It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we share the news of the passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry. The “Friends” star, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing, left us on Saturday afternoon at the age of 54 in his Pacific Palisades home. Law enforcement sources reported that a call was received at 4:07 p.m. PT, describing a male in his 50s who was unresponsive. Though the LAPD arrived on the scene, there was no need for an ambulance transfer to the hospital. As of now, the cause of death remains under investigation by the Los Angeles police.
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit ensemble sitcom “Friends” from 1994 to 2004 has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. The show brought joy and laughter to countless households, making Perry a household name. The official Instagram account for “Friends” expressed their grief, stating, “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.”
Warner Bros. Television Group, the studio behind “Friends,” also released a heartfelt statement, highlighting Perry’s immense talent and the enduring impact of his comedic genius. “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
Perry’s contributions to the entertainment industry extended beyond “Friends.” He starred in the TV series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and was the co-creator and star of the sitcom “Mr. Sunshine.” His film career featured notable works such as “Fools Rush In,” “Almost Heroes,” and “17 Again.” Notably, he received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his role in the 2006 TV film “The Ron Clark Story.”
Matthew Perry’s journey in the world of show business began in his teenage years when he moved from Ottawa to Los Angeles. After graduating high school, he quickly started booking roles on popular TV shows such as “Growing Pains” and “90210.” At the age of 24, he secured the role of Chandler Bing in “Friends,” which propelled him to stardom and made him a beloved figure in the hearts of fans worldwide.
While Perry’s on-screen success was undeniable, his personal battles and triumphs behind the scenes were equally inspiring. In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” published last year, he candidly shared his struggle with and eventual triumph over years of drug and alcohol abuse. In interviews, he emphasized the importance of changing society’s perceptions of addiction, saying, “There’s a stigma attached to it, and that’s got to end.”
During a “20/20” interview with Diane Sawyer, Perry revealed that he had gone through detox 65 times and attended rehab 15 times. He also recounted a near-death experience when he was hospitalized for a perforated bowel in 2018. It became his mission to help others facing similar challenges. Perry recognized the unique platform he had due to his “Friends” fame and embraced the opportunity to make a positive impact, stating, “Obviously, because I was on ‘Friends,’ more people will listen to me. So I’ve got to take advantage of that, and I’ve got to help as many people as I can.”
Matthew Perry’s legacy will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of those who loved his work and admired his resilience. He will be remembered not only as a brilliant actor but as a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of personal trials. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and countless fans during this difficult time. Matthew Perry’s memory will live on as he continues to bring laughter and inspiration to the world through the enduring episodes of “Friends” and the remarkable story of his own life.