Friends pays tribute to Matthew Perry after actor's death: 'He was a true gift to us all'
In a devastating turn of events, actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, has been found dead at the age of 54 at his Los Angeles residence. The news has left the entire Friends community and Warner Bros. deeply saddened, as they took to Instagram to express their condolences. The official accounts of both Friends and Warner Bros. posted a heartfelt tribute to Perry, recognizing him as a true gift and extending their sympathies to his family, loved ones, and fans.
Perry's acting career took off in the 1980s with appearances in Boys Will Be Boys and Growing Pains. However, it was his role as the sarcastic and lovable Chandler Bing on Friends that propelled him to stardom. The NBC sitcom, which followed a group of friends in their 20s living in New York City, also featured Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. Premiering in 1994, Friends became a cultural phenomenon and enjoyed a successful 10-season run.
Its popularity has continued to grow in recent years through various streaming platforms. The cast of Friends remained close-knit even after the show ended, and they reunited for a highly anticipated special on HBO Max in 2021. During the reunion, Perry became emotional while discussing the special bond they all shared. He described how their friendships were so strong that whenever they bumped into each other at social gatherings, it meant the rest of the evening would be spent together.
His emotional words moved his former co-stars, bringing tears to their eyes. Perry concluded by stating that their connection was undeniable and unique. According to TMZ, law enforcement sources reported that Perry was found dead in a hot tub at his home in the Los Angeles area on Saturday. No drugs were found at the scene, as per the outlet. The loss of Matthew Perry is a tremendous blow to the entertainment industry and leaves behind a lasting legacy of laughter and friendship through his beloved portrayal of Chandler Bing.