Tributes to Matthew Perry as Friends star dies in shock drowning incident aged 54

Friends star Matthew Perry has died in a shock drowning incident aged 54.

The actor, who became a superstar playing funnyman Chandler Bing during 10 seasons of the sitcom Friends, died after an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home.

Maggie Wheeler, who played Perry’s on-off girlfriend Janice, wrote: “What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on.

“I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”

Morgan Fairchild, who played the star’s on-screen mother and erotic novel writer Nora Bing, said: “I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son’, Matthew Perry.”

During his time on the show, Perry struggled with addiction and anxiety which he described in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing which was published in 2022.

By the end of the 10th series of Friends, he became “entrenched in a lot of trouble”, Perry revealed years later.

He said in a 2016 interview with BBC Radio 2 that he did not remember filming three seasons of the hit show because he was a “little out of it at the time”.

At one point during his time on Friends, Perry said he was taking 55 Vicodin painkillers a day and was down to 128lb – just over 9st – in weight.

Paget Brewster, who played Chandler’s girlfriend Kathy, wrlote: “He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there.”

Perry was nominated for an Emmy for his role in Friends, starring alongside Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and Courteney Cox – who played Perry’s eventual on-screen wife Monica Geller.

The actors reunited on screen for the first time in 2021 after the show ended its celebrated 10-year run in 2004, having become a pop culture phenomenon.

Perry’s other notable TV work includes the short-lived Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip, written by West Wing creator Aaron Sorkin, while he also starred in several films, including Fools Rush In, opposite Salma Hayek and his father John.

US actress Mira Sorvino, who starred alongside Perry in 1994 film Parallel Lives, said: “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!!

“May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!”

While Legally Blonde star Selma Blair described Perry as her “oldest boy friend”.

Sharing a picture of the pair, she said: “All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day.

“I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”

Born in Massachusetts in 1969, Perry was raised in Ottawa, Canada.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also paid tribute to Perry after attending the same school.

“Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening.

“I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them.

“Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed.”

Perry was one of the most familiar faces on television during the 10 series of Friends.

In a statement Warner Bros, the entertainment company which made Friends, said: “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros Television Group family.

“The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many.

“This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”