Former colleagues and stars have paid tribute to Friends actor Matthew Perry, who died on Saturday night at his home in Los Angeles.
The 54-year-old actor, beloved for his performance in the hit sitcom as the sarcastic Chandler Bing, was found dead in an apparent drowning, his representative told NBC News.
Citing law enforcement sources, the outlet reported that Perry was found in a jacuzzi at the home, and no drugs were found at the scene.
TMZ was also told that there was no foul play involved, and their sources said first responders were called to the residence for cardiac arrest.
What caused Matthew Perry to die?
A Los Angeles fire department spokesperson confirmed first responders were called to Perry’s home in Pacific Palisades about a ‘water emergency’.
Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler’s girlfriend Janice in Friends, said the joy Perry brought to ‘so many’ in his ‘too short lifetime will live on’.
‘I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared,’ she wrote on Instagram.
Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler’s mother Nora Bing, said: ‘I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘‘son’’ … The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock.’
Tributes
Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau, who knew Perry as a boy when Perry’s mother worked as an aide to his father, Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, described his death was ‘shocking and saddening.’
‘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,’ he said.
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Broadcaster Piers Morgan called Perry ‘a great actor, but by his own admission, a very tormented guy’.
‘His recent autobiography about his addiction-ravaged life was one of the most powerful, honest and revealing I’ve ever read. Such sad news.’
Warner Bros Television Group, which produced Friends for its entire run from 1994 to 2004, said in a statement: ‘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.’
NBC, the network that aired Friends, said: ‘He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations.’
Did Matthew Perry ever married?
Matthew never married, but he was briefly engaged a couple years ago which came to an end after only 6 months.
