The world has bid a final farewell to one of its favourite sitcom stars after Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show Friends, reportedly passed away at the age of 54.
Emergency services were called to the actor’s home on Saturday at around 4 p.m. due to a reported cardiac arrest. He was reportedly found unresponsive.
TMZ reported that sources mentioned he was found in a hot tub at his house. While the exact details of what happened are unclear, there’s no suspicion of foul play.
Born August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry’s journey into the world of entertainment began in his early years when, at the age of 15, he moved from Ottawa, Canada, to Los Angeles, California, to chase his acting dreams.
Perry’s first on-screen appearance came when he secured the role of Chazz Russell in the TV series Second Chance. The show later evolved into Boys Will Be Boys, focusing on Chazz and his friends. Despite the show’s brief run, Perry’s determination to succeed in Hollywood was unwavering.
His breakthrough came when he landed the part of Chandler Bing in the hit series Friends in 1994.
His portrayal of Chandler Bing, one of the show’s iconic characters, catapulted him to international stardom. The sitcom’s unparalleled success also earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002.
Perry’s talents extended beyond the small screen as he ventured into the world of cinema, starring in notable films such as Fools Rush In, Almost Heroes, Three to Tango, The Whole Nine Yards, and its sequel, The Whole Ten Yards. His versatility shone through in dramatic roles as well, particularly in his portrayal of Associate White House Counsel Joe Quincy in Aaron Sorkin’s The West Wing, which earned him Emmy nominations in 2003 and 2004.
While Perry’s professional life soared, he faced personal challenges, battling addiction and undergoing rehabilitation. However, his journey to recovery led him to become an advocate for addiction recovery programs.
In 2022, Perry added “bestselling author” to his list of accomplishments with the publication of his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. The book was a hit, resonating with readers and climbing the charts.
The news of Perry’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes on social media, as fans, fellow actors, and industry professionals shared their condolences and fond memories.