Obituary: Matthew Perry, Beloved Star of “Friends”

Matthew Perry, the beloved actor best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit US sitcom “Friends,” has tragically passed away at the age of 54. The entertainment world mourns the loss of a talented individual who touched the hearts of millions with his humor and wit.

The incident occurred at his Pacific Palisades residence in Los Angeles and was reported to the Los Angeles Police via a 911 call at 4.07 pm local time. Authorities treated it as a water rescue, with indications suggesting that the incident transpired in a hot tub or Jacuzzi. Although no evidence of foul play has emerged, an ongoing investigation seeks to establish the exact cause of this untimely loss.

Matthew Perry was candid about his struggles with addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol, which added depth to his public persona. He bravely shared his journey toward recovery with the world, shedding light on the harrowing experiences he faced, including a near-death encounter in 2019 due to opioid use.

Perry rose to stardom in the 1990s for his role in “Friends,” an iconic sitcom that captivated audiences around the globe. His portrayal of the quick-witted and sarcastic Chandler Bing endeared him to viewers and made him an integral part of the show’s legendary ensemble cast. “Friends” aired for ten successful seasons from 1994 to 2004, and its enduring popularity was further celebrated in a reunion special in 2021.

Approximately a year ago, Matthew Perry embarked on a press tour to promote his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” offering fans a deeper look into his personal struggles and triumphs. In the memoir, he recounted how co-star Jennifer Aniston confronted him about his alcohol use during filming, illustrating the genuine care and concern within the “Friends” family.

Tributes and condolences have poured in from colleagues and friends. Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler’s memorable on-again-off-again girlfriend Janice Litman-Goralnik, shared her heartfelt blessings, reminiscing about the creative moments they shared. Noted actor and author Selma Blair expressed her broken heart and unconditional love for Perry, reflecting on their enduring friendship.

NBC Entertainment, the network that broadcast “Friends,” issued a statement mourning Perry’s passing and acknowledging his enduring legacy, which will continue to inspire generations.

Matthew Perry’s impact stretched beyond the realm of “Friends,” as he ventured into several notable film roles, including appearances alongside Salma Hayek in the 1997 romantic comedy “Fools Rush In” and co-starring with Bruce Willis in the crime comedy “The Whole Nine Yards” in 2004.

In 2021, Perry and his “Friends” co-stars reunited for a highly anticipated special. Hosted by James Corden, the cast returned to familiar sets, reenacted iconic scenes, and discussed the future of their beloved characters.

Born in Massachusetts and raised in Ottawa, Canada, Matthew Perry moved to Los Angeles at the age of 15 to pursue his acting career. He joined the cast of “Friends” at 24, where his remarkable portrayal of Chandler Bing solidified his place in television history. Perry’s work earned him one Emmy nomination for his role on “Friends” and an additional two for appearances on the political drama series “The West Wing.”

Matthew Perry leaves behind a legacy of laughter and genuine human connection. His memory will be cherished, and his contributions to the world of entertainment will continue to bring joy to countless generations.