Matthew Perry, celebrated for his iconic role as the witty Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, has tragically passed away at the age of 54. The renowned actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Saturday afternoon. First responders unable to revive him, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Reports say there was no sign of foul play.
While Perry garnered worldwide acclaim for his role on Friends, his life was marked by a long and public struggle with substance abuse. In his candid 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry bared the depths of his battle with drugs and alcohol, highlighting his efforts to maintain sobriety.
“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead,” Perry candidly wrote in the opening of his book. His honesty about his personal challenges resonated with many, shedding light on the complexities of addiction and serving as an inspiration for those fighting similar battles.
Perry’s journey to stardom began with his television debut in 1979, and he made appearances in several popular shows before landing his breakthrough role as Chandler Bing in Friends in 1994. The NBC sitcom not only catapulted Perry to international fame but also solidified his place in the hearts of fans around the world.
In 1979, Perry debuted on TV in an episode of 240-Robert. He later landed roles in various shows including Not Necessarily the News, Charles in Charge, Silver Spoons, Just the Ten of Us, and Highway to Heaven. In 1987, he became a regular on Boys Will be Boys for one season.
By 1989, he had a recurring role on Growing Pains and then became a series regular on Sydney. Perry continued to make guest appearances on Who’s the Boss? (1990), Beverly Hills, 90210 (1991), and Dream On (1992). In 1993, he starred in the series Home Free before landing his breakthrough role as Chandler on Friends.
His talent and contributions to the entertainment industry were acknowledged by Warner Bros. Television Group, which expressed profound sadness at his passing. “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family,” the studio’s statement read. “The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.”
Reflecting on Perry’s legacy, NBC paid homage to the actor’s exceptional comedic timing and the joy he brought to countless viewers worldwide. “His legacy will live on through countless generations,” the network stated.
Despite his untimely departure, Perry’s work and influence will continue to resonate for years to come. Details about Perry’s survivors were not immediately available. He never married and had no children.
