‘Friends’ Star, Matthew Perry Dead After Apparent Drowning
Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the popular television series ‘Friends’, is dead.
The esteemed actor was discovered lifeless at a residence in the vicinity of Los Angeles on Saturday. According to TMZ, Perry was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi within the premises, and it is worth noting that no illicit substances were discovered at the location.
Warner Bros. issued a statement about the beloved star: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
A representative from the Los Angeles Police Department informed PEOPLE that officers promptly attended to a call at Perry’s residence concerning the passing of an individual in his 50s, yet refrained from disclosing the deceased’s identity. TMZ was additionally informed that no suspicious activity was detected, with their sources indicating that emergency responders were summoned to the location due to a cardiac arrest incident. Perry’s representatives have not yet provided a response to PEOPLE’s inquiries.
Perry underwent a five-month hospitalization in 2018 due to a gastrointestinal perforation, which was caused by opioid abuse. His condition was critical, and he was given a mere two per cent chance of survival upon admission. Perry was placed on an ECMO machine to assist with breathing, and he remained in a coma for two weeks. Following his recovery, Perry had to rely on a colostomy bag for nine months.
Perry, a former top-ranked junior tennis player, was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969. His mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison, served as press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, while his father, John Bennett Perry, is an American actor and former model.
Following his parents’ divorce, Perry was raised by his mother in Ottawa, Ontario, and also briefly lived in Toronto and Montreal. He attended Rockcliffe Park Public School, where he befriended future Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and later Ashbury College.
When he was 15, Perry relocated from Ottawa to Los Angeles to reside with his father and pursue acting. He completed his education at the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks in 1987. During his high school years, Perry honed his skills in improvisational comedy at the LA Connection in Sherman Oaks. Upon graduating, Perry secured the role of Chazz Russell in the television series Second Chance.
After 13 episodes, the show transformed into Boys Will Be Boys, with the storyline centered around Chazz and his companions. Perry’s debut on the big screen came in 1988 with the film A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon. In 1989, he portrayed Carol Seaver’s boyfriend Sandy, who tragically passes away in a hospital following a drunk-driving accident, in a three-episode arc on the series Growing Pains.
Perry’s next significant role was as the younger brother of Valerie Bertinelli’s character in the 1990 CBS sitcom Sydney. He also made a guest appearance as Roger Azarian on Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1991. In the spring of 1993, Perry took on the leading role in the ABC sitcom Home Free, which aired for 11 episodes. However, due to his commitment to a pilot, Perry was unable to be considered for a role in another pilot called Six of One, later known as Friends.
Nevertheless, after being given the opportunity to audition for a part in Six of One, he ultimately landed the role of Chandler Bing. At the age of 24, Perry was the youngest member of the main cast. By 2002, he and the rest of the main cast were earning $1 million per episode. Perry’s exceptional performance in the show earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
