LOS ANGELES. Matthew Perry, the Emmy-nominated actor renowned for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” has died at the age of 54. Perry was found dead at his Los Angeles residence on Saturday, with reports suggesting an apparent drowning, according to the Los Angeles Times and TMZ, which first broke the news, citing unnamed sources.
Warner Bros. Television Group expressed their condolences, acknowledging Perry’s immense talent and the global impact of his comedic genius, which continues to be cherished by fans worldwide. Perry’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Matthew Perry’s ten-season run on “Friends” solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors, alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer. As Chandler, he delivered memorable one-liners and became an enduring and beloved character.
Perry was candid about his public struggle with addiction, as he revealed in his memoir, which was a bestseller in 2022. His deep commitment to entertaining audiences was evident throughout his career, despite the personal challenges he faced.
“Friends” achieved immense popularity during its original run from 1994 to 2004, with the cast securing a landmark salary of $1 million per episode for the later seasons. The show has found a new generation of fans through streaming services.
In his memoir, Perry reflected on his connection to the character Chandler: “It wasn’t that I thought I could ‘play’ Chandler. I ‘was’ Chandler.” He also shared his internal pressure to make the live audience laugh and his struggles with addiction during the show’s production.
Perry’s contributions to television extended beyond “Friends,” as he received an Emmy nomination for his role in the series and two additional nominations for his appearances in “The West Wing.” He also had notable film roles, including “Fools Rush In” with Salma Hayek and “The Whole Nine Yards” with Bruce Willis.
After “Friends,” Perry continued working in the entertainment industry, including a role in the CBS reboot of “The Odd Couple” in 2015. He found joy in performing in front of a live audience once again, relishing the experience and connecting with viewers.
Matthew Perry, born on August 19, 1969, leaves behind a lasting legacy as a talented actor and beloved personality in the entertainment world.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
