
Chandler Bing of “Friends” fame, played by the talented Matthew Perry, has tragically passed away at the age of 54.
The unfortunate incident, which took place at his Los Angeles residence, is believed to have been a drowning accident, as reported by the Los Angeles Times, citing law enforcement insiders. Although no foul play is currently suspected, the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division is actively investigating the matter.
Expressing their sorrow, Warner Bros. Television Group conveyed, “Matthew Perry was not just an outstanding actor but an integral part of our family. His comedic brilliance reached audiences worldwide, creating a legacy that will endure. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, close ones, and a multitude of fans mourning this tremendous loss.”
In connection with the incident, Brian Humphrey of the Los Angeles Fire Department shared with CNN that they received a 911 call regarding a water emergency at 4:07 p.m. The exact details surrounding the body of water in question remain undisclosed.
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Early Days
Matthew Perry hailed from Williamstown, Massachusetts, the son of an actor and a journalist. After his parents separated, young Perry relocated to Ottawa, Canada, to be with his mother.
In his formative years, Perry excelled in tennis, securing a top-ranking position in Canada. However, just like his father, he was drawn to the world of acting. This passion led him back to the States, settling in Los Angeles during his teenage years to reunite with his dad.
The drama “240-Robert” in 1979 marked Perry’s initial acting credit. He subsequently appeared in several shows such as “Charles in Charge,” “Silver Spoons,” and “The Tracey Ullman Show.” During his high school years, Perry had his big screen debut alongside River Phoenix in the 1988 movie, “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon.” Just a year prior, he was cast in the sitcom “Second Chances” (later retitled “Boys Will Be Boys”), a narrative of a deceased man who returns to guide his younger version, portrayed by Perry.
While the show didn’t gain significant traction, Perry’s career was on the ascent, securing roles in renowned TV series like “Growing Pains,” “Who’s The Boss,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
Rise to Stardom
It was his portrayal of the witty and endearing Chandler Bing in the 1994 sitcom “Friends” that catapulted Perry to stardom.
His performance garnered him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2002, along with four other nods for this esteemed television accolade. Notably, two of these were for his role as Joe Quincy on “The West Wing.”
For context, “Friends” was a project by Warner Bros. Television, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent entity.
In “Friends,” Perry shared the screen with Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow. The show revolved around a close group of friends navigating life in New York City. This ensemble quickly became a staple of NBC’s iconic “Must-See TV” roster, experiencing an unparalleled degree of celebrity.
Behind the scenes, the cast’s bond mirrored their on-screen camaraderie. They notably banded together during salary negotiations, setting records for their earnings in television.
Following his “Friends” success, Perry secured leading roles in movies such as “Fools Rush In” (1997), “Almost Heroes” (1998), and “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000).
Beyond “Friends,” Perry showcased his talent in other TV series like “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Mr. Sunshine,” and “The Odd Couple.”
Perry’s Candid Chronicles
In late 2022, Perry shared his life journey in a memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir.”
The book sheds light on his struggle with opioid addiction, which resulted in a colon rupture at age 49. Perry disclosed that he faced a mere two percent survival chance, leading to a two-week coma and extended hospital stay. To mend the extensive abdominal damage, he underwent 14 surgeries and sought rehab 15 times to combat his addiction.
Reflecting on his life, he remarked to People magazine, “My resilience astonishes me. Despite the torment and adversity, I’ve managed to bounce back. Sharing this story is daunting, yet I’ve been brutally honest. Every detail is documented.”
Even at the pinnacle of his success, Perry’s battle with addiction persisted. He confessed in a CBC interview, “During Friends, I consumed 55 Vicodin daily and weighed a mere 128 pounds. The memory of my frail appearance on the show prevents me from watching it. Each season reminds me of my addiction phases—be it drinking, opiates, or cocaine.”
On a personal front, Perry started a relationship with literary manager Molly Hurwitz in 2018. The two became engaged in 2020 but decided to part ways in 2021. Perry expressed, “Certain things aren’t meant to last, and our relationship was one. I sincerely wish Molly all the best.”
Honoring Perry
The official “Friends” Instagram account mourned Perry’s death, expressing, “Our hearts are heavy with the news of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a treasure to all of us.”
Maggie Wheeler, remembered for her role as Chandler’s on-again, off-again girlfriend Janice, shared on Instagram, “Matthew Perry’s departure is a profound loss. The happiness he spread will continue to resonate. Cherishing our shared moments of creativity.”
Selma Blair, another “Friends” alum, reminisced about Perry on her Instagram, referring to him as her “dearest long-time friend.” She conveyed, “My heart deeply felt love for Matthew Perry every single day. The void he leaves is immense. Farewell, Matty.”
On the platform X, Michael Rapaport, who appeared briefly on “Friends,” praised Perry: “Always gracious, laid-back, and immensely talented. Your legacy is firmly etched in American culture.”
Yvette Nicole Brown, who worked alongside Perry in “The Odd Couple,” lamented on X, “Today marks a tremendous loss for our show and the entire entertainment community.” She added, “Matthew was a gem, deserving of more tranquil moments in his journey. Leaving at 54 is tragically early.”
Matthew Perry leaves behind his parents.
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