Matthew Perry, the actor who played the sarcastic and witty Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends, has passed away at the age of 54. According to US media reports, Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, after an apparent drowning. The cause of death is still under investigation, but there were no signs of foul play.
Perry was one of the most popular and recognizable faces on television during the 10 seasons of Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004. The show followed the lives and adventures of six young friends living in New York City, and became one of the most successful and influential sitcoms of all time. Perry’s character, Chandler Bing, was known for his sarcastic humor and his romantic relationship with Monica Geller, played by Courteney Cox.
Perry also appeared in several movies, such as Fools Rush In, Almost Heroes, The Whole Nine Yards, and 17 Again. He also starred in other TV shows, such as Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Mr. Sunshine, Go On, and The Odd Couple. He recently reunited with his Friends co-stars for a special episode that aired in May 2021.
A Long Battle with Addiction and Health Issues
Perry’s death comes after a long struggle with addiction and health issues. The actor admitted that he had been addicted to alcohol and painkillers for years, and that he had attended rehab clinics multiple times. He also revealed that he could not remember three years of filming Friends because of his substance abuse.
In 2018, Perry suffered a health scare when his colon ruptured from an opioid overdose and he had to be resuscitated after his heart stopped. He spent three months in the hospital and had to undergo surgery. He later pulled out of a movie project with Meryl Streep because of his condition.
Perry was open about his addiction and recovery journey, and even created a sober living facility called Perry House to help other people who were struggling with similar issues. He also spoke out about the stigma and challenges that people with addiction face in society.
Tributes Pour in from Fans and Friends
Perry’s death has shocked and saddened millions of fans around the world, who grew up watching him on Friends and other shows. Many people took to social media to express their grief and condolences, and to share their favorite memories and quotes from Perry’s roles.
Perry’s Friends co-stars also paid tribute to him on their respective platforms. Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel Green on the show, posted a photo of her and Perry hugging on Instagram, with the caption: “My heart is broken. I will miss you forever, my dear friend. You were a ray of sunshine in my life and in so many others’. Rest in peace, Matthew.”
Courteney Cox, who played Monica Geller on the show, posted a video of her and Perry dancing together on TikTok, with the caption: “I can’t believe you’re gone. You were my partner in crime, my soulmate, my best friend. You made me laugh like no one else could. You were a genius and a gentleman. I love you so much, Matthew.”
David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller on the show, posted a photo of him and Perry smiling on Twitter, with the caption: “I’m devastated by the loss of Matthew Perry. He was a brilliant actor and a wonderful person. He was always there for me, through thick and thin. He was like a brother to me. I will always cherish our friendship and our time together on Friends.”
Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani on the show, posted a photo of him and Perry eating pizza on Facebook, with the caption: “I’m heartbroken by the news of Matthew Perry’s death. He was a great friend and a great actor. He was funny, smart, kind, generous, and loyal. He was one of a kind. He was my buddy. I will miss him terribly.”
Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay on the show, posted a photo of her and Perry holding hands on Snapchat, with the caption: “I’m in shock and in tears over Matthew Perry’s death. He was an amazing person and an amazing actor. He had a huge heart and a huge talent. He was always supportive and caring. He was my pal. I will never forget him.”
Warner Bros TV, which produced Friends, also released a statement expressing their sorrow over Perry’s death. “We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry,” the statement read. “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.”
