'Friends' star Matthew Perry dead at 54
The beloved 'Friends' star was reportedly discovered dead at his Los Angeles-area home in a hot tub on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Perry tributes poured in following his death at home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Saturday. He was 54.
The actor, who began portraying Chandler Bing on the popular sitcom "Friends" when he was only 24, died after an apparent drowning in a hot tub, law enforcement sources confirmed to Fox News Digital. No drugs were reportedly found on the scene, and no foul play is suspected.
The co-creators of "Friends," Marta Kauffman and David Crane, and executive producer Kevin Bright reacted to the news in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying, "We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.
Matthew Perry, second from left, began portraying Chandler Bing on the sitcom "Friends" when he was 24. (David Bjerke/NBCU Photo Bank)
"He was a brilliant talent. 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."
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," the star's family told People. "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."
Perry's fellow cast members on "Friends" — Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston — released a statement together, writing that "we are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew."
"We were more than just cast mates. We are a family," they said. "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," the statement continued. "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
'FRIENDS' CAST REMEMBERS MATTHEW PERRY: ‘WE ARE ALL SO UTTERLY DEVASTATED’
The cast of "Friends" released a statement on Monday, paying tribute to Perry. (NBC)
Kathleen Turner, who played Perry's father on "Friends," told People she was "very sad" to learn of her former co-star's passing.
"He came to see one of my Broadway shows and he came backstage," Turner told the outlet. "When he saw me, he yelled out, ‘Hey dad’ and everyone thought it was pretty cool. I think it was for 'Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.'" She remembers running into him "at least 10 years ago," at an event, adding, "I liked him."
Perry was remembered by fellow Hollywood stars following his sudden death. (Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images)
"He had a good sense of humor and a good heart. He liked other people, which, to me, is terribly important, especially for an actor," Turner said. "It’s extremely sad when you think about how young [he was] and a pity he couldn’t get more control. I can’t imagine the pressure those guys [the cast of ‘Friends’] lived under being a worldwide phenomenon. It must have been overwhelming."
Another former co-star, Aisha Tyler, who played Matt LeBlanc's girlfriend on the show, took to Instagram to pay tribute to the actor.
MATTHEW PERRY CAUSE OF DEATH 'DEFERRED': CORONER
"I learned how to tell a joke perfectly just by watching him work. And I will never forget the moment he leaned in, on my first night of taping ‘Friends,’ to tell me warmly, ‘get ready for your life to change,’" she continued. "Rest well, Matthew Perry. Thank you for the kindness and laughter."
Aisha Tyler paid tribute to Perry, saying he taught her how to tell a joke. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Perry's father-in-law on the show, Elliot Gould, recalled meeting him on the set of "Friends" on Instagram, saying he was "saddened to hear the news" about his passing.
"I first met Matthew in 1994 when I joined the NBC sitcom Friends. Matthew was kind, thoughtful, smart, funny, and just a terrifically, talented actor," he wrote. "Matthew told me he was so honored to be working with me. What he didn’t know until I told him, was that it was my privilege to play his father-in-law. My heart goes out to his wonderful family. He will be missed by so many, but he will never be forgotten."
Hank Azaria, who played Lisa Kudrow's on-again-off-again boyfriend David on "Friends," posted a video of himself on Instagram paying tribute to Perry, calling him "the funniest man ever," adding "I really loved him."
"Matthew was the first friend I made in Los Angeles, when I moved there. I was 21, he was 16," he said. "Matthew and I became really good friends, and we were really more like brothers for a long time. We drank a lot together, we laughed a lot together, we were there for each other in the early days of our career."
"I’m a sober guy for 17 years, and I want to say that, the night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in. The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together," Azaria continued. "He was so caring and giving and wise. And he totally helped me get sober. And I really wish he could’ve, you know, found the—found it in himself to stay with the sober life more consistently."
Hank Azaria remembered meeting Perry early on in both their careers, calling him "the funniest man ever." (J. Vespa/WireImage)
"Most nights you spent with Matthew you were crying laughing by the end," he went on to say. He added, ""As an actor, he was so brilliant. I just wish we — the world — I and the world — could have gotten what the rest of his career would’ve been."
Perry's "Fools Rush In" co-star Salma Hayek paid tribute to her former co-star and friend, writing a lengthy caption to accompany a carousel of photos from their time making the movie.
"Two days ago, I woke up to the shocking news that Matthew Perry is no longer with us," she wrote. "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," Hayek continued. "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."
Salma Hayek shared her memories of making "Fools Rush In" with Perry on her Instagram. (Salma Hayek Instagram)
Christina Ricci posted the cover of Perry's memoir on her Instagram, saying, although she never met the actor, she "loved him" and "burst into tears" when she read the news of his passing.
"Friends saved me numerous times during hard and lonely times in my life. I adored his character and wanted to marry Chandler Bing as a teenager. I watched all his movies. He was a genius," she wrote in her caption. "I downloaded his book and read the whole thing on my cross country flight today. I’m heartbroken this man suffered so much in life while giving us so much of himself. Read his book. It’s another gift he gave us. If you’re struggling with addiction issues it might just save your life. May he finally rest in peace."
Per People, Perry's former personal assistant, Bianca Brancato, took to Instagram to share a series of photos of herself and the late actor, honoring the "remarkable journey" she experienced with him in the seven years they worked together.
