Actor and five-time Emmy nominee Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in his home in Pacific Palisades on Saturday; he was 54. He was found in his hot tub and is believed to have drowned; however, no official statement from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner about the cause of death has been released.
Perry’s family spoke with TMZ, saying, “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.”
The production company for Friends, Warner Bros. TV said, “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. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
Many of his television colleagues and friends also spoke on social media about Perry’s life and legacy following his death.
Maggie Wheeler, who played Perry’s girlfriend Janice on Friends, said on 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 very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Alongside his iconic role as Chandler Bing in Friends, Perry was also known for his roles in Fools Rush In (1997), Almost Heroes (1998), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), and 17 Again (2009).