*Originally published on October 28, 2023, at 7:10p (MT)
Updated on October 30, 2023, at 5:32p (MT)
Matthew Perry, who is best known for playing Chandler Bing in the sitcom Friends, has tragically died. He was 54 years old.
And on Monday afternoon, the remaining cast of Friends—Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer—shared a joint statement:
"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. 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. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
It's being reported that Perry actually died at his own house after some physical activity this morning. The actor died as a result of drowning. According to TMZ, Perry had played pickleball this morning, and shortly after, he sent his assistant off on an errand. TMZ says that when the assistant returned about 2 hours later, he found Perry unresponsive and called 911.
Captain Scot Williams of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide division confirmed the actor's death. He said there was no indication of foul play. Perry's cause of death was "deferred," according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
"An autopsy was completed today, and toxicology results are pending," said a representative for the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office.
Perry's family released a statement on Monday, stating:
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."
In an Instagram post, Warner Bros. Television shared 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 ... This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans."
Throughout the years, Perry has opened up about his past. Just last year, the actor published a memoir called Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, where he went into his life on the set of Friends, his struggles with addiction, and so much more.
Tributes to the actor have been pouring in across social media:
Friends co-creators, Marta Kauffman and David Crane reacted to Perry's death, saying, "We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives. He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us. We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment—not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart. We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken."
*This is an ongoing story and will be updated accordingly. Refresh for the latest!
