Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler in 'Friends,' passes away at the age of 54

BRUGUZU - Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler in 'Friends,' passes away at the age of 54

Matthew Perry, the actor best known for his portrayal of Chandler on the popular television show 'Friends,' has tragically passed away at the age of 54. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, with emergency responders considering the possibility of drowning. The NBC network, which aired 'Friends' for a decade, confirmed his passing in an official statement.

Matthew Perry, the American actor celebrated for his iconic role as Chandler on "Friends," has died at the age of 54. His lifeless body was discovered at his Los Angeles residence on Saturday, the 28th of October, in what is being described as a deeply saddening incident.

NBC, the network that broadcasted the series for a decade, released a statement expressing their sorrow at the untimely loss of Matthew Perry. They highlighted his incredible talent for comedic timing and ironic humor, which brought immense joy to countless people worldwide. NBC noted that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

According to TMZ, one of the first outlets to report the news, Perry's lifeless body was found in a hot tub. Emergency responders were initially summoned to the scene in response to a cardiac arrest emergency.

There were no signs of drugs or foul play at the residence. However, the emergency response team is currently exploring the possibility of drowning, and an investigation into the circumstances of his passing is underway.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department, speaking to AFP, confirmed they had responded to a death investigation involving a man in his 50s but refrained from disclosing the deceased's identity.

Matthew Perry's final Instagram post was made just five days prior, featuring an image of him in a swimming pool. He is most renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom "Friends," which aired for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004.

The ensemble cast also included Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc. Perry's passing marks the first among the principal cast members.

Throughout his career, Perry also featured in various other projects, such as "Growing Pains," "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," "A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon," "The Whole Nine Yards," "Fools Rush In," and "Go On."

His final television appearance was in 2017, where he portrayed Ted Kennedy in the miniseries "The Kennedys After Camelot." In 2022, Perry published his autobiography, titled "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing."

In his book, Perry candidly discussed his battle with substance addiction during the later years of "Friends," stating firmly that there is indeed a hell, based on his personal experience. Despite his struggles, he shared his hope that his autobiography would offer support and inspiration to others.

Matthew Perry's childhood marked the beginning of his journey in the entertainment industry. At the age of ten, he portrayed Arthur in the series "240-Robert," which served as his introduction to the world of acting.

In the subsequent years, Perry made guest appearances in various TV series, including "Not Necessarily the News" (1983), "Charles in Charge" (1985), and "Silver Spoons" (1986).

He ventured into the world of cinema with his first film, "A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon" (1988), in which he played the role of Fred Roberts. In "She's Out of Control" (1989), he portrayed Timothy.

The turning point in Matthew Perry's career came when he received the opportunity to portray the character of Chandler in "Friends."

"Friends" made its debut on September 22, 1994, and ran for a total of 236 episodes. The show revolved around a close-knit group of friends residing in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.

The series received numerous accolades, including six Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and two SAG Awards, along with other nominations. In 2021, a special reunion episode titled "Friends: The Reunion" was recorded, bringing the beloved cast back together.



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Matthew's death has deeply moved fans of the series on social media. A profile on the X social network wrote, "Matthew Perry as Chandler was and continues to be an immensely important part of my life and even the shaping of my personality."

In addition to the fans, actress Maggie Wheeler, who played the character Janice Goralnik on Friends, posted on her Instagram account: "What a loss. The world will miss you, Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your short life will continue to live on. I feel very blessed for every creative moment we shared. ♥️."

In the series, Janice was romantically involved with Chandler for several seasons.

Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Chandler's mother, also mourned his death. "I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my “son”, Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew'"

Paget Brewster, another actress who played a romantic interest of Chandler on the show, shared her thoughts on the actor. "I’m so very sad to hear about @MatthewPerry .He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though.. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there."

Actress Viola Davis ("The First Lady") also paid tribute. "This is devastating. His book changed so many people close to my heart. The people no one sees and most dismiss. It was a gift. Besides the joy you brought to many, your heart reigned supreme. Rest well. Know that you brought love."

Another actress, Selma Blair ("Cruel Intentions"), who appeared in an episode of "Friends," expressed her feelings. "My oldest friend. We all love Matthew Perry, and I specifically loved him. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he loved me. I am devastated. Heartbroken. Sweet dreams, Matty. Sweet dreams."

Natasha Henstridge, who was romantically involved with Perry in "The Whole Nine Yards" (2000), wrote, "You are a wonderful man. You brought so much laughter and love to this world. You will be missed forever and will always be remembered."

The official Instagram account of the series, "Friends," posted, "We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry's passing. He was a true gift to all of us. Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and all his devoted fans."

The Warner Bros. television group also mourned the actor's death: "Matthew was an incredibly talented actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. family. The impact of his comic genius was felt worldwide, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of many people. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, loved ones, and all his devoted fans," their statement concluded.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Matthew on Twitter. They had studied together in school, and he wrote, "The death of Matthew Perry is shocking and sad. I will never forget the games we used to play in the schoolyard, and I know people all over the world will never forget the joy he brought them. Thank you for all the laughter, Matthew. You were loved, and your absence will be felt."


Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Matthew on Twitter






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