‘Friends’ Star Matthew Perry Dead at 54

Matthew Perry, star of Friends, is dead at 54. The actor, who played the sweet and snarky Chandler Bing for 10 seasons on the hit NBC sitcom, was found Saturday around 4 p.m. in a hot tub in his Los Angeles home, law enforcement sources told the LA Times. A cause of death has not been announced. Born in 1989 in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry landed guest spots on several TV shows in the 80s and 90s, until he hit it big as part of the cast of Friends in 1994. At the height of his Friends fame, the actor also starred in films like The Whole Nine Yards and Fools Rush In. After Friends, Perry played parts on shows like West Wing, The Good Wife, and The Good Fight. Perry, who achieved huge success as part of the Friends ensemble, one of the most successful shows of all time, also battled alcohol and substance abuse for decades. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry talked about his struggles with drugs and alcohol, and noted while he was promoting the book that he had been clean for 18 months, but had probably spent $9 million or something trying to get sober. You can't have a drug problem for 30 years and then expect to have it solved in 28 days, he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2015. I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life, and had a lot of wonderful accolades, but the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic comes up to me and says, will you help me stop drinking? I will say yes, I know how to do that. Warner Bros. Television Group, who produced Friends, released a statement saying, We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. 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. For more on this developing story and reaction to Perry's death, stay with The Hollywood Reporter News and THR.com.