"I've expressed my deepest gratitude to him on numerous occasions, not only for guiding me into a career I cherish but also for allowing me to take care of him for 7 years," she wrote. "Along w the countless other experiences I'm thankful for. From witnessing him in his genius to sharing in his worldly adventures living around the world, he took me on a remarkable journey."
"My heart is heavy, but celebrating my memories is the most profound way to honor his legacy," she continued. "I hope that up there, in the great beyond, Mattman is sending us signs. We truly need them. You'll forever be in my heart."
Perry's former assistant, Bianca Brancato, paid tribute to him on Instagram. (Bianca Brancato Instagram)
Gwyneth Paltrow, who Perry claimed to have made out with once in the early '90s in his memoir, shared a photo of the actor on Instagram. She captioned the post, "I met Matthew Perry in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts. We were both there for most of the summer doing plays. He was so funny and so sweet and so much fun to be with. We drove out to swim in creeks, had beers in the local college bar, kissed in a field of long grass. It was a magical summer.
"He had shot the pilot of Friends but it had not aired yet. He was nervous, hoping his big break was just around the corner. It was. We stayed friends for a while until we drifted apart, but I was always happy to see him when I did. I am super sad today, as so many of us are. I hope Matthew is at peace at long last. I really do."
Valerie Bertinelli, another star with whom Perry had a brief romantic encounter, posted a photo of him on her Instagram story. She wrote, "Rest in peace, sweet man."
Perry wrote in his memoir about making out with Valerie Bertinelli while she was married to Eddie Van Halen. (Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection)
Shannen Doherty, who acted alongside Perry when he appeared on "Beverly Hills 90210," shared an old photo of him on Instagram, writing in part, "We were a gang way back… We played dare and Matt had to say ridiculous things to girls at the bar. We just always had fun and supported each other. You would always find us all together in a booth speaking in our own made up language. And yes, Matt always had THAT sense of humor.
"Matt and I had a date and it was on Valentine’s Day. He wanted to get a reservation at a restaurant in Malibu but couldn’t so my dad got the reservation for him. We went and he talked about my dads Irish persuasiveness the majority of the night. Our friendship spanned a long time. A lifetime really. I know many are hurting, especially our little gang. He will be missed by many and definitely by us. Yes. I could be more poetic or say things better but right now, shock and sadness prevail."
Shannen Doherty paid tribute to Perry on Instagram. (Shannen Doherty/Instagram)
Timothy Busfield, who starred with and directed Perry in "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," told People, "Matty Perry was a gem… He was a good, good man and a sweet, funny soul who will be missed, desperately. Not only by his millions of devoted fans, but by those co-workers and friends who he made crumble to the floor with his fast and searing wit."
"Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!" Mira Sorvino posted on X.
Perry's first acting credit was in a 1979 episode of "240-Robert." (Mike Pont/WireImage)
Octavia Spencer shared on Instagram, "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."
"My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day," wrote Selma Blair on Instagram. "I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams."
Selma Blair shared a selfie with Perry along with her tribute. (Selma Blair/Instagram/Getty Images)
Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed Chandler Bing's on-again, off-again girlfriend Janice on "Friends," wrote, "What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry. 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."
The official "Friends" show Instagram account, along with that of Warner Bros. TV, posted, "We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans."
Morgan Fairchild portrayed Perry's mother on "Friends." (NBC)
"We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry. 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," NBC shared on X.
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Morgan Fairchild said she was "heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son,’ Matthew Perry" in a tribute shared on X. Fairchild played Chandler's mother, Nora Tyler Bing, throughout the show.
"The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock," she added. "I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest."
Bruce Willis and Perry smile at the after-party for the premiere of "The Whole Ten Yards" at the Sunset Room in Los Angeles on April 7, 2004. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Rumer Willis, daughter of Perry's "The Whole Nine Yards" co-star Bruce Willis, took to her Instagram story to share: "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."
Perry was a beloved member of Hollywood, and starred in "The Whole Nine Yards," "Fools Rush In" and "The Odd Couple," among other film and TV projects. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Olivia Munn shared a broken heart emoji and wrote, "Oh no," with an image of the late actor.
She added, "He struggled so much with addiction and was brave enough to be open and honest about it. I'm so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today. Nothing short of heartbreaking. Rest in love, Matthew Perry."
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Fellow Canadian Tom Green wrote on X that he was "shocked and saddened" to hear about Perry's death.
"He is one of the many talented and incredible success stories from my hometown of Ottawa Canada. Rest in peace Matthew," the comedian said.
The "Friends" cast, from left: Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay. (NBCU Photo)
Perry admittedly spent upwards of $9 million on his decades-long substance abuse and sobriety battle. At one point, he was taking 55 Vicodin per day, he wrote in his 2022 memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing."
The actor revealed he had pursued 15 stints in rehab and underwent 14 surgeries for addiction-related medical issues. Perry was also on life support for a brief period and in a coma for two weeks.
Writing the memoir was part of his recovery. He said emotions came "pouring out of me — the painful stuff, hospitals, rehabs, all of this stuff — it poured out of me. It went really quickly."
In an October 2022 interview with The New York Times, Perry said he had been sober since early 2021.
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Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume contributed to this report.
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