Friends and fans were remembering actor Matthew Perry Sunday, one day after the sitcom star’s death at the age of 54.
Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing on NBC’s iconic show “Friends,” was found dead Saturday afternoon in a hot tub in his home in Pacific Palisades.
Police responded to a call at 4:10 p.m. to a residence in the 18000 block of Blue Sail Drive, just northwest of The Getty Villa, of a death investigation of a male in his 50s, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Drake Madison confirmed to City News Service.
Perry’s cause of death was not immediately known and an investigation was underway, but TMZ, citing unnamed sources, reported that there were no drugs found at the scene and no evidence of foul play.
Perry had publicly announced that he had been clean and sober for about a year, but had previously battled substance abuse for years. He became addicted to Vicodin during his time on “Friends” — and had done multiple stints in rehab, including during filming of the show.
In 2022, Perry published a memoir detailing his troubles with drugs and alcohol, his issues with weight gain and loss, and other facets of his at-times tumultuous lifestyle, including a harrowing account of an emergency surgery following a gastrointestinal perforation, which nearly took his life.
The last post on Perry’s Instagram page, six days ago, featured him sitting in the corner of a steaming pool with a view of the moon and lights behind him. “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman,” he wrote.
Perry never married. His family released the following statement to People magazine:
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
According to People, Perry is survived by his father, actor John Bennett Perry, his mother, journalist Suzanne Morrison, his stepfather, “Dateline” correspondent Keith Morrison, and five siblings — Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, Madeline Morrison and Maria Perry.
Other tributes began pouring in shortly after his death.
“We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing,” “Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright said in joint statement. “It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.”
“He was a brilliant talent,” the statement continued. “It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us. We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment — not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.
“We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Warner Bros. Television Group, which produced “Friends,” issued a statement calling the five-time Emmy nominee a “comedic genius.”
“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry,” the studio said in a statement. “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
Bing’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, Janice, was portrayed by Maggie Wheeler, who posted on Instagram: “What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry,” she wrote. “The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Actress Mira Sorvino wrote: “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!! ”
Actress Octavia Spencer wrote: “I’m incredibly saddened to hear of Matthew Perry’s passing today. His gift to the world will be remembered forever. Sending love to Matthew’s family, friends, co-stars and millions of fans around the world.”
Actress Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler Bing’s mother, wrote: “I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my `son,’ Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John B.”
Actress Selma Blair also reacted: “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Paget Brewster, a short-term member of the “Friends” cast, wrote: “He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though.. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there.”
Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme wrote on Facebook: “It saddened me a lot to learn that Matthew Perry aka Chandler Bing from FRIENDS (TV Show) has passed away! I had the honor to be a cameo in the NBC sitcom in 1996 among such a wonderful cast; the ladies Jennifer Aniston & Courteney Cox who I respect…without forgetting Lisa Kudrow with Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.
“Proudly, our episode has received the highest record of viewers among the 10 seasons.
“All my love & deepest condolences go out to Matthew Perry’s family, his friends and his fans.”
Rumer Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis, knew Perry as a child, and wrote. “I’m so sad to hear about Matthew Perry passing. When I was a kid and I was on Set while he and my dad were doing whole nine and whole 10 yards he was so kind and funny and sweet with my sisters and me and I think his physical Comedy and that movie still makes me laugh so much, I know he had many challenges in his life and brought a lot of joy to people with his comedy I hope he can rest peacefully.”
Singer Nancy Sinatra also reacted: “Happy trails to you, Matt. Thanks for being you. Wishing you a peaceful journey home through the stars.”
Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau also paid tribute to Perry, his former elementary school classmate, writing: “Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. 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. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved — and you will be missed.”
“Friends” ran for 10 seasons, from 1994-2004. Perry also appeared in other hit shows including “The West Wing,” “Ally McBeal,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Scrubs,” “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Silver Spoons,” “Growing Pains” and “Charles in Charge” and more.
His movie credits include “Fools Rush In,” “The Whole Nine Yards” and “Three to Tango,” among others.
“We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry,” NBS said in a statement. “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.”