Matthew Perry, 'Friends' Actor, Dead at 54
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry has reportedly died. He was 54 years old.
According to multiple reports, including TMZ, who spoke with law enforcement sources, the Friends actor was found on Saturday, Oct. 28 in his Los Angeles home. He died from an apparent drowning. The incident is said to have happened in a jacuzzi.
Sources noted that first responders initially responded to a call of a cardiac arrest. The cause of death was not immediately available.
There were reportedly no drugs found at the scene and no foul play is suspected. Parade has reached out to Perry's representatives for comment.
Additional details from the outlet allege that Perry arrived home after playing a two-hour round of pickleball in the morning and sent his assistant out on an errand. When she returned about two hours later, she found him unresponsive and called 911.
The LA Times confirmed that authorities responded to the home at about 4 p.m., but did not give more details as the investigation remains ongoing. The Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery-homicide detectives are investigating the death.
Perry is best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the beloved '90s sitcom, appearing in all 10 seasons.
The charismatic role—and iconic catchphrase “Could [Blank] Be More”—landed him an Emmy nomination in 2002.
Perry, born in 1969 in Williamstown, Massachusetts, moved to Los Angeles as a teenager. While his big break was Friends, he starred in multiple TV shows and movies through the years, including Growing Pains, Beverly Hills, 90210, Scrubs, People Rush In, The Kid, and The Whole Nine Yards.
He also guest-starred in an episode of his father John Bennett Perry’s cop series, 240 Robert, in 1979.
While many of his roles brought people an immense amount of joy and laughs, Perry’s life behind the scenes was clouded by a lengthy battle with drug addiction, a struggle he detailed in depth in his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.
He revealed his substance abuse issues began in 1997 after he was prescribed opioids following a jet ski incident and quickly became addicted.
The actor also opened up about a terrifying near-death experience while promoting the book, noting that when he was 49, he found himself in critical condition after his colon burst from opioid overuse.
He spent two weeks in a coma, five months in the hospital, and had to use a colostomy bag for nine months as a result of the health crisis.
As for his cast mates on the hit show—which include Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow—Perry said they were "understanding" and "patient."
In November 2022, Perry revealed that he was 18 months sober. He also shared at one time that he’s attended 6,000 AA meetings, gone to rehab 15 times and detoxed 65 times
Just over a week before his death, Perry appeared to be in good spirits, posting a photo alongside his 82-year-old father.
In the heartwarming snapshot, the father-son duo can be seen standing side by side, arms around each other, beaming at the camera.
Earlier this week, he also shared an eerie final photo in a pool or hot tub, captioned, “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I'm Mattman.”
Perry is survived by his father, his mother, Suzanne Perry, five siblings, and stepfather Keith Morrison.
Next: Matthew Perry Dead: 'Friends' Fans Flock to Social Media to Pay Tribute
This story has been updated with new details.
