He was there for us, but now he’s not. Matthew Perry, the actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, was found dead on Saturday. According to TMZ, investigators aren't yet sure how he died, but they think it might have been drowning. First responders rushed to the scene, but it's unclear where exactly they found his body.
The cast of Friends released a united statement to People on the loss of Matthew. “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew,” the statement read. “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
Matthew was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit 90s sitcom Friends, which ran for ten seasons. His character was a fan favorite, and his performance, with its distinctive mannerisms and lines, has been recreated and spoofed by fans worldwide. Warner Bros. Television Group, the producer of all ten seasons of Friends from 1994 to 2004, released a statement following news of his passing. The statement said, "His comedic genius had a global impact, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and devoted fans."
@tvedits294 This is how I want to remember you as the person who made me laugh so hard till I cried. Fly higher 🕊️ and rest in peace my favorite friend 🫶🏻 Matthew Perry 💕 our dear Chandler Bing 💔 #friends #friendstvshow #matthewperry ##chandlerbing #jenniferaniston #monicageller #courtneycox #phoebebuffay #lisakudrow #restinpeaceangel #rachelgreen #rossgeller #davidschwimmer ♬ original sound - tvedits
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Matthew's onscreen persona was warm and hilarious, but when the cameras were turned off, he struggled mightily with substance addiction. Matthew was hooked on prescription medication for years, even while filming Friends, and had multiple stints in rehab. Beginning in 1997, he became addicted to pain medication after a jet ski accident. Matthew later admitted to not remembering three years of his time on Friends and spending over $9 million trying to stay sober. He opened up about this painful chapter of his life in his memoir last year, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, detailing his struggles and his dramatic weight fluctuations on the show. Matthew was a talented actor and comedian, and he brought so much joy to people's lives with his work. He will be deeply missed.
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