Matthew Perry, a beloved actor and one of the stars of the iconic television show Friends, has sadly passed away at the age of 54.
According to TMZ, the actor died in an apparent drowning. The report states the actor was found Saturday at an L.A.-area home, where we’re told he appears to have drowned. Our sources say first-responders rushed over on a call for cardiac arrest. It’s unclear where exactly on the grounds this happened.
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He grew up in Ottawa, Canada, where he attended elementary school with none other than Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Perry’s family had a connection to the world of media and entertainment, with his mother, Suzanne Morrison, working as a journalist and press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Perry’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age. He moved to Los Angeles as a teenager and started landing guest roles on various television shows. His breakout moment came in 1994 when he was cast as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends. This role catapulted him to fame, solidifying his place in television history.
Friends became a cultural phenomenon, and Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing played a significant role in the show’s success. Chandler’s quick wit, sarcasm, and endearing personality made him a fan-favorite character. Perry’s impeccable comedic timing and delivery endeared him to audiences worldwide.
The show ran for ten seasons, and Perry appeared in all 234 episodes. Alongside his co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, Perry became one of the highest-paid actors on television, earning a staggering $1 million per episode during the final seasons.
Behind the scenes, Matthew Perry faced personal struggles that he courageously battled throughout his life. He openly shared his journey with addiction, particularly his dependence on painkillers such as Vicodin. Perry’s addiction spanned several years, even during his time on Friends, and led him in and out of rehab.
In his memoir, released last year, Perry candidly discussed the challenges he faced, including his fluctuating weight that was evident during his time on the show. Despite his personal battles, Perry remained dedicated to his craft and continued to deliver exceptional performances.
In addition to his addiction struggles, Matthew Perry also dealt with various health issues that required hospitalizations. One significant incident involved a gastrointestinal perforation, which necessitated emergency surgery. Thankfully, Perry recovered from this life-threatening condition and showed resilience in his journey towards better health.
The actor will undoubtedly be missed. R.I.P.