Matthew Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on the beloved TV series 'Friends', was found dead at his Los Angeles home at the age of 54, as reported by US media.
Emergency responders discovered Perry unconscious in a hot tub at his home, but their efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful, according to law enforcement sources cited by the Los Angeles Times.
"We responded at 4:10 pm... It is a death investigation for a male in his 50s," a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman told AFP, without confirming the deceased's name.
A fire department spokesman confirmed it had responded to a "water emergency," which could refer to a "pool, spa, bathtub or fountain," but could not confirm reports that Perry had drowned.
NBC, the broadcast network that aired 'Friends' for 10 years, on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry. 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. pic.twitter.com/VcAlZ26Nso
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) October 29, 2023
Battle with addiction
Perry, a key figure in the iconic 'Friends' that ran from 1994 to 2004, faced well-documented struggles with addiction throughout his years of success. Despite battling with painkillers and alcohol, Perry remained a fan favourite for his portrayal of the witty Chandler Bing in the show, which gained a massive global following.
The actor's health woes, including a burst colon in 2018 linked to substance abuse that required multiple surgeries and the use of a colostomy bag for months after, were detailed in his memoir 'Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing', published last year. Perry underwent numerous detox attempts and spent millions in his quest for sobriety.
Perry dedicated the book to "all of the sufferers out there," and wrote in the prologue: "I should be dead."
He wrote: "People would be surprised to know that I have mostly been sober since 2001. Save for about sixty or seventy little mishaps over the years."
Reports from TMZ, the first to break the news, mentioned that no drugs were found at the scene, and Perry was discovered by his assistant, who promptly called 911. Both TMZ and the LA Times indicated that there were no signs of foul play, according to anonymous sources.
Reactions
Reactions poured in from Perry's Hollywood community on social media.
"Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!!" wrote Mira Sorvino, who starred with Perry in the 1994 television movie "Parallel Lives'. "May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!"
Josh Charles, who appeared with Perry on 'The Good Wife', wrote: "Awful news. RIP brother."
Warner Bros. TV, which produced 'Friends'. wrote: "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."
Profile
Born in Massachusetts in 1969, Perry, raised between Montreal and Los Angeles after the separation of his parents, initially gained recognition as a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada before transitioning to acting. In the 1980s, he had guest roles in popular shows like 'Charles in Charge' and 'Growing Pains'.
His mother was a Canadian journalist, serving as the press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, while his father was an American actor.
Perry, the youngest lead actor cast for 'Friends', negotiated a substantial salary alongside his co-stars for the show's 236-episode run. Despite the enduring appeal of the series, marked by a lucrative reunion episode in 2021, Perry's passing marks the end of an era.
Perry and his co-stars -- Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer -- negotiated $1 million each, per episode, by the end of their colossally popular and zeitgeist-setting 236-episode run.
In a sign of the show's enduring appeal, the gang reportedly pocketed $2.5 million each for a reunion episode in 2021.
During that episode, Perry's slurred speech prompted concern among fans.
In addition to his television success, Perry appeared in films such as 'Fools Rush In' and 'The Whole Nine Yards'. Despite five Emmy nominations, including two for guest roles in 'The West Wing', he never secured the coveted award.
Perry, who never married, leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond the confines of Central Perk and the 'Friends' set. As news of his death spread, condolences and memories poured in from the Hollywood community on social media.
His representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment from AFP.
