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Matthew Perry, Iconic “Friends” Actor, Sadly Passes Away at 54

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1 month ago

October 30, 2023

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Matthew Perry, celebrated for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the beloved sitcom “Friends,” has sadly passed away at the age of 54. Captain Scot Williams of the Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery-homicide division has confirmed Matthew Perry’s passing. The precise cause of death is yet to be determined, and there is no indication of foul play at this time.

Tragic Circumstances

Although the specific cause of Matthew Perry’s passing remains uncertain, several news outlets have reported, albeit without naming sources, that the actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence. Perry had openly struggled with substance abuse for years, leading to hospitalizations and a series of health issues, with more than half his life spent in treatment and rehab facilities.

“Friends” Star’s Endearing Legacy

Matthew Perry immortalized the character Chandler Bing on “Friends,” a show that ran for a decade from 1994 to 2004. Chandler was celebrated for his distinctive sense of humor and sarcastic quips that became a hallmark of the series.

The “Friends” Phenomenon

“Friends” followed the lives of six young friends living in New York City, with Chandler standing out as the witty, white-collar worker with a penchant for sarcastic humor. His humorous exchanges with friends like Joey Tribbiani and Ross Geller became emblematic of the show’s humor.

Behind the Scenes Struggles

Despite achieving immense success and earning a substantial income during his time on “Friends,” Perry’s struggles with substance abuse remained a persistent issue behind the scenes. His co-star Jennifer Aniston once confronted him about his drinking, a moment that served as a wakeup call for Perry.

A Journey of Recovery and Hardship

A Jet Ski accident in 1997 marked a turning point in Perry’s addiction journey, ultimately leading to his dependence on painkillers. His addiction culminated in numerous health issues, including an exploded colon, coma, and multiple surgeries.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry: The Early Years

Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1969, Matthew Langford Perry had a Canadian connection through his mother’s work as a press secretary for the Canadian prime minister. Despite his early years as a top-ranked junior tennis player in Canada, he moved to Los Angeles at the age of 15 to pursue a career in acting.

A Prayer for Fame

At 24, Matthew Perry was cast in “Friends” after a moment of introspection where he prayed to become famous. His prayer was answered as he secured the role that would make him a household name.

Legacy Beyond “Friends”

Following the conclusion of “Friends,” Perry took on various roles in movies and TV shows, including “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and an adaptation of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple.” Perry’s acting career continued to flourish, even though he faced challenges in the aftermath of the hit show.

An Open Memoir

In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” Matthew Perry opened up about his struggles with self-esteem and commitment, offering candid insights into his personal life, including his relationships with prominent actresses like Julia Roberts.

A Sober Reunion

In a televised reunion of the “Friends” cast two years ago, Matthew Perry, who had recently achieved sobriety, reunited with his co-stars to reminisce about their iconic roles and the show’s enduring popularity.