29-10-2023 (LOS ANGELES) Tragic news has shaken the world of entertainment, as Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the beloved NBC sitcom “Friends,” has passed away at the age of 54, according to a report by the LA Times.
Perry was discovered lifeless on Saturday in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence, as disclosed by law enforcement sources to the LA Times. Responding authorities found him unresponsive around 4 p.m., with no indications of foul play or drug involvement at the scene.
The late actor had gained international acclaim for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” a series that captivated audiences for a decade, running from 1994 to 2004. Perry’s exceptional talent even earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2002 for his role in the much-adored sitcom.
In addition to his iconic role in “Friends,” Perry graced other television series with his presence, including “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Go On,” and “The Odd Couple.” His performance as Joe Quincy in “The West Wing” garnered him Emmy nominations in 2003 and 2004 for outstanding guest actor in a drama series.
Matthew Perry showcased his versatility as an actor by taking on the roles of co-creator, executive producer, and star in “Mr. Sunshine,” a short-lived ABC sitcom that ran from February to April 2011. In the series, he portrayed Ben Donovan, the manager of the Sunshine Center, a second-tier arena. The show also featured Allison Janney.
Born on August 19, 1969, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Perry’s parents were Canadian journalist Suzanne Marie Morrison and actor/former model John Bennett Perry. Following his parents’ separation, he was raised by his mother in Ottawa, Ontario. There, he received his education at both the Rockcliffe Park Public School and Ashbury College.
Perry’s journey into acting began at the age of 15 when he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. He attended The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, ultimately graduating in 1987. That same year, Perry secured the role of Chazz Russell in the Fox sitcom “Second Chance,” which underwent a revamp, becoming “Boys Will Be Boys” after 13 episodes.
After the cancellation of “Boys Will Be Boys” following its first season, Perry marked his entry into the world of film with his debut in “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon” in 1988. He had a three-episode stint as Carol Seavor’s boyfriend, Sandy, in the series “Growing Pains” in 1989. Following several guest appearances, he landed a regular role on the 1990 CBS sitcom “Sydney.”