Matthew Perry, the beloved actor best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the hit TV show "Friends," has tragically passed away at the age of 54. His death was confirmed by NBC, the network that aired "Friends," and he was found dead in a hot tub or jacuzzi in his Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles.
Perry's career was marked by his portrayal of Chandler, a role that made him a household name and endeared him to millions of fans around the world. The statement from NBC Entertainment commemorated his contribution, saying,
"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations."
"Friends" was a cultural phenomenon, running for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004 and featuring an ensemble cast that included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow. The show made all six cast members international celebrities, portraying a close-knit group of young adults living in New York City, and their adventures at the fictional "Central Perk" café.
One of the most significant storylines of "Friends" involved Chandler's clandestine romance with Monica Geller, played by Courteney Cox, and their eventual marriage. The series achieved tremendous commercial success, with each cast member reportedly earning $1mn per episode at the peak of its popularity.
However, Matthew Perry's life was marked by personal struggles hidden from the public during his time on "Friends." He battled addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol, a battle he candidly detailed in his 2022 memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing." In the book, he reflected on his journey to recovery, writing,
"Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead."
Perry's struggles with addiction were profound, leading to multiple attempts at rehabilitation. He revealed in a New York Times interview that he had spent approximately $9mn trying to get sober. His candidness about his battles with addiction earned him the admiration and support of many fans who were inspired by his commitment to recovery.
Following "Friends," Matthew Perry took on several network television projects, including "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," "Mr. Sunshine," and "Go On," though none achieved the same level of success as his iconic sitcom. He also made guest appearances or had recurring roles in other popular TV shows, such as "The West Wing," "Ally McBeal," "Scrubs," and "Beverly Hills, 90210." Perry's film credits included "Fools Rush In," "The Whole Nine Yards," "Almost Heroes," and "Three to Tango."
Born in Massachusetts, Perry grew up in Ottawa, Canada, after his mother, a Canadian journalist and former press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, remarried a Canadian broadcast personality. Justin Trudeau, the current Canadian Prime Minister and a childhood friend of Perry, expressed his shock and sadness at the actor's passing, saying,
"I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them."
Perry's journey to stardom began with his career as a junior tennis player before he moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting and improvisational comedy. His legacy will endure through the countless memories he created on screen and the impact he had on fans around the world. Matthew Perry's passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry and to the many who admired his talent and resilience.
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