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Writer's pictureTatiana Chen

Matthew Perry, "Friends'" Chandler Bing, Dead at 54

Updated: Oct 29, 2023

Matthew Perry—a well-known, Emmy-nominated TV star—has reportedly drowned in a hot tub according to Los Angeles 911 responders on October 28th. Best known for his role as Chandler on the TV show ‘Friends’, the actor is grieved by thousands of fans. Perry has discussed his past struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism, but there is still an ongoing investigation on the cause of death with no drugs or signs of foul play reported.


In 2019, Matthew Perry suffered a colon burst as a result of an opioid overdose. This struggle, however, was not recent: throughout the filming of ‘Friends’, his portrayed character Chandler went through various notable changes in his physical appearance due to Perry’s experiences with drug abuse, alcoholism, and rehab. His addiction came as an aftermath of a jet ski accident after which he was prescribed Vicodin, an opioid pain killer which later brought him an “on-edge” lifestyle. As for his alcoholism, the actor began drinking at the age of 14 but only noticed dangerous dependence seven years later. According to Perry, he constantly engaged in dangerous behavior, which thrilled him enough to push him toward continuing enjoying them—although he has stated that he thoroughly preferred the “melting” feeling of drug usage.


His talent was widely noted by the public during the astronomical success of “Friends, but fans also remember his struggles throughout the filming of the award-winning show. Coworkers on the show constantly voiced their concerns and he himself foreshadowed his death publicly telling the world he knew his drug addiction would catch up to him. Maggie Wheeler, the actress who played one of Perry’s significant other on ‘Friends’ responded to the heartbreaking news with: “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.”


Throughout his turbulent childhood, Matthew Perry lived in between Canada and the US due to his parents’ divorce. In Canada, Perry befriended Justin Treudeu, the country’s current prime minister,who also spoke on the death on social media platform X: “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.”


Matthew Perry was a notably talented actor who bore various struggles throughout his life, but carried on acting with the help of supportive coworkers. Various fans of his works await the official autopsy report and his definitive cause of death. Despite the heartbreaking loss, Perry’s legacy remains acknowledged and appreciated by thousands of fans.


References

Czachor, Emily M. 2023. “Matthew Perry's "Friends" community reacts to his death at 54.” CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matthew-perry-death-friends-costars-react/.

“'Friends' star Matthew Perry dead at 54, found in hot tub at L.A. home.” 2023. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-10-28/freinds-star-matthew-perry-dead-at-56.

Hook, Ellie. 2023. “Inside Matthew Perry's turbulent life following death | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV | Express.co.uk.” Daily Express. https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1829166/matthew-perry-death-friends-turbulent-life-addiction-ski-accident-jacuzzi.

Hunt, Elle. 2023. “'An alcoholic from the age of 14': Matthew Perry's troubled life and foreshadowed death.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/oct/29/alcoholic-troubled-life-matthew-perry-addicted-substance.

“Matthew Perry, 'Friends' actor, dies of apparent drowning at 54.” 2023. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/matthew-perry-friends-actor-dies-apparent-drowning-54-rcna122643.

Veta, Christina. 2022. “Inside 'Friends' alum Matthew Perry's addiction memoir.” Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2022-10-25/matthew-perry-memoir-takeaways-latt.

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