Matthew Perry was “happy and chipper” two weeks before he died.
The late ‘Friends’ star – who was found dead aged 54 on Saturday (28.10.23) in his hot tub – spoke with the iconic sitcom’s creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane earlier in October and seemed “in a really good place”.
In an interview with the ‘Today’ show’s Hoda Kotb – which is set to air on Wednesday (01.11.23) – Marta said: “It was great. He was happy and chipper.
“He didn’t seem weighed down by anything. He was in a really good place, which is why this seems so unfair.”
Over the weekend, Marta and David released a joint statement with executive producer Kevin Bright as they paid tribute to the Chandler Bing actor.
They said: “We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible.
“All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives. He was a brilliant talent.
“It’s a cliché to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us.
“We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well.
“He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.
“We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Meanwhile, Perry’s death is reportedly being probed by the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division, which is “standard procedure” in such cases.
TMZ reported: “It may come as a surprise to some because foul play is not suspected at this point but cops say it’s just standard procedure for (its Robbery Homicide Division to investigate) high-profile cases.”
It added the LAPD told it “the Robbery Homicide Division is looking to make sure there is nothing nefarious involved in Matthew’s death, and it’s normal for RHD to take the lead on high-profile cases because RHD has the experience and manpower necessary”.
After an initial investigation, the Los Angeles County coroner has deferred giving a cause of death for the actor’s passing, which may take weeks to determine.
Perry reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and was unresponsive when found by his assistant in his jacuzzi at 4pm on Saturday.