The world was shocked by the tragic news of the passing of the beloved “Friends” star, Matthew Perry. He was found lifeless in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence at the age of 54, according to a report by the LA Times.
The circumstances surrounding his demise have left fans, friends, and colleagues in mourning, with many questions yet to be answered.
A source close to the actor revealed that investigations into his death are currently ongoing by the Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery-homicide detectives, and although no cause of death has been cited yet, the authorities are not suspecting any foul play.
The entrance to Perry’s home at Bluesail Drive was cordoned off by the LAPD, with both police officers and journalists at the scene, as multiple helicopters hovered above his house.
The police were seen trying to stop journalists from entering the scene and crossing the “crime scene” yellow tapes around the entry point.
Perry’s mother Suzanne and her husband Keith Morrison declined to comment of the death.
Early Life and Career
Matthew Perry, born in 1969, had a remarkable journey in the world of entertainment. Growing up between Montreal and Los Angeles, he embarked on his acting career as a child actor.
His early roles included guest spots in TV series like “Charles in Charge” and “Beverly Hills 90210.” He also had the privilege of acting alongside the late River Phoenix in the film “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon.”
The Breakthrough: “Friends”
However, Matthew’s big break came when he was cast as Chandler Bing in the iconic TV series “Friends.” The show, originally titled “Friends Like Us,” took the world by storm and catapulted Perry and his co-stars – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer – to mega-stardom.
With the series reaching over 50 million live viewers during its high points, the cast was earning more than $1 million per episode by the end of its run.
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing, the quick-witted roommate and later love interest of Monica Geller, showcased his comedic genius.
His dry delivery and impeccable timing made him an integral part of the show’s success. He created a lasting catchphrase with his distinctive inflection.
The Dark Side
Behind the scenes, Matthew Perry battled a dark side. In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” he opened up about his lifelong struggle with addiction to alcohol and opioids.
His journey with addiction began at a young age, and it haunted him throughout his life. Perry’s memoir revealed that he’d spent more than $7 million in attempts to get sober, including multiple rehab stints.
His addiction also led to severe health issues, including a life-threatening colon rupture that left him with only a 2% chance of survival. Perry’s substance use was exacerbated by the immense pressure to perform in front of a live studio audience during the “Friends” era.
Life Beyond “Friends”
Despite his personal challenges, Matthew Perry continued to make his mark in the entertainment industry. He took on key roles in TV series like “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and “Go On.” Additionally, he made guest appearances on acclaimed shows such as “The West Wing” and “The Good Wife.”
Following his near-death experience in 2018, Perry found solace in friendships, writing, and playing pickleball. His journey beyond acting showcased his resilience and the depth of his character.
The Legacy
In an interview with The Times, Perry expressed that his work was not the center of what he hoped would be his legacy.
He wanted to be remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, loved well, and helped people. He believed that running into him should be seen as a good thing, leaving a positive impact on those he encountered.