Actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role on “Friends,” has died from an apparent drowning on Saturday, TMZ first reported. He was 54 years old.
Authorities responded to reports of a cardiac arrest at a home on the 18000 block of Blue Sail Drive in the Pacific Palisades where Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub, according to the Los Angeles Times.
He had reportedly returned home after a two-hour round of pickleball in the morning before sending his assistant on an errand, TMZ reports. When his assistant returned home, he discovered Perry unconscious. LAPD received the emergency call around 4:10 p.m.
The circumstances surrounding the actor’s death remain unclear, although TMZ cited law enforcement sources that said no foul play was involved.
Perry was best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit NBC sitcom “Friends” which ran from 1994 to 2004. He also appeared in a variety of comedy films including, “Fools Rush In,” “17 Again,” “The Whole Nine Yards,” and more.
The last post Perry shared on his Facebook page was an image of him relaxing in a hot tub overlooking night views of L.A. just a few days ago.
In a 2022 memoir titled, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry discussed his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, including during the “Friends” years.
During that turbulent time, Perry detailed his notable weight gain and loss during various “Friends” seasons along with serious health issues that required several hospitalizations throughout his life.
He joined his “Friends” castmates in an HBO reunion special in 2021.
Loved ones and colleagues are mourning Perry’s death, sharing heartfelt messages and memories they’ve had with him over the years.
Actress Selma Blair, who guest-starred as Wendy on “Friends” in Season 9, wrote on Instagram, “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau paid tribute to Perry who was his elementary school classmate saying, “Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”
Warner Bros. Television said, “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.”
“This is extraordinarily sad news,“ said KTLA Entertainment Anchor, Sam Rubin. “Referred to as perhaps as people’s funniest ‘Friend’ or favorite ‘Friend,’ Chandler Bing was an extraordinarily popular character and Matthew Perry brought him to life in the most amazing way.”