Matthew Perry: Honoring His Life and Legacy
Most notably recognized for his memorable depiction of Chandler Bing in the enduringly popular television series Friends, Matthew Perry has been pronounced dead at his Pacific Palisades home.
According to TMZ, “Matthew came home sometime in the AM after a 2-hour round of pickleball, and that he sent his assistant out on an errand shortly thereafter. We’re told when the assistant returned about 2 hours later, he discovered Matthew unresponsive … and called 911.”
Though Perry has battled with drug and alcohol abuse, no drugs were found at the scene. Just last year, Perry released his memoir Friends, Lovers, and The Terrible Big Thing, in which he vulnerably discussed his career, struggles, and relationships.
At the beginning of his 2022 million-selling memoir, Perry wrote, “Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”
A few guest stars from Friends paid homage on social media by sharing photos, GIFs, and bloopers from their episodes.
Maggie Wheeler, who starred as Janice, Chandler’s on-and-off girlfriend in the sitcom, shared her emotions on Instagram.
“What a loss.The world will miss you Matthew 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. ♥️”
I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my “son”, Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew pic.twitter.com/QWMsBVJEAr
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) October 29, 2023
“I’m heartbroken,” Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed the actor’s mother in the comedy, shared on X. “The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest.”
Perry’s family informs PEOPLE in an exclusive statement, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” the family says. “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.”
After his passing, Warner Bros. TV, the production company behind Friends, released a statement regarding the cherished actor.
“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.”
