Matthew Perry, Friends Actor, Dead At 54
This article includes mentions of substance abuse and addiction.
"Friends" star Matthew Perry has died at the age of 54. According to TMZ, the actor was found dead after reportedly drowning in his Los Angeles home. Local law enforcement reported that Perry was found dead after suffering a cardiac arrest on October 28, 2023. The star is said to have returned home after playing a game of pickleball and was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi at this home by his assistant about two hours after said game. An investigation is underway, but at this time, authorities don't suspect drugs or foul play were involved in his untimely death.
Perry was beloved for his work as the sarcastic and lovable Chandler Bing, whom he portrayed for 10 seasons on the hit NBC sitcom, "Friends," alongside Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer. From his quippy one-liners, to his endearingly iconic roommate-ship with LeBlanc's Joey Tribbiani, to his sweet romance with Cox's Monica Geller, Perry's portrayal of Chandler was a core ingredient of the dynamic that made "Friends" one of the most beloved '90s sitcoms.
Perry was famous for his comedic roles across film and television. His movies span genre, as he starred in projects like "Fools Rush In," "The Kid," and "The Whole Nine Yards." Though he was best-known for portraying Chandler, Perry also starred in shows like "The Good Wife," "The Odd Couple," and "Scrubs," and his work routinely bridged serious themes with his own sarcastic tone.
Fans and colleagues mourn Matthew Perry on social media
As news of Matthew Perry's unexpected death began to spread on social media, fans and colleagues took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to honor the beloved comedian and what his sense of humor brought to their lives. "I met Matthew Perry a couple times before Friends. Just a young unknown, but he was a human smile, hilarious. Chandler was his destiny," screenwriter Randi Mayem Singer wrote. "My comfort show when I'm traveling. Because no matter where you are, there's always an episode of Friends to keep you company if you can't sleep," author Stephanie Land posted. "We'll miss you, Matthew Perry. I hope you know that somehow." Even NBC paid tribute to one of its most iconic stars: "We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry. He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations."
During his lifetime, Perry struggled with an addiction to drugs and alcohol. But upon the release of his 2022 memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," the "Fools Rush In" actor opened up about what he'd learned, detailing his newfound gratitude. "[E]verything starts with sobriety. Because if you don't have sobriety, you're going to lose everything that you put in front of it, so my sobriety is right up there," he told People. "I'm an extremely grateful guy. I'm grateful to be alive, that's for sure. And that gives me the possibility to do anything." And it's his joy and humor that we'll miss the most.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).