Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends, has died at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Pacific Palisades, California, on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
Perry’s cause of death is still under investigation, but officials have said there were no obvious signs of trauma. Toxicology results are pending.
Perry’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, with many of his friends and colleagues paying tribute to him on social media.
Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel Green on Friends, wrote, “Matthew, my dear friend, I’m so grateful that I got to know you and love you. You were a shining light in the world, and you will be dearly missed.”
Courteney Cox, who played Monica Geller on Friends, wrote, “I’m so heartbroken. Matthew was such a special person. He was kind, funny, and talented. I will miss him so much.”
Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani on Friends, wrote, “Matthew, my brother, my friend, I can’t believe you’re gone. You were one of the funniest people I’ve ever known, and you made the world a better place. I’ll miss you forever.”
David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller on Friends, wrote, “Matthew, my friend, I’m so heartbroken. You were a kind and generous person with a brilliant comedic mind. I’m so grateful for the time we had together. Rest in peace.”
Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay on Friends, wrote, “Matthew, my dear friend, I’m so sorry to hear about your passing. You were one of the kindest, funniest people I’ve ever known. I will miss you dearly.”
Perry’s death has also sparked a renewed conversation about addiction and mental health. Perry was open about his struggles with addiction and depression throughout his life. He spoke about his experiences in his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, which was published in 2022.
In an interview with People magazine, Perry said, “I was drinking almost a quart of vodka a day. I was taking 55 Vicodin a day. I was taking Xanax. I was taking Adderall.”
Perry also said that he had been to rehab 15 times. He entered rehab for the last time in 2011.
Perry’s death is a reminder that addiction is a serious disease that can affect anyone. It is also a reminder that it is important to seek help if you are struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
Perry’s death is a tragic loss for the entertainment world and for his fans. He was a talented actor and comedian, and he brought joy to millions of people around the world.
