RIP Matthew Perry

  

Matthew Perry, 2002. Photo: NBC Universal / Getty Images

Actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the 1990's TV sitcom, Friends, has died. He was 54. Cause of death was accidental drowning in a hot tub. Official results are pending an investigation and autopsy.

Matthew was born in Massachusetts but moved to Canada when he was one year old after his parents divorced (his mom was Canadian and his dad American).  As a kid, he took a keen interest in tennis, becoming a top ranked junior player in Canada. When he turned 15, he moved from Ottawa to Los Angeles to live with his dad. He graduated high school in 1987 and began doing improv comedy in the LA area. In-between comedy gigs he auditioned for TV roles. One of his earliest was a three-episode appearance in Growing Pains as the boyfriend to Carol Seavers. He continued to appear in TV shows including Beverly Hills 90210 and the sitcom Home Free. In 1993 he was cast as Chandler Bing on Friends, a role that would catapult him to fame and define his career. The show ran from 1994-2004. 

While on Friends, Matthew made the leap to the big screen. His movie credits include Fools Rush,Three to Tango, The Whole Nine Yards, The Whole Ten Yards, and Serving Sara.

In 2002, he published his memoirs in which he candidly discussed his addictions to opioids, methadone, amphetamines, and alcohol. Matthew disclosed that his addictions were so bad that it led to his hospitalization for 5 months. When he was admitted to the hospital doctors gave him a 2% chance of survival because he almost ruptured his colon. He spent 2 weeks in a coma; and then for 9 months he had to carry a colonoscopy bag.  

Matthew admitted that he was in and out of rehab for most of his adult life. He shared that over the years he had 14 stomach surgeries, 15 stays at rehab, and had spent over $9 million on medical bills. He was open about his struggles and didn't mince his words when describing his issues with addiction. 

Matthew will be remembered as the wise cracking, sarcastic, lovable Chandler Bing. In some ways Chandler was a reflection of Matthew's comedic style and his unapologetic honesty.  Matthew never married nor had children. He is survived by his parents. Condolences to his family. 

Matthew Perry with his dad (insert, around 2003) and on right in 2023. Photo: BBN