The entertainment world was plunged into mourning following the tragic demise of beloved American-Canadian actor Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the popular 90s TV sitcom “Friends.”
Perry, 54, was discovered lifeless at his Los Angeles residence, according to law enforcement sources in the United States.
“Friends,” which chronicled the lives and adventures of six close-knit friends residing in New York City, captivated audiences worldwide during its decade-long run from 1994 to 2004.
The final episode of the series, watched by an astounding 52.5 million viewers in the United States, remains one of the most-watched television episodes of the 2000s.
News of Perry’s passing was first reported by the LA Times and TMZ, indicating that the actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.
First responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department were dispatched to the scene in response to a “water emergency,” as reported to the BBC.
In a heartfelt statement, Warner Bros TV, the production company behind “Friends,” expressed profound grief at Perry’s untimely passing. “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family,” the statement read, highlighting the profound impact of his comedic brilliance on a global scale. The company extended its condolences to Perry’s family, loved ones, and countless devoted fans.
Born in Massachusetts in 1969, Perry spent his formative years in Ottawa, Canada, where he shared his elementary school days with Justin Trudeau, who later ascended to the position of Canadian prime minister.