Hollywood and beyond is still in a state of shock following the tragic passing of author and actor, Matthew Perry. While best known for his role of Chandler Bing on hit sitcom “FRIENDS,” Perry was also an accomplished dramatic actor with stints on “The West Wing,” among other projects.
His biggest role, in his own words, was his activism to help friends find and keep sobriety. Perry himself struggled with addiction and substance abuse for much of his adult life. He was always very open and honest about it, and was the first person to offer a safe space for those looking for help.
“The best thing about me, bar none, is if somebody comes up to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking. Can you help me?’ I can say yes and follow up and do it,” Perry said in 2022 during an interview. “And I’ve said this for a long time: when I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned — I want that to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.”
“FRIENDS” co-creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and EP Kevin Bright have issued a joint statement on Perry’s passing.
We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.
He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us. We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.
We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.
Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, and EP Kevin Bright
Early toxicology reports from the Los Angeles Coroner’s office have been inconclusive, and have reportedly been sent elsewhere for testing. Perry was 54 years old at the time of his death.
