Friends star Matthew Perry, who played king of sarcasm Chandler Bing, dies aged 54

Vikram
5 Min Read
Matthew Perry

The actor was loved by millions of fans for his portrayal of the wise-cracking Chandler on the hit Nineties sitcom

Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic portrayal of the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing in the popular ’90s sitcom “Friends,” has passed away at the age of 54.

Matthew Perry
Police Department Matthew Perry

According to reports from US media, the actor was discovered dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence on Saturday, October 28. Police responded to the scene at approximately 4 pm and found Perry unresponsive, as reported by the LA Times and TMZ. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers were called to Perry’s residence but declined to provide further details. No initial indications of foul play were reported, and an ongoing investigation is underway.

NBC, the broadcasting network, later confirmed his death in a statement, expressing deep sadness at the untimely loss of Matthew Perry. The statement noted his exceptional comedic timing and clever humor, which brought joy to countless viewers around the world. Perry’s legacy is expected to endure through generations.

Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry rose to fame through his enduring role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,”

Matthew Perry rose to fame through his enduring role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” one of the most successful TV series of all time. The show ran for ten seasons on NBC from 1994 to 2004 and catapulted its young cast, which included Perry, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and Courteney Cox, to global stardom.

Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry All Friends

“Friends” followed the lives of six close-knit friends living in shared apartments in New York City. Chandler Bing’s character underwent significant development throughout the series, evolving from a socially awkward young man with a penchant for humor to a responsible husband and father capable of heartfelt moments.

Perry was also known for his memorable one-liners and numerous unforgettable scenes on the show, some of which he contributed to personally. His on-screen friendship with Matt LeBlanc, who portrayed Joey, created a beloved double act that resonated with fans.

Many noted the uncanny resemblance between Perry and his on-screen character, and he once admitted that he felt like he was Chandler. Even his actor friends consulted him for advice before auditioning for the series, as Perry was known for his unique comedic style and delivery.

In his memoir, titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry candidly discussed his struggles with addiction and his career. He revealed that his battle with addiction escalated during the peak of his fame with “Friends.” His substance abuse included heavy drinking during the first two seasons and an addiction to the opiate pain medication Vicodin following a jet ski accident while filming a movie in 1996.

Despite his personal struggles, Perry maintained professionalism on set, and his substance abuse was not evident during filming. He recalled a moment when Jennifer Aniston confronted him about his drinking, marking a turning point in his journey to recovery.

After the conclusion of “Friends” in 2004, the cast remained close, as evidenced by their reunion for an HBO special. Perry appeared in various small-screen and film projects, including “The West Wing,” “Scrubs,” and “The Odd Couple.” He had taken a hiatus from acting since 2017.

In 2021, Perry called off his engagement to literary manager Molly Hurwitz, and his previous relationships included a six-month romance with Julia Roberts. Perry’s insecurities about his relationships and fear of not being enough were recurring themes in his memoir.

While Matthew Perry was not an active presence on social media, he did share a heartwarming photo with his father on Instagram shortly before his passing.

In a poignant quote from an event discussing his memoir, Perry expressed his deep desire for fame and attention but ultimately realized that it did not bring the happiness he sought. His journey through fame and the trials he faced served as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity life.

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