Matthew Perry sadly passed away, aged 54 at his home in Los Angeles on October 28, 2023.
Sources told TMZ that first responders arrived at the residence after receiving a call that someone at the property had gone into cardiac arrest. TMZ has stated that he was found in a jacuzzi at the home.
According to the Los Angeles Country coroner, the actor died from “the acute effects of anaesthetic ketamine.”
His autopsy also listed drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects as contributing factors not related to his immediate cause of death.
WATCH NOW: Pivot couch scene from Friends. Article continues after video.
Almost two months after his tragic death, Friends co-star Jennifer Anniston has shed new light on her beloved Matthew, describing him as being “happy” and “healthy” in the days leading up to his untimely demise.
“He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy – that’s all I know,” a teary-eyed Jennifer shared with Variety in a December 2023 interview.
“I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling. He was happy.”
The 54-year-old went on to add that her friend was on a pursuit of happiness, something he had “worked so hard” for.
“He really was dealt a tough one. I miss him dearly. We all do. Boy, he made us laugh really hard.”
The quotes come just weeks after ex-girlfriend Julia Roberts shared a sweet tribute to her former partner, sharing with Entertainment Tonight that his passing was “heartbreaking.”
“I think that you know, it just helps all of us just appreciate what we have and to keep going in a positive way as best we can,” she reflected.
Only a few days prior, Perry’s stepdad, Keith Morrison, made a heartfelt plea in light of his stepson’s death.
Morrison took to Twitter to share a pitch, marking Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to generosity.
“This is not the sort of thing I commonly do, this pitch. But this year is different,” Morrison said.
“Do what you can; he would have been grateful,” Morrison, 76, continued.
He included a link to the website for the Matthew Perry Foundation.
Matthew was best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom Friends, a character he portrayed in all 234 episodes across 10 seasons. The Friends main cast includes Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Courteney Cox
With an acting career that spanned more than 30 years, he starred in numerous television series and movies but has not appeared on screen since a TV mini-series in 2017.
In November 2022, he released his autobiography Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: The Memoir about his life in the spotlight.
Tributes to Matthew Perry from his Friends family
After losing their on-screen and off-screen best friend, the Friends cast have shared their favourite stories Of Matthew for the first time.
Jennifer Aniston who played Rachel Green, put into words how he wasn’t just a friend, but family.
“We were always the 6 of us. This was a chosen family that forever changed the course of who we were and what our path was going to be,” she shared on Instagram.
Revealing a personal text with Matthew to Jennifer, he wrote: “Making you laugh made my day.”
Lisa Kudrow who played Phoebe Buffay, gave fans a peak behind the curtain on how they initially bonded.
“Shot the pilot, Friends Like Us, got picked up then immediately, we were at the NBC Upfronts,” she set the scene.
Explaining how Matthew was the one who made the first move, suggesting: “We play poker AND made it so much fun while we initially bonded. Thank you for that. Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY.”
David Schwimmer, who plays Ross Geller, honoured Perry’s memory of making people laugh.
“I will never forget your impeccable comic timing and delivery. You could take a straight line of dialogue and bend it to your will, resulting in something so entirely original and unexpectedly funny it still astonishes,” he praised.
Pairing his post with a photo of the two posing, explaining the backstory: “This photo is from one of my favorite moments with you. Now it makes me smile and grieve at the same time.”
Matt LeBlanc who played Joey Tribbiani, discussed his loss for the first time.
“Matthew. It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life, ” his post read. “It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I’ll never forget you. Never.”
His tribute went on, “Spread your wings and fly brother you’re finally free. Much love. And I guess you’re keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.”
Courteney Vox who played his on-screen love interest, Monica Geller, shared a funny memory with Matthew.
“To give a little backstory, Chandler and Monica were supposed to have a one night fling in London. But because of the audience’s reaction, it became the beginning of their love story,” she explained.
Going on, she revealed: “In this scene, before we started rolling, he whispered a funny line for me to say. He often did things like that. He was funny and he was kind.”
The cast previously gave a joint statement on the passing of their castmate, Matthew.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,” their statement to People read. “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
The message continued, “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.”
Friends producers Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and Kevin Bright also honoured him in a joint statement.
“He was a brilliant talent… From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us,” it read.
The official Instagram account for Friends, wrote: “We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans.”
Maggie Wheeler, who played Matthew’s love interest Janice on Friends, posted on her Instagram: “What a loss. The world will miss you, Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
“I’m so very sad to hear about @MatthewPerry. He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though… He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there,” another love interest on the show, Paget Brewster, shared.
Selma Blair, who briefly shared the screen with him on Friends, wrote: “My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Aisha Tyler, who played Dr. Charlie Wheeler on Friends, explained that Matthew “had a gentleness and generosity of spirit that was unparalleled. I learned how to tell a joke perfectly just by watching him work.”
WATCH NOW: Matthew Perry and Julia Roberts on Friends. Article continues after video.
Tributes to Matthew Perry from his co-stars
Yvette Nicole Brown, who starred across from him in The Odd Couple, wrote: “Our Odd Couple family suffered a great loss today. The entire entertainment world has. I am too sad about the news to say more than this: Matthew Perry was a sweetheart who deserved more peace in this life.”
“Goodnight friend,” Thomas Lennon who was also in The Odd Couple.
Elizabeth Hurley, who starred across from him in the 2002 romantic comedy Serving Sarah wrote: “So sad to hear the news of his passing. He was an incredibly talented comedian and a lovely man.”
Statement from Matthew Perry’s family
Perry is survived by his actor father, John Bennett Perry, who inspired him, his journalist mother Suzanne Morrison, his stepfather Keith Morrison, and his five siblings; Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Maria Perry, Will Morrison, Madeline Morrison.
The family has released their first statement, telling People: “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.”
