Matthew Perry Dead at 54 in Hot Tub Incident
Matthew Perry. PHOTO: MICHAEL KOVAC/FILMMAGIC
The world was shaken by the sudden and tragic passing of Matthew Perry, beloved "Friends" star, at the age of 54. Fox News Digital has confirmed the actor's death, which occurred in a hot tub at a house in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles on Saturday. The authorities indicated that Perry appeared to have drowned.
Emergency personnel first responded to a call reporting cardiac arrest at Perry's residence. No drugs were found at the scene, and no foul play is suspected, as reported by TMZ. The Los Angeles Times also confirmed that Perry was found unresponsive, and the Los Angeles Police Department’s robbery-homicide detectives are currently investigating his death.
Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to parents Suzanne Marie and John Bennett Perry, Matthew Perry spent many of his formative years in Canada before relocating to Los Angeles. He rose to fame with his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom "Friends," starring alongside Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. The show, which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, cemented Perry's status as a household name.
Perry’s talent extended beyond "Friends," with leading roles in movies like "Fools Rush In," "17 Again," "The Whole Nine Yards," and more. He continued his television career with shows such as "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," "Mr. Sunshine," "Go On," and "The Odd Couple." Perry also made appearances in "Charles in Charge," "Boys Will Be Boys," "Silver Spoons," "Growing Pains," "Beverly Hills, 90210," and several others.
In 2021, Perry and his "Friends" co-stars reunited for the HBO special, "Friends: The Reunion," marking their first on-screen appearance together since the show’s finale in 2004. Despite the years, Perry shared with People magazine how close and tight-knit the group remained.
Perry's life, however, was not without its struggles. He battled drug and alcohol addiction, which he openly discussed in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," released in November 2022. He revealed harrowing details, including taking 55 Vicodin pills a day at one point and undergoing multiple stints in rehab and surgeries for addiction-related issues. In an interview with the New York Times, Perry stated he had been sober since early 2021.
The actor's final social media post, shared just five days before his untimely death, was an image of himself in a hot tub with the caption: "Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I'm Mattman."
Warner Bros. expressed their devastation at Perry’s passing, acknowledging his immense talent and the impact of his comedic genius worldwide. "This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans," the statement read.
Born to a journalist mother and an actor father, Perry had connections to notable figures, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with whom he attended elementary school. His stepfather, Keith Morrison, is known for his work on Dateline.
Perry's journey to stardom began with guest appearances on various TV shows, eventually leading to his role as Chandler Bing on "Friends," for which he received an Emmy nomination in 2002. Despite his on-screen success, Perry's off-screen life was marked by his struggles with addiction, which he openly addressed, seeking treatment on multiple occasions.
In a 2013 PEOPLE cover story, Perry shared his journey towards sobriety and his commitment to helping others through his sober living facility, Perry House. He was recognized for his advocacy work by the Phoenix House in 2015.
Despite his challenges, Perry was grateful for the support of his "Friends" castmates, likening their support to penguins surrounding and propping up an injured member of their group. His friendships with his co-stars were evident during the 2021 HBO Max reunion show, highlighting the lasting bond they shared.
Following "Friends," Perry's search for another hit show led him to projects like "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," "Mr. Sunshine," "Go On," and "The Odd Couple." He also starred in the play "The End of Longing" in London and appeared in films such as "Fools Rush In" and "The Whole Nine Yards."
In his memoir, Perry detailed his health struggles, including a near-fatal experience with a ruptured colon due to OxyContin use. This harrowing event led him to make significant changes in his life and prioritize sobriety.
Matthew Perry’s untimely death has left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a talented actor and a cherished friend. His contributions to television and his advocacy for addiction recovery will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
