‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry dead at 54
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Actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role on “Friends,” has died from an apparent drowning on Saturday, TMZ first reported. He was 54 years old.
Authorities responded to reports of a cardiac arrest at a home on the 18000 block of Blue Sail Drive in the Pacific Palisades where Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub, according to the Los Angeles Times.
He had reportedly returned home after a two-hour round of pickleball in the morning before sending his assistant on an errand, TMZ reports. When his assistant returned home, he discovered Perry unconscious. LAPD received the emergency call around 4:10 p.m.
The circumstances surrounding the actor’s death remain unclear, although TMZ cited law enforcement sources that said no foul play was involved.
In this Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015 photo, American actor Matthew Perry poses for a portrait in promotion of his role in the upcoming CBS network comedy series “The Odd Couple” in New York. The show premieres on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, on CBS. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP) BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 14: Actor Matthew Perry arrives at the 9th Annual Dinner Benefiting the Lili Claire Foundation at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 14, 2006 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) BEVERLY HILLS, CA – MAY 10: Actor Matthew Perry and actress Courteney Cox Arquette mingle at the AFI Associates luncheon honoring Hollywood’s Arquette family with the 6th Annual “Platinum Circle Award” held at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel on May 10, 2006 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI) Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc seen at Showtime’s Annual Summer Soiree at 2015 TCA held at the Pacific Design Center on Monday, August 10, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Showtime/AP Images) FRIENDS — Pictured: (clockwise from bottom left) Courteney Cox Arquette as Monica Geller, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green — (Photo by Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) “Friends” stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer return to the iconic comedy’s original soundstage, Stage 24, on the Warner Bros. Studio lot in Burbank for a real-life unscripted celebration of the beloved show. Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc. (Getty images) In this April 28, 2015, file photo, Matthew Perry arrives at the LA Premiere of “Ride” in Los Angeles. The former “Friends” star appears with Katie Holmes, who reprises her role as Jackie Kennedy in “The Kennedys After Camelot,” which premieres on the Reelz channel on April 2. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File) This Sept. 22, 2002 file photo shows “Friends,” castmembers, from left, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox Arquette, Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc after the show won outstanding comedy series at the 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. Castmembers of the popular show have announced that five fans will get a chance to watch the reunion taping live. The sweepstakes offer is being presented by The All In Challenge and all proceeds will go to No Kid Hungry, Meals on Wheels and America’s Food Fund, which benefits Feeding America and World Central Kitchen. The minimum bid is $10. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File) Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc. (Getty images) WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN — Pictured: Matthew Perry — (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 10: Actor Matthew Perry arrives at CBS, CW And Showtime 2015 Summer TCA Party at Pacific Design Center on August 10, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) FILE – In this Sept. 22, 2002, file photo the cast of television’s “Friends”, from left: Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox Arquette, Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer appear during the 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)
Perry was best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom “Friends” which ran from 1994 to 2004. He also appeared in a variety of comedy films including, “Fools Rush In,” “17 Again,” “The Whole Nine Yards,” and more.
The last post Perry shared on his Facebook page was an image of him relaxing in a hot tub overlooking night views of L.A. just a few days ago.
In a 2022 memoir titled, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry discussed his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, including during the “Friends” years.
During that turbulent time, Perry detailed his notable weight gain and loss during various “Friends” seasons along with serious health issues that required several hospitalizations throughout his life.
He joined his “Friends” castmates in an HBO reunion special in 2021.
Loved ones and colleagues are mourning Perry’s death, sharing heartfelt messages and memories they’ve had with him over the years.
Law enforcement and loved ones arrive at Matthew Perry’s Pacific Palisades home following news of the actor’s death on Oct. 28, 2023. (TNLA) Law enforcement and loved ones arrive at Matthew Perry’s Pacific Palisades home following news of the actor’s death on Oct. 28, 2023. (TNLA) Law enforcement and loved ones arrive at Matthew Perry’s Pacific Palisades home following news of the actor’s death on Oct. 28, 2023. (TNLA) Law enforcement and loved ones arrive at Matthew Perry’s Pacific Palisades home following news of the actor’s death on Oct. 28, 2023. (TNLA) Law enforcement and loved ones arrive at Matthew Perry’s Pacific Palisades home following news of the actor’s death on Oct. 28, 2023. (TNLA)
Actress Selma Blair, who guest-starred as Wendy on “Friends” in Season 9, wrote on Instagram, “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Perry who was his elementary school classmate saying, “Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”
Warner Bros. Television said, “We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans.”
“This is extraordinarily sad news,“ said KTLA Entertainment Anchor, Sam Rubin. “Referred to as perhaps as people’s funniest ‘Friend’ or favorite ‘Friend,’ Chandler Bing was an extraordinarily popular character and Matthew Perry brought him to life in the most amazing way.”
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