Hollywood in shock for the death of Matthew Perry at the age of 54. The actor, who became a television superstar playing Chandler Bing in the beloved sitcom “Friends” (1994-2004), was found dead in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The police sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have not disclosed the cause of death, but drugs were not found at the scene and foul play is not suspected. The investigation is ongoing, and the exact cause of death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
The Warner Bros Television Group, which produced “Friends,” released a statement expressing their shock and sadness at Perry’s passing. They praised his incredible talent and the impact of his comedic genius, stating that his legacy will live on in the hearts of many.
Perry, who struggled with substance abuse, chronicled his battle with drugs and alcohol in his memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing” (2022). He revealed that he had been sober for 18 months and had spent millions of dollars trying to overcome his addiction. Perry’s struggles with addiction led to near-death experiences, including a coma and months of recovery in 2018 after a bleeding colon caused by opioid use.
“Friends” catapulted Perry to fame, and he became one of the highest-paid actors on television. The show followed the lives and loves of six young New Yorkers, and Perry’s character, Chandler Bing, became known for his sarcastic wit. Despite his success, Perry battled alcoholism, which intensified after a jet ski accident in 1997. He began abusing painkillers, particularly Vicodin, and entered rehab in 2001. Perry admitted that he barely remembers the last three seasons of “Friends” due to his alcohol use.
In recent years, Perry had been open about his sobriety and dedicated himself to helping others struggling with addiction. He transformed his Malibu beach house into a sober living facility called “The Perry House” and used his own experiences to support and guide others on their journey to recovery.
Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry grew up in Canada and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. He gained recognition for his roles in sitcoms like “Second Chance” (1987-88) and “Sydney” (1990), before landing the role of Chandler Bing in “Friends.” Perry also had a modest film career, with notable roles in movies like “Fools Rush In” (1997) and “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000).
Matthew Perry’s death is a tragic loss for Hollywood and his fans around the world. His talent and comedic genius will be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire others.