Matthew Perry: Friends TV comedy star dies at 54

 Matt nohew Perry: Friends TV comedy star dies at 54

October 29, 2023

Matthew Perry, the actor who played Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, has died at the age of 54. Perry's death was confirmed by his publicist, who did not release a cause of death.

Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969. He began his acting career in the early 1990s, appearing in guest roles on television shows such as Growing Pains and Beverly Hills, 90210. In 1994, he landed the role of Chandler Bing on Friends, which would go on to make him a household name.

Friends ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004 and was one of the most popular sitcoms in television history. Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing was critically acclaimed, and he was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

After Friends ended, Perry continued to act in television and film. He starred in the sitcom Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip from 2006 to 2007, and he had a recurring role on the CBS drama The Good Wife from 2013 to 2015. In 2021, he reprised his role as Chandler Bing in the Friends reunion special.

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Perry was also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. He opened up about his own struggles with addiction and depression, and he wrote a book about his experiences, titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.

Perry is survived by his parents, John and Suzanne Perry, and his brother, Jeffrey Perry.

Tributes from friends and colleagues

In a statement, Perry's Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston said: "Matthew, on a set and in life, you were the funniest but kindest, most caring person I've ever known. Thank you for your friendship. I'll miss you, buddy."

Courteney Cox, another Friends co-star, said: "I'm heartbroken. You were one of the kindest, funniest, most genuine people I've ever known. I'll miss you, Perry."

Lisa Kudrow, another Friends co-star, said: "Matthew was my dear friend. He was kind, generous, funny, brilliant, and one of the most talented actors I've ever known. I'm grateful for the time we had together, and I'll miss him terribly."

Matt LeBlanc, another Friends co-star, said: "I'm devastated by the loss of my friend, Matthew. He was one of the most talented people I've ever known. He was also one of the kindest and funniest people I've ever known. I'm going to miss him so much.".

David Schwimmer, another Friends co-star, said: "Matthew was a brother to me. I'm so grateful for the time we had together, and I'll cherish those memories forever. My heart goes out to his family and friends."

Perry's death is a loss for the entertainment industry and for his fans around the world. He was a talented actor and a kind and caring person. He will be deeply missed.