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Matthew Perry, ‘Friends’ star, dead at 54

Friends' star Matthew Perry's tragic death
Updated Thu, Nov 2, 2023

‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry’s tragic death has left fans and the entertainment industry in shock with many people questioning what caused his death? Perry, the beloved actor renowned for his portrayal of ‘Chandler Bing’ on the iconic TV show “Friends,” has passed away at the age of 54.

Authorities in Los Angeles are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death, as reported by a law enforcement source to CNN. Although there is no suspicion of foul play at this time, the incident remains under scrutiny by the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division.

The Los Angeles Times, citing law enforcement sources, has disclosed that Perry died in an apparent drowning accident at his Los Angeles residence on Saturday.

Warner Bros. Television Group expressed their deep sorrow over Perry’s passing, stating, “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family.

The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
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What was Matthew Perry’s cause of death?

According to Brian Humphrey, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Fire Department, a distress call for a water rescue emergency was received at 4:07 p.m. It remains unclear which body of water was involved in the incident.

Despite multiple attempts, representatives for Perry did not provide comments to CNN regarding his tragic passing.

Matthew Perry and his ‘Friends’ co-stars Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow.

Matthew Perry’s Biography

Matthew Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to an actor father and a journalist mother. Following his parents’ separation, he moved to Ottawa, Canada, as a child. In his youth, Perry pursued a passion for tennis, becoming a top-ranked player in Canada. After relocating to Los Angeles as a teenager to live with his father, he developed an interest in acting.

Perry’s first credited role was a minor part in the drama “240-Robert” in 1979. He subsequently appeared in various television shows, including “Charles in Charge,” “Silver Spoons,” and “The Tracey Ullman Show.”

His first foray into film occurred while he was still in high school, playing opposite River Phoenix in the 1988 movie “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon.” The year before the film’s release, Perry starred in the sitcom “Second Chances” (later renamed “Boys Will Be Boys”), in which he portrayed a man who dies and returns to mentor his younger self.

While the series didn’t find lasting success, Perry continued to secure high-profile roles in TV projects, including “Growing Pains,” “Who’s The Boss,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
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‘Friend’-ly Fame: However, it was his role as the affable and sarcastic Chandler on the beloved sitcom “Friends” in 1994 that catapulted him to stardom. Perry’s portrayal in this quirky role earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2002 and four other nominations for the prestigious TV acting award, including two for his turn as Joe Quincy on “The West Wing.”

Who were Matthew Perry’s co-stars in ‘Friends’?

On “Friends,” Perry shared the screen with Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow, depicting the lives of a close-knit group of friends living in New York City. The group became iconic fixtures on NBC’s legendary “Must-See TV” lineup, achieving a level of fame seldom seen in the world of television or elsewhere.

Off-screen, the camaraderie among the actors mirrored their on-screen chemistry, as they famously negotiated together to become some of the highest-paid actors on a television series at the time.

The success of “Friends” paved the way for Perry’s flourishing career, leading to prominent roles in films such as “Fools Rush In” (1997), “Almost Heroes” (1998), and “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000) reported CNN.

While “Friends” remains his most iconic TV series, Perry also graced the small screen in shows like “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Mr. Sunshine,” and “The Odd Couple.”