“Friends” star Matthew Perry has passed away, reportedly as the result of drowning in his hot tub. LAPD Captain Scot Williams said the “cause of death may not be known for some time, but at this point foul play is not suspected.”
Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry was raised in Ottawa, Canada, where he spent his formative years. Acting ran in the family—his father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor and former model. Perry, from an early age, showed an inclination toward performing arts and decided to pursue acting as a career. He moved to Los Angeles to chase his dreams and enrolled in the renowned improv comedy group, The Groundlings.
Perry’s breakthrough came when he landed the role of Chandler Bing in “Friends,” a character that resonated deeply with audiences for his sarcasm and quick wit. The show’s immense success propelled Perry into the realm of stardom, earning him critical acclaim and a massive fan following. His portrayal of Chandler Bing remains iconic in the world of television even years after the show concluded.
However, amidst the professional success, Perry faced personal battles, particularly with addiction. His struggle with substance abuse and alcoholism led to multiple stints in rehab. Despite these challenges, Perry publicly addressed his issues and became an advocate for addiction recovery, using his platform to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and sobriety.
Post-“Friends,” Perry continued to diversify his acting portfolio. He starred in various films, television shows, and stage productions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He appeared in movies such as “The Whole Nine Yards,” “17 Again,” and “The Ron Clark Story.” Perry also ventured into writing and producing. In 2011, he co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the ABC sitcom “Mr. Sunshine.”
Matthew Perry was 54 years old.