Matthew Perry, the star of the iconic sitcom Friends, died on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home by his coach, who had played pickleball with him earlier that day.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court with a net and a plastic ball with holes. Perry was an avid fan of the game and often competed in tournaments with his coach and friend, Steve Dawson.
Dawson told TMZ that he and Perry had played a pickleball match at a nearby park on Saturday morning, and that Perry seemed in good spirits and health. He said that Perry was joking around and having fun, and that he showed no signs of distress or discomfort. He said that they parted ways around noon, and that he expected to see Perry again for another practice session on Monday.
Dawson said that he was shocked and devastated when he learned that Perry had died later that day. He said that he tried to call Perry several times in the afternoon, but got no answer. He said that he decided to check on him at his home around 4 p.m., and that’s when he found him unconscious in his hot tub. He said that he called 911 and performed CPR, but it was too late.
The cause of death remains unknown, but an autopsy was performed and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is awaiting toxicology results. No foul play is suspected, but the incident remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division.
Perry’s family released a statement to People magazine, saying that they were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother.” They said that Perry “brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend.” They also thanked his fans for their support and love.
Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing, the sarcastic and witty member of the Friends gang. He starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer for 10 seasons between 1994 and 2004. The show was a huge success and made Perry a household name and a millionaire.
Perry also appeared in movies such as Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, and The Ron Clark Story. He also starred in TV shows such as Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Mr. Sunshine, Go On, The Odd Couple, and The Good Fight.
Perry was candid about his struggles with addiction and depression throughout his career. He battled alcoholism and prescription drug abuse, and went to rehab several times. He also suffered from pancreatitis and gastrointestinal perforation, which required surgery.
Perry opened up about his recovery and his dedication to helping others in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir, which he released in November 2022. He said that the best thing about him was that he could help people who were struggling with addiction. He also said that he wanted to be remembered as someone who lived well, loved well, was a seeker, and wanted to help people.
Perry’s death has shocked and saddened millions of fans around the world, who grew up watching him on Friends and admired him for his humor and talent. His co-stars also paid tribute to him on social media, saying that they were “utterly devastated” by his passing.
Perry’s legacy will live on through his work and his impact on pop culture. He will always be remembered as the one who made us laugh.