Actor Matthew Perry, who played the character Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friendswas found dead at his home at the age of 54, American media reported on Saturday.
According to Los Angeles Timesthe actor was found dead in his hot tub at his home in Los Angeles.
No signs leading to the belief of a criminal act were noted, according to anonymous sources cited by the same newspaper and the specialized media TMZ, which first announced the death.
Matthew Perry was best known for his humorous role as Chandler Bing in the wildly popular series Friendsbroadcast on NBC for ten seasons, from 1994 to 2004.
The Canadian-American actor had struggled with his addiction to painkillers and alcohol for years and had attended rehabilitation clinics on several occasions.
According to TMZ, no drugs were found at the scene of the actor’s death on Saturday.
“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry,” Warner Bros. studio, which produced Friends.
“The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world and his legacy will live on in the hearts of many.” This is a heartbreaking day and we send our love to his family, loved ones and all of his devoted fans,” he continued.
A battle with Justin Trudeau
Son of Canadian journalist Suzanne Perry, who was Pierre Elliot Trudeau’s press secretary, Matthew Perry spent part of his childhood in Ottawa.
He even attended Justin Trudeau’s elementary school, whom he once allegedly beat. At least that’s what he said on the set of Jimmy Kimmel in 2017.
“I have a story about him that I’m not proud of. My friend reminded me that Justin Trudeau had been beaten up,” he admitted, arousing the astonishment of his interlocutor.
According to the actor, the two friends were jealous of the sporting prowess of Justin Trudeau, who was a few years their junior. “I was a stupid child!” », he exclaimed.
The interview, which went viral, even sparked a reaction from Justin Trudeau. “What do you say about another fight, Matthew Perry?” “, he wrote jokingly on Twitter.
Recently, Chandler’s interpreter seemed to question the existence of this famous battle with Justin Trudeau.
“There was a popular rumor that I beat him,” he said on the set of Stephen Colbert last year. “Did you do it?” », asked the host. “I don’t think so, no,” Perry replied.
Alcohol and drugs
The beloved actor opened up about his drinking problems in a book published last year.
I felt like I was going to die if the audience didn’t laugh, and that’s definitely not healthy. I would sometimes say a sentence, and if the audience didn’t laugh, I would sweat and sometimes have seizures.
Extract of Friends, my loves and this terrible thingby Matthew Perry
To control his anxiety, the actor alternated alcohol, opioids and cocaine. At the age of 49, his colon ruptured due to his drug addiction, he had admitted.
A special reunion of the show’s cast in 2021 hosted by host James Corden sparked huge interest.
In addition to FriendsPerry played notably in the films Fools Rush In And The Whole Nine Yards.