Beloved ‘Friends’ Star Matthew Perry Passes Away at the Age of 54
Mr. Perry, who passed away on Saturday, achieved his greatest recognition through his portrayal in “Friends,” the NBC television series chronicling the lives of a close-knit circle of young urban professionals residing in Manhattan.
Matthew Perry: A Beloved Icon of Comedy and Resilience
Matthew Perry, beloved for his portrayal of the quick-witted Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom “Friends,” has passed away at the age of 54. The confirmation of his unexpected passing was provided by Captain Scot Williams from the Robbery-Homicide division of the Los Angeles Police Department. While the exact cause of his passing remains uncertain and is likely to be determined only after some time, there is no indication of foul play.
Matthew Perry was a household name in American television, having played Chandler Bing for over 200 episodes across all ten seasons of “Friends.” This hit NBC series followed the lives of a group of young professionals residing in the heart of Manhattan. Perry’s presence on the show, alongside prominent actors like Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow, contributed significantly to the show’s immense popularity.
Chandler Bing, Perry’s character on “Friends,” was celebrated for his signature sardonic wit, making him a fan favorite. The show has endured for decades, captivating new generations of viewers and remaining a cultural touchstone since its premiere in 1994.
While “Friends” is undoubtedly the pinnacle of his television career, Matthew Perry’s journey in the industry spanned nearly four decades. His earliest television credit dates back to 1979 when he was just a young child appearing in an episode of the cop show “240-Robert,” according to IMDb. He secured the role of Chandler Bing at the age of 24, marking a turning point in his career.
In the 2010s, Perry continued to grace our screens with his talent. In the 2011 ABC comedy “Mr. Sunshine,” he took on the role of Ben Donovan, serving as the general manager of the Sunshine Center, a sports and entertainment arena located in San Diego. Within this character, he masterfully portrayed a somewhat melancholic and self-absorbed individual who was navigating the intricate challenges that come with reaching the age of 40. Perry also took on the character of Oscar Madison opposite Thomas Lennon, who portrayed Felix Unger, in a remake of “The Odd Couple” that aired on CBS from 2015 to 2017.
In a 2002 interview with The New York Times, Matthew Perry candidly expressed his early desire for fame. He expressed, “I was someone with a burning desire for fame. I was driven by an insatiable longing for the spotlight, for the financial rewards, and the privilege of having the finest seat in any restaurant. I didn’t consider the consequences that might follow.”
Perry’s journey was not without its struggles. He battled addiction and related medical issues, which, by his own account, led to him spending more than half of his life in treatment centers or sober living facilities. His struggles with substance abuse and addiction were detailed in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” which was released last year.
The actor’s struggle with addiction began in the late ’90s when he sought rehab for what was then reported as an addiction to pain medication. In 2000, he was hospitalized for pancreatitis, a condition often linked to alcohol and drug abuse.
The consequences of his addiction reached a critical point in 2018, resulting in pneumonia, a burst colon, a short stint on life support, two weeks in a coma, nine months with a colostomy bag, and over a dozen stomach surgeries.
Despite these battles, two years ago, a newly sober Matthew Perry joined his “Friends” co-stars for a televised reunion, where they revisited iconic sets from the show, such as the Central Perk coffee shop, reminiscing about old episodes and reveling in the nostalgia.
The news of Matthew Perry’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans around the world on social media. His ability to effortlessly make people laugh and his remarkable gift for humor were acknowledged by many.
Brandon Lewis, a writer in New York, shared his thoughts on X, saying, “Matthew Perry lived a complicated life, but his effortless capacity to make people laugh was a remarkable gift.”
Dr. John Leeds, a British gastroenterologist, remembered Perry’s struggles, stating, “Listened to his book over the summer where he so eloquently describes his battles with drugs and alcohol.”
Even RM of the popular boy band BTS, who once mentioned watching “Friends” to learn English, shared a touching image of a youthful, smiling Matthew Perry on his Instagram story, letting the picture speak for itself.
Matthew Perry’s passing is a significant loss to the world of entertainment. He will forever be remembered for his exceptional talent, wit, and the laughter he brought to countless lives through his memorable portrayal of Chandler Bing in “Friends.” Despite his personal battles, his legacy as an actor and comedian will continue to shine brightly in the annals of television history.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
