Former Friends star Matthew Perry died of an apparent drowning in his Los Angeles home on Saturday, Oct. 29.

First responders were at the home on a call for cardiac arrest and found the actor unconscious in a jacuzzi.

LAPD officials said there were no signs of foul play and no drugs found around Perry.

Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the Emmy Award-winning NBC sitcom Friends. Alongside costars Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow, the six spent 10 seasons together from 1994 to 2004.

“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” the Friends stars said in a joint statement. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”

An autopsy has been performed on Perry by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office and an official cause of death is forthcoming.

Perry’s family said in a statement to People Magazine they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” and that the fans “meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”

After Friends ended in 2004, Perry was in producer roles for sitcoms such as Mr. Sunshine on ABC and a modern adaption of The Odd Couple on CBS.

Concurrent with his run on Friends, Perry starred in various comedy films such as Fools Rush In in 1997, Three to Tango in 1999 and The Whole Nine Yards in 2000.

In 2022, Perry released a memoir titled “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing” where he he candidly spoke on his battles with drug and alcohol addiction and shared behind-the-scenes stories about his time on Friends.

Perry was not married and did not have children.

 

Friends Building NY

Fans paid their respects to Perry at the “Friends Building” in New York. While the show was primarily filmed in Burbank, California, an apartment building on 90 Bedford Street served as the backdrop of where the friends lived. It now serves as a landmark and fans gathered to leave flowers and notes for Perry.

HBO MAX

max matthew perry

As soon as HBO Max subscribers attempt to watch an episode of Friends on the streaming service, an “In Memory Of” dedication to Perry appears.

Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek, who co-starred in Fools Rush In with Perry, shared photos and a message in his honor.

“Two days ago, I woke up to the shocking news that Matthew Perry is no longer with us. It’s taken me a couple of days to process this profound sadness. There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them. I was very moved last year when Matthew shared on his Instagram stories how much he loved ‘Fools Rush In,’ and how he thought that that film we did together was probably his best movie. Throughout the years, he and I found ourselves reminiscing about that meaningful time in our lives with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude. My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart. Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you.”

Hank Azaria

The Simpson’s creator made a cameo on Friends, said Perry helped him in his own battle with addiction.

“The whole first year I was sober, we went into meetings together,” Azaria said about the beginning stages of his 17 years of sobriety. “As a sober person, he was so caring and giving and wise and he totally helped me get sober.”

 

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A post shared by Hank Azaria (@hankazaria)

Charlie Puth

In a touching moment during singer/songwriter Charlie Puth’s concert in Melbourne, Australia, he played a piano rendition of the Friends theme song, “I’ll be There For You,” with the crowd singing along before transitioning into his 2015 ballad, “See You Again.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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