Obituary

Matthew Perry, the actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, died Saturday, Oct. 28th, at the age of 54. Authorities confirmed that Perry was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home. The cause of death is under investigation.

Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing, the quick-witted and sarcastic member of the beloved Friends ensemble, cemented him as a household name during the show's 10-season run from 1994 to 2004. The series became a cultural phenomenon, and Perry’s comedic timing and vulnerability in the role made Chandler one of television’s most enduring characters.

Born on Aug. 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry was the son of actor John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Morrison, a journalist and former press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. He was raised in Ottawa, Canada, and showed early promise as a tennis player before deciding to pursue acting.

Perry moved to Los Angeles as a teenager and began appearing in guest roles on television series such as Growing Pains and Beverly Hills, 90210. His breakthrough came with Friends, a role that transformed his career and earned him both critical acclaim and Emmy nominations.

While Perry’s professional life soared, he faced heavy personal struggles. He was open about his battles with addiction, which began in the late 1990s after a jet-ski accident led to his dependence on painkillers. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry detailed his journey with sobriety, calling it his “life’s greatest battle.”

“I wanted to share my story to help others,” Perry wrote. “If my struggles can prevent someone else from going through the same pain, then it’s worth it.”

Beyond Friends, Perry starred in films such as The Whole Nine Yards and Fools Rush In and appeared in television series including The West Wing and Mr. Sunshine. He also made his mark as a producer and playwright.

Perry is survived by his father, John Bennett Perry, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, as well as several siblings.

The entertainment world has been quick to mourn Perry’s loss. “Matthew brought so much joy to millions of people,” the cast of Friends said in a joint statement. “He will forever be in our hearts.”

Funeral arrangements are pending.