Matthew Perry’s Death: What We Know So Far

The world was shocked and saddened by the news of Matthew Perry’s death on Saturday, October 28, 2023. The actor, who was best known for playing Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles, California. He was 54 years old.

The Cause of Death is Still Unknown

According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Perry was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. There were no signs of foul play, and the incident is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division.

However, the cause of death is still unknown and has been deferred pending further investigation by the LA County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy was performed on Sunday, but it was inconclusive. The officials are waiting for the results of toxicology tests, which could take several weeks.

Perry Struggled with Addiction and Health Issues

Perry had a long history of struggling with addiction and health issues. He admitted that he was addicted to painkillers and alcohol during the height of his fame on Friends, and that he could not remember three years of filming the show because of his substance abuse.

He also suffered from pancreatitis, which caused him to lose weight drastically in 2000. He underwent several rehab stints and surgeries over the years, including a gastrointestinal perforation in 2018 that required him to spend three months in the hospital.

Perry was open about his recovery and his dedication to helping others who were facing similar challenges. He wrote a memoir titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, which he released in November 2022, where he shared his personal stories and insights.

He also said in an interview last year that he wanted to be remembered as someone who lived well, loved well, was a seeker, and helped people.

Perry’s Family and Friends are Heartbroken

Perry’s family and friends are heartbroken by his tragic loss. His parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Morrison, along with his step-father, Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison, were seen arriving at his home on Saturday night amid the police response.

On Sunday, they released a statement to People magazine saying that they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother” and that “Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend”.

Perry’s co-stars from Friends, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc have not commented publicly on his death yet. However, they are reportedly “utterly devastated” and have issued a joint statement expressing their grief.

The statement read: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. He was a brilliant actor, a hilarious comedian, and a wonderful human being. We will always cherish the memories we shared with him on and off-screen. He will be greatly missed by us and by millions of fans around the world. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Perry’s Legacy Lives On

Perry’s legacy lives on through his work and his impact on pop culture. He starred in several movies and TV shows besides Friends, such as The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, The Odd Couple, The Good Fight, and The Kennedys: After Camelot.

He also received several awards and nominations for his acting, including an Emmy nomination for his guest appearance on The West Wing in 2003. He was also honored with the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2013 for his advocacy for drug courts.

Perry will always be remembered as one of the most iconic TV stars of all time. His role as Chandler Bing made him a household name and a fan favorite. His witty one-liners, sarcastic humor, and lovable personality made him stand out among the Friends cast.

He also had great chemistry with his co-stars, especially with Cox, who played his wife Monica Geller on the show. Their relationship was one of the most popular and enduring TV couples ever.

Perry once said that he felt like he had won a lottery when he got cast on Friends. He also said that he loved playing Chandler because he was “a guy who says funny things at funny times”.

He added: “I think it’s a rare combination to have people who are both funny and nice. I think Chandler is both of those things. And I like that about him”.

We like that about him too. Rest in peace, Matthew Perry. You will always be our friend.