Reports: 'Friends' alum Matthew Perry dead at 54

Karen Butler
·2 min read
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Matthew Perry has reportedly died at the age of 54. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Matthew Perry has reportedly died at the age of 54. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
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Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Friends, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and The Odd Couple star Matthew Perry died Saturday afternoon at the age of 54, according to multiple media reports.

TMZ reported that the actor -- who struggled for years with substance abuse issues -- was found dead of a suspected drowning in the jacuzzi of a home in Pacific Palisades, Calif., but no illegal drugs were found at the scene.

Deadline said he was found unconscious at his home by first responders who were unable to revive him.

The Los Angeles Times said there was no sign of foul play.

Access Hollywood and People.com reached out to Perry's publicist for comment, but did not immediately get a response.

Matthew Perry has reportedly died at the age of 54. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Matthew Perry has reportedly died at the age of 54. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

Sitcom Friends ran from 1994 to 2004, and co-starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.

All six leads reunited for a 2021 HBO special to discuss their memories of working on the show.

Matther Perry sits next to actor Martin Sheen during a Senate Judiciary Committee Crime and Judiciary Subcommittee hearing titled "Drug and Veterans Treatment Courts: Seeking Cost-Effective Solutions for Protecting Public Safety and Reducing Recidivism," on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. in 2011. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
Matther Perry sits next to actor Martin Sheen during a Senate Judiciary Committee Crime and Judiciary Subcommittee hearing titled "Drug and Veterans Treatment Courts: Seeking Cost-Effective Solutions for Protecting Public Safety and Reducing Recidivism," on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. in 2011. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

Perry also released the book, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, in 2022.

The actor's other credits include Boys Will Be Boys, Growing Pains, Silver Spoons, Charles in Charge, Sydney, Beverly Hills, 90210, Home Free, Ally McBeal, The West Wing, The Whole Nine Yards, Fools Rush In and Scrubs.

Matthew Perry walks near Main Street during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in 2008. File Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI
Matthew Perry walks near Main Street during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah in 2008. File Photo by Alexis C. Glenn/UPI

"A high school classmate died today. So sad. Gone too soon. RIP," author and TV personality Melissa Rivers wrote on X.

Star Trek icon George Takei wrote: "What a tragic piece of news to read. My heart goes out to his loved ones and long time cast mates."

Matthew Perry, a cast member in "17 Again," attends the premiere of the film at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles in 2009. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Matthew Perry, a cast member in "17 Again," attends the premiere of the film at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles in 2009. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

"Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!" posted Oscar winner Mira Sorvino.