Matthew Perry, who played the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. The actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home by the authorities, who arrived at around 4 pm when he was not answering his phone. The cause of death is suspected to be drowning, and no foul play is involved, according to law enforcement sources.
Perry was one of the most popular and beloved actors of his generation, who rose to fame with his role in Friends, which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. He starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and Matt LeBlanc as six friends living in New York City. His character, Chandler Bing, was known for his sarcastic humor, awkwardness, and memorable catchphrases such as “Could I be more…?” and “I’m not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?”
A Successful Career Beyond Friends
Besides Friends, Perry also appeared in many other TV shows and movies, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor and a comedian. Some of his notable works include Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Good Wife, The Odd Couple, Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, Three to Tango, The Kid, and more. He also received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Ted Kennedy in the miniseries The Kennedys: After Camelot in 2017.
Perry was also a writer and a producer, who co-created and co-starred in the sitcom Mr. Sunshine in 2011. He also wrote and produced the play The End of Longing, which he also starred in at the West End in London in 2016. He was nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and People’s Choice Awards.
A Struggle with Addiction and Health Issues
Despite his success and fame, Perry had a dark side to his life that he battled for years. He suffered from addiction to alcohol and drugs, including painkillers, which he started using after a jet ski accident in 1997. He admitted that he was “out of control” and “a sick guy” during that period of his life. He went to rehab several times, including while he was still on Friends.
Perry also faced several health issues in recent years. In 2018, he underwent surgery for a gastrointestinal perforation, which is a hole in the stomach or intestines. He spent three months in the hospital recovering from the procedure. In 2019, he revealed that he had suffered a stroke that left him unable to speak for two months.
A Legacy of Humor and Kindness
Perry’s death has shocked and saddened millions of fans around the world, who grew up watching him on Friends and other shows. Many celebrities and co-stars have also expressed their grief and condolences on social media. Jennifer Aniston posted a photo of her with Perry on Instagram with the caption “My heart is broken. I love you my friend.” Lisa Kudrow wrote “I can’t believe this. You were such a light in this world. Rest in peace.” David Schwimmer tweeted “I’m devastated by the loss of my dear friend Matthew Perry. He was one of the funniest and kindest people I ever met. I will miss him terribly.”
Perry’s legacy will live on through his work and his fans, who will always remember him as Chandler Bing, the hilarious and lovable friend who made them laugh and smile. He will also be remembered for his generosity and compassion, as he used his platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes such as addiction recovery, animal welfare, cancer research, and more.
