Matthew Perry’s sudden and shocking death rattled the entertainment world this past weekend, and his former castmates finally decided to break their silence on their beloved friend’s passing.
Perry passed away at the age of 54 at his Los Angeles home after an apparent drowning in a jacuzzi located on his property. Law enforcement and paramedics were called to his home for a cardiac arrest incident, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Though many might quickly think about Perry’s longtime bouts with drug abuse and alcoholism, specifically while he was filming the hit NBC series Friends, there were no drugs found on the premises, and foul play is not suspected.
An initial autopsy of Perry was basically deemed inconclusive, and the results from a toxicology report that is expected to take a couple of weeks should provide more clarity on the cause of death.
The news has devastated the acting and comedy community, and especially fans of the long running sitcom Friends, on which Matthew Perry played the charismatic and often sarcastic character of Chandler Bing.
Many were awaiting to hear from Perry’s co-stars from the beloved 90’s TV show, and Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer decided to release a joint statement, which reads:
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
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.”
After spending 10 seasons together on Friends, the cast was last together when the show had a “reunion” episode on HBO in 2021. It was during that sit-down-style program that Perry opened up about how much the show and the cast meant to him:
TMZ originally reported the death of Matthew Perry, and has since also reported that Perry was in the early stages of forming a foundation for people that struggle with substance abuse.
Perry struggled with drug abuse and alcoholism, but had primarily put those struggles behind him, and was apparently looking forward to helping others that were facing similar issues. There are some rumors that friends and loved ones of Perry will move forward with the foundation in his honor.
RIP Matthew Perry. You’ll truly be missed.
