Beloved actor Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic television series “Friends,” passed away on a tragic Saturday, reportedly due to an apparent drowning in a hot tub, as confirmed by law enforcement sources. Perry’s death has left fans and the entertainment industry in mourning.
In a heartfelt statement to People, the cast of “Friends,” including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, expressed their profound sorrow at the loss of their dear friend and castmate. They described themselves not merely as cast members but as a close-knit family. The cast emphasized the depth of their grief and the need to take time to process this unimaginable loss, pledging to share more about their feelings when they are ready.
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing on “Friends” left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions of viewers. The show, which premiered in 1994 and ran for a decade on NBC, was one of the most-watched and beloved sitcoms of all time.
The co-creators of “Friends,” Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright, reacted to the news with profound sadness, describing Perry as a brilliant talent who made the role of Chandler Bing his own. They cherished his humor, intelligence, and the light he brought to every moment, both on and off the screen.
The official “Friends” show Instagram account, along with Warner Bros. TV, expressed their deep sorrow over Matthew Perry’s passing, acknowledging him as a true gift and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and fans.
Matthew Perry’s life was marked by his personal struggles with substance abuse, a journey he candidly shared in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” Despite his challenges, he pursued recovery and sobriety, and in an October 2022 interview with The New York Times, he revealed that he had been sober since early 2021.
Matthew Perry’s legacy as a brilliant actor and his enduring impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered and celebrated by his fans, colleagues, and all those who were touched by his work. His untimely passing is a profound loss, and his memory will continue to live on through his contributions to the world of entertainment.
The cast of ‘Friends’ broke their silence in a joint statement following the devastating passing of their co-star and friend, Matthew Perry, over the weekend.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
🔗:… pic.twitter.com/irVlob1nqB
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) October 30, 2023
Salma Hayek, who co-starred with Matthew Perry in the 1997 movie “Fools Rush In,” paid tribute to the late actor in an Instagram post: “My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart.” pic.twitter.com/MqIJYaAHmp
— ABC News (@ABC) October 30, 2023
This was the last time the cast the Friends were together for a reunion. It hard to believe it’s been almost 20 years since the last episode was aired. RIP Matthew Perry, you will be missed.💔 pic.twitter.com/uli9xWY23q
— Beep🇺🇦🇮🇱🇺🇸 (@fiercefreckled) October 30, 2023