Friends Star Matthew Perry Dies at 54
Photo Credit: Phillip Faraone/Getty Images via Vanity Fair
On Oct. 28, 2023, actor Matthew Perry was found unconscious in his hot tub at his house in Los Angeles and was later pronounced dead.
The autopsy report was released by the Los Angeles Medical Examiner's Office on Dec. 15 and the cause of death was ruled as cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression, coupled with acute effects of ketamine. Perry was reportedly undergoing ketamine treatment to combat anxiety and depression, and his death was ruled an accident with no foul play suspected. He was 54 years old.
During his career, Perry took on roles in various movies and television shows, with his jump to international fame coming from his role as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends. Along with acting, he also heavily engaged in philanthropy.
Having suffered from addiction throughout his life, he actively engaged in philanthropic work for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, as well as other causes. One such example is the creation of the Perry House, a sober living facility to help those who struggled with addiction.
In 2011, he lobbied the US Government in support of funding for drug courts. He also served as an Honorary Board Member and raised funds for the Lili Claire Foundation, which was created in memory of Friends’ Casting Director Leslie Litt’s daughter.
Perry’s passing carried a profound impact, with many prominent figures expressing their condolences. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Perry’s childhood friend, took to X to describe his passing as “shocking and saddening,” and said that “[he] was loved – and [he] will be missed.”
Actor Julia Roberts, Perry’s ex-girlfriend, told Entertainment Tonight that his untimely passing was “heartbreaking,” but could be used as a chance to “appreciate what we have and to keep going in a positive way as best we can.”
A statement released by Perry’s costars from Friends, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer read, “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
Many of Perry’s fans from around the world turned to social media to express their grief as well, with many rewatching shows and movies in which he was featured. Users reflected on Perry’s role in their childhood shows and voiced their heartbreak over his passing, with many sharing this sentiment.
Following Perry’s passing, the National Philanthropic Trust, an American charity, established the Matthew Perry Foundation in his name. The foundation’s mission is described as “the realization of Matthew's enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction,” and aims to honour his legacy of philanthropic work.
In April, Perry told the Los Angeles Times that he would like to be remembered “as a guy who lived life, loved well, lived well and helped people,” and “that running into me was a good thing, and not something bad.”