Actor Matthew Perry was discovered deceased in his Los Angeles residence on October 28th. According to reports from the Los Angeles Times, the 54-year-old was found unresponsive in his hot tub. Local authorities are currently investigating, and the cause of death remains unknown at this time. A source mentioned that foul play is not suspected.
Since the news of the beloved sitcom star’s unexpected passing broke, Perry’s colleagues in the entertainment industry and fans worldwide have been paying their respects.
Perry was a well-known figure in Hollywood, primarily recognized for portraying the perpetually sarcastic yet endearing Chandler Bing in the popular TV series “Friends.” He showed this iconic character for ten seasons, from 1994 to 2004. Perry also had a successful film career, with roles in movies like “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000) and “17 Again” (2009). In 2022, he released his highly-anticipated memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” where he candidly discussed his widely-documented battle with addiction, detailing his challenging experiences in rehab, interventions, and the numerous surgeries he underwent as his health deteriorated due to his lifestyle.
In 2021, after years of anticipation, the primary six cast members of “Friends” reunited for a television special. Perry almost missed the reunion due to an emergency dental procedure but managed to join the James Corden-hosted event. During the reunion, he spoke fondly of the show and the strong bond he shared with the cast.
Perry became emotional, revealing that even after the series concluded, if he encountered any of his co-stars at events, he would spend the entire evening conversing exclusively with them, emphasizing the enduring power of their connection. Perry’s main co-stars on the show, including Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc, all agreed with his sentiments.
While the primary “Friends” cast members have not publicly commented on Perry’s passing, other members of the show’s ensemble have taken to social media to express their condolences. Maggie Wheeler, who famously portrayed Chandler’s on-and-off girlfriend Janice (noted for her distinctive laugh), shared a photo of herself and Perry in character on her Instagram.
Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Chandler’s mom, Nora, posted her condolences on X (formerly Twitter).
Actress Paget Brewster, who played Chandler’s girlfriend Kathy in Season 4 of Friends, praised the actor for how he treated her.
Warner Bros., the production company behind Friends, also paid tribute, describing Perry as a “true gift to us all” and sending love to his family, loved ones, and fans.
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, shared a poignant message, too.
Adele paused her Vegas show to pay tribute to Matthew Perry on Saturday night
Charlie Puth, a self-declared ‘Friends’ superfan, also paid tribute to the late actor during a gig in Melbourne.
Here, take a look at some of the additional acknowledgments made in honor of the comedic actor as Perry’s colleagues and admirers grapple with his loss.
Actress Olivia Munn said that the news is “nothing short of heartbreaking.”
