, alongside Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow, Perry became a fixture of NBC’s “Must-See TV” lineup and achieved a level of fame rarely seen in television.
The chemistry among the show’s cast extended off-screen, and they famously negotiated together to become some of the highest-paid actors on a television series at the time. Perry’s success on “Friends” also paved the way for roles in films like “Fools Rush In” (1997), “Almost Heroes” (1998), and “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000).
Matthew Perry shared his life experiences and battles with addiction in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” published in November 2022. In the book, he courageously revealed how his struggle with opioid abuse led to a life-threatening colon rupture when he was 49 years old. Perry’s resilience in the face of immense challenges was a testament to his strength. He acknowledged his numerous stints in rehab in an effort to overcome addiction and openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse.
Despite his personal challenges, Perry found love with literary manager Molly Hurwitz in 2018, and the couple got engaged in 2020. Although their engagement ended in 2021, Perry’s statement at the time conveyed a sense of goodwill and best wishes for Molly.
Tributes from colleagues, friends, and fellow actors poured in following the news of Perry’s passing. The official Instagram account for “Friends” posted a heartfelt tribute, describing him as a true gift to all who knew him. Cast members, including Maggie Wheeler and Selma Blair, expressed their profound sadness and love for the actor, while Michael Rapaport highlighted Perry’s kindness, talent, and enduring impact on American culture. Yvette Nicole Brown, his “Odd Couple” co-star, mourned the loss of a talented and gentle soul who left us far too soon.
Matthew Perry leaves behind a legacy of laughter and a deep impact on the world of entertainment. He is survived by his parents, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of his fans and those who had the privilege of knowing him.