Matthew Perry, a very popular actor who played Chandler Bing in “Friends,” passed away at 54 On October 28, 2023. He was a famous actor known for his role in the ’90s sitcom “Friends.” The news of Matthew Perry’s death came from law enforcement sources in the United States.
Reports of His Passing
Initially, sources like the LA Times and TMZ reported the news of Matthew Perry’s death. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles.
Early Life and Family of Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. His mom, Suzanne Marie Morrison, worked as a Canadian journalist and was once a press secretary to the Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau.
His dad, John Bennett Perry, was an American actor and model. Matthew’s parents separated when he was very young, and his mom later married Keith Morrison, a Canadian broadcast journalist. He spent most of his childhood in Ottawa, Ontario, but also lived in Toronto and Montreal for short periods.
He attended Rockcliffe Park Public School, where he coincidentally went to school with a future Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, who later became Canada’s prime minister. Later, he continued his education at Ashbury College.
During his growing-up years, Matthew had a strong passion for tennis and even became a highly-ranked junior player.
As a teenager, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.
Personal Life of Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry had citizenship in both Canada and the United States. He had some notable romantic relationships, including dating Yasmine Bleeth in 1995, Julia Roberts from 1995 to 1996, and Lizzy Caplan from 2006 to 2012.
In 2009, Matthew Perry appeared as a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and did something very kind. He gifted Ellen DeGeneres an Xbox 360 system and a copy of the video game Fallout 3. This act of generosity led to his involvement in the making of the video game “Fallout: New Vegas,” where he was chosen by the game makers at Obsidian Entertainment.
In 2018, Perry faced a major health challenge that led to a five-month stay in the hospital. He had a condition called gastrointestinal perforation, which was caused by his misuse of opioids. During his time in the hospital, his situation became life-threatening when his colon burst.
He had to spend two weeks in a coma and relied on a colostomy bag for nine months. At one point, doctors told his family that he had only a two percent chance of surviving and that he needed a machine called ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to help him breathe.
In November 2020, Matthew Perry got engaged to Molly Hurwitz, who works as a literary manager. Unfortunately, their engagement didn’t last, and they called it off in 2021.
What was Chandler Bing?
Chandler Bing was a fictional character in the incredibly popular American TV show “Friends,” and actor Matthew Perry brought this character to life on the screen. In the series, Chandler was one of the six main characters and was famous for his sharp, witty humor and quick comebacks.
Within the world of “Friends,” Chandler worked in a typical office job, specializing in tasks related to statistical analysis and data reconfiguration. However, the specifics of his job often lead to humorous misunderstandings among his close-knit group of friends. These friends, along with Chandler, live in New York City, and together they faced a wide range of personal and professional challenges while navigating the ups and downs of life.
Chandