Matthew Perry obit

Matthew Perry, ‘Friends’ actor, dies of apparent drowning at 54

On the '90s sitcom “Friends,” Perry played Chandler Bing, a statistical analyst who used sarcasm and one-liners. 

He was not on the list.

LOS ANGELES — Matthew Perry died Saturday of an apparent drowning at his Pacific Palisades home, a representative for the actor and a law enforcement source say.

Perry was 54.

A 911 call came in at 4:07 p.m. local time and was treated as a water rescue, according to a law enforcement source.

Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey said first responders went to a home in Pacific Palisades based on a 911 call at 4:07 p.m. about a “water emergency” of an unknown type.

No one was taken to a hospital, he said, and Los Angeles police officers from the West L.A. Division were on scene.

Later Saturday, two law enforcement sources said the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, which probes high-profile crimes and cases involving celebrities, also responded to the location.

The sources emphasized that the case was a death investigation with no signs of foul play.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner was expected to to conduct an autopsy and may determine the cause and manner of death, they said.

More details about Perry’s death were not immediately available Saturday night.

Perry was best known for his role as one of the core cast members on “Friends,” NBC’s generation X sitcom from the ’90s.

On “Friends,” Perry played Chandler Bing, a statistical analyst who used sarcasm and one-liners.

The show was a blockbuster for television, dominating prime time alongside "Seinfeld." It ran for 10 seasons, from 1994 to 2004.

Perry also appeared in several other hits, including “Boys Will Be Boys,” “Growing Pains,” Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The West Wing” and “Scrubs.”

Raised in Ottawa, Canada, Perry had a successful run as a top-ranked tennis player competing in Canadian juniors. He essentially left the sport to pursue acting when he moved to L.A. at age 15.

He joined the cast of “Friends” at age 24.

About a year ago Perry was on a press tour for the release of his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” which added to revelations about his battle with addiction, including a near-death experience in 2019 after his colon burst as a result of his use of opioids.

His post-“Friends” life included multiple roles that drew respect and acclaim, but it was often dominated by headlines about that battle. In the book, he said he spent as much as $7 million on rehabilitation and recovery efforts.

Reaction to Perry's death came from across Hollywood and beyond.

Maggie Wheeler, the actor who played Chandler Bing's girlfriend Janice in "Friends," said Perry died too soon and will be missed by everyone who knew him in real life and on the screen.

She noted Perry's struggles that he shared in his memoir, and said she hoped he was at peace.

"Matthew was an incredibly generous actor. There was no single time I stepped onto a stage with him that I did not feel lifted by his brilliance," she said. "Even in his darkest moments his comedic timing was impeccable."

Warner Bros. Television Group, which produced "Friends," said in a statement Saturday night, “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry.”

The statement continued: “The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.”

NBC, the network that aired "Friends," said it was saddened by Perry's death.

"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit," NBC said in a statement. "His legacy will live on through countless generations."

Actor

Matthew Perry, Katie Holmes, Alexander Siddig, and Kristen Hager in The Kennedys After Camelot (2017)

The Kennedys After Camelot

6.3

TV Mini Series

Ted Kennedy

2017

4 episodes

 

Christine Baranski and Audra McDonald in The Good Fight (2017)

The Good Fight

8.3

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Mike Kresteva

2017

3 episodes

 

Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon in The Odd Couple (2015)

The Odd Couple

6.3

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Oscar Madison

2015–2017

38 episodes

 

Lisa Kudrow in Web Therapy (2011)

Web Therapy

6.7

TV Series

Tyler Bishop

2015

2 episodes

 

Playhouse Presents (2012)

Playhouse Presents

6.7

TV Series

The Charismatic Man

2014

1 episode

 

Courteney Cox, Josh Hopkins, Busy Philipps, Dan Byrd, Ian Gomez, Christa Miller, and Brian Van Holt in Cougar Town (2009)

Cougar Town

7.0

TV Series

Sam

2014

1 episode

 

Matthew Perry, Bill Cobbs, Suzy Nakamura, Julie White, Laura Benanti, Brett Gelman, and Tyler James Williams in Go On (2012)

Go On

7.5

TV Series

Ryan King

2012–2013

22 episodes

 

Julianna Margulies in The Good Wife (2009)

The Good Wife

8.4

TV Series

Mike Kresteva

2012–2013

4 episodes

 

Matthew Perry in Mr. Sunshine (2011)

Mr. Sunshine

6.7

TV Series

Ben Donovan

2011

13 episodes

 

Childrens Hospital (2008)

Childrens Hospital

7.8

TV Series

Matthew Perry

2011

1 episode

 

Fallout: New Vegas (2010)

Fallout: New Vegas

8.9

Video Game

Benny (voice)

2010

 

Zac Efron in 17 Again (2009)

17 Again

6.4

Mike O'Donnell (Adult)

2009

 

The End of Steve (2008)

The End of Steve

7.2

TV Movie

Steve Legend

2008

 

Birds of America (2008)

Birds of America

6.0

Morrie

2008

 

Amanda Peet, Matthew Perry, Steven Weber, Sarah Paulson, Timothy Busfield, D.L. Hughley, Bradley Whitford, and Nate Corddry in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006)

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

8.3

TV Series

Matt Albie

2006–2007

22 episodes

 

Matthew Perry in Numb (2007)

Numb

6.6

Hudson Milbank

2007

 

Matthew Perry, Brandon Mychal Smith, and Hannah Hodson in The Ron Clark Story (2006)

The Ron Clark Story

7.5

TV Movie

Ron Clark

2006

 

Hoosiers II: Senior Year (2005)

Hoosiers II: Senior Year

7.2

Short

Coach Norman Dale Jr.

2005

 

Friday Night Lights Lost Scene

7.1

TV Short

Football Player

2005

 

John C. McGinley, Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Donald Faison, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins, and Judy Reyes in Scrubs (2001)

Scrubs

8.4

TV Series

Murray

2004

1 episode

 

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer in Friends (1994)

Friends

8.9

TV Series

Chandler Bing

1994–2004

235 episodes

 

Bruce Willis, Natasha Henstridge, Amanda Peet, Matthew Perry, and Kevin Pollak in The Whole Ten Yards (2004)

The Whole Ten Yards

5.5

Oz

2004

 

Rob Lowe, Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Dulé Hill, Moira Kelly, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, and Bradley Whitford in The West Wing (1999)

The West Wing

8.9

TV Series

Joe Quincy

2003

3 episodes

 

Elizabeth Hurley and Matthew Perry in Serving Sara (2002)

Serving Sara

5.3

Joe Tyler

2002

 

Calista Flockhart in Ally McBeal (1997)

Ally McBeal

6.9

TV Series

Todd Merrick

2002

2 episodes

 

Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, and Yeardley Smith in The Simpsons (1989)

The Simpsons

8.7

TV Series

Ultrahouse 300 Matthew Perry Voice (voice)

2001

1 episode

 

Bruce Willis in The Kid (2000)

The Kid

6.1

Mr. Vivian (uncredited)

2000

 

Promo Poster

The Whole Nine Yards

6.7

Oz Oseransky

2000

 

Neve Campbell, Dylan McDermott, and Matthew Perry in Three to Tango (1999)

Three to Tango

6.1

Oscar Novak

1999

 

Almost Heroes (1998)

Almost Heroes

5.7

Leslie Edwards

1998

 

Salma Hayek and Matthew Perry in Fools Rush In (1997)

Fools Rush In

6.1

Alex

1997

 

Lea Thompson and Eric Lutes in Caroline in the City (1995)

Caroline in the City

6.2

TV Series

Chandler Bing

1995

1 episode

 

The Rembrandts: I'll Be There for You (1995)

The Rembrandts: I'll Be There for You

6.9

Music Video

Chandler Bing

1995

 

John Larroquette in The John Larroquette Show (1993)

The John Larroquette Show

7.2

TV Series

Steven

1995

1 episode

 

L.A.X. 2194 (1994)

L.A.X. 2194

5.7

TV Movie

Blaine

1994

 

Mira Sorvino, Ally Sheedy, Helen Slater, Paul Sorvino, Jim Belushi, James Brolin, LeVar Burton, Lindsay Crouse, Ben Gazzara, Dudley Moore, Gena Rowlands, Robert Wagner, JoBeth Williams, Treat Williams, Liza Minnelli, and Patricia Wettig in Parallel Lives (1994)

Parallel Lives

4.6

TV Movie

Willie Morrison

1994

 

Getting In (1994)

Getting In

5.3

Randall Burns

1994

 

Matthew Perry, Diana Canova, and John Bennett Perry in Home Free (1993)

Home Free

7.6

TV Series

Matt Bailey

1993

13 episodes

 

Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Urich in Deadly Relations (1993)

Deadly Relations

5.9

TV Movie

George Westerfield

1993

 

Dream On (1990)

Dream On

7.6

TV Series

Alex Farmer

1992

1 episode

 

Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Gabrielle Carteris in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990)

Beverly Hills, 90210

6.5

TV Series

Roger Azarian

1991

1 episode

 

Patty Duke in Call Me Anna (1990)

Call Me Anna

6.0

TV Movie

Desi Arnaz Jr (as Matthew L. Perry)

1990

 

Alyssa Milano, Tony Danza, Katherine Helmond, Danny Pintauro, and Judith Light in Who's the Boss? (1984)

Who's the Boss?

