Credit: Phillip Faraone / Getty Images for GQ
Matthew Perry, widely known for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic TV series “Friends,” tragically passed away on Saturday, October 28, at the age of 54. The Los Angeles Times reported that he was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his residence, and the cause of death is currently under investigation.
Perry, a ’90s icon, gained immense popularity for his portrayal of Chandler Bing. His extensive career in television included appearances in shows like ABC’s Mr. Sunshine, and he experienced success in movies during the 2000s, notably in the Salma Hayek-led rom-com Fools Rush In. Despite his professional accomplishments, Perry’s most recent public appearances were more personal, including the release of his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.”
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Fans worldwide connected deeply with Perry’s most famous character, Chandler Bing, from the show Friends. His untimely passing prompted an outpouring of grief, with some fans even placing flowers outside the West Village apartment building that served as the exterior view of the famous Friends apartment.
“Watching friends for the first time and falling in love with Chandler Bing is something I will forever hold dearly. One of the best characters on television, and one of the best actors to play it. I’m beyond distraught. Matthew Perry was too young. This is heartbreaking,” wrote X user @svlmonskinrolls.
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However, Perry’s impact extended beyond his on-screen roles. Fellow actors and performers remembered him for his courage in openly addressing addiction and recovery, as well as his dedication to helping others in their journey towards sobriety. Notably, in 2013, Perry established the Perry House, a sober living facility for men based in his Malibu, California home.
In a 2022 profile with GQ, Perry expressed a strong motivation to write his book after a decade-long struggle with sobriety. He shared, “There has to be some reason why I’m still here, having done all of this crazy stuff, and I came to the conclusion it’s to write a book that will help people who are going through the same thing that I am, or did.”
Singer Adele paid tribute to Perry during a performance in Las Vegas, emphasizing the bravery demonstrated by his candidness about addiction and sobriety. “He was so open with his struggles with addiction and sobriety, which I think is incredibly, incredibly brave. I just wanna say how much I love what he did for all of us,” the star expressed to the audience.
“Please read his book,” urged fellow TV actor Paget Brewster. “It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though… He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there.”
Offering his condolences, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflected on their shared history as former classmates. “Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening. I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”
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In a 2022 interview with podcaster Tom Power, Perry expressed his desire to be known for his contributions beyond his acting career, stating, “The best thing about me, bar none, is that if somebody comes to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking, can you help me?’ I can say ‘yes’ and follow up and do it. When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want that to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m gonna live the rest of my life proving that.”
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Chase joined Mashable’s Social Good team in 2020, covering online stories about digital activism, climate justice, accessibility, and media representation. Her work also touches on how these conversations manifest in politics, popular culture, and fandom. Sometimes she’s very funny.