6.6

TV Series

Benjamin Dawson

1990

1 episode

 

Sydney (1990)

Sydney

7.9

TV Series

Billy Kells

1990

13 episodes

 

Ami Dolenz and Tony Danza in She's Out of Control (1989)

She's Out of Control

5.4

Timothy (as Matthew L. Perry)

1989

 

Growing Pains (1985)

Growing Pains

6.6

TV Series

Sandy

1989

3 episodes

 

Dinah Manoff, Kristy McNichol, David Leisure, Richard Mulligan, and Park Overall in Empty Nest (1988)

Empty Nest

6.6

TV Series

Bill at 18

1989

1 episode

 

Michael Landon in Highway to Heaven (1984)

Highway to Heaven

6.8

TV Series

David Hastings

1988

2 episodes

 

Just the Ten of Us (1987)

Just the Ten of Us

7.0

TV Series

Ed (as Matthew L. Perry)

1988

1 episode

 

Dance 'Til Dawn (1988)

Dance 'Til Dawn

6.7

TV Movie

Roger

1988

 

Matthew Perry and Kiel Martin in Boys Will Be Boys (1987)

Boys Will Be Boys

7.1

TV Series

Chazz Russell

1987–1988

21 episodes

 

River Phoenix, Meredith Salenger, Ione Skye, and Louanne in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (1988)

A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon

5.5

Fred Roberts (as Matthew L. Perry)

1988

 

Morning Maggie

TV Movie

Bradley McAllister (as Matthew L. Perry)

1987

 

Tracey Ullman in The Tracey Ullman Show (1987)

The Tracey Ullman Show

7.1

TV Series

Craig

1987

1 episode

 

Erin Gray, Ricky Schroder, and Joel Higgins in Silver Spoons (1982)

Silver Spoons

6.1

TV Series

Davey

1986

1 episode

 

Scott Baio, Willie Aames, Julie Cobb, April Lerman, Michael Pearlman, Jonathan Ward, and James Widdoes in Charles in Charge (1984)

Charles in Charge

6.1

TV Series

Ed (as Matthew L. Perry)

1985

1 episode

 

Joanna Cassidy, Mark Harmon, and John Bennett Perry in 240-Robert (1979)

240-Robert

7.3

TV Series

Arthur

1979

1 episode

 

Producer

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer in Friends: The Reunion (2021)

Friends: The Reunion

8.0

TV Special

executive producer

2021

 

Matthew Perry, Katie Holmes, Alexander Siddig, and Kristen Hager in The Kennedys After Camelot (2017)

The Kennedys After Camelot

6.3

TV Mini Series

executive producer

2017

4 episodes

 

Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon in The Odd Couple (2015)

The Odd Couple

6.3

TV Series

executive producer

2015–2017

38 episodes

 

Matthew Perry, Bill Cobbs, Suzy Nakamura, Julie White, Laura Benanti, Brett Gelman, and Tyler James Williams in Go On (2012)

Go On

7.5

TV Series

co-executive producer

2012–2013

21 episodes

 

Matthew Perry in Mr. Sunshine (2011)

Mr. Sunshine

6.7

TV Series

executive producer

2011

13 episodes

 

The End of Steve (2008)

The End of Steve

7.2

TV Movie

executive producer

2008

 

Matthew Perry in Numb (2007)

Numb

6.6

executive producer

2007

 

Writer

Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon in The Odd Couple (2015)

The Odd Couple

6.3

TV Series

developed for television by

teleplay by (creator)

2015–2017

38 episodes

 

Matthew Perry in Mr. Sunshine (2011)

Mr. Sunshine

6.7

TV Series

creator

written by

2011

13 episodes

 

The End of Steve (2008)

The End of Steve

7.2

TV Movie

co-creator (creator)

2008

 

Imagining Emily

6.0

Short

writer

1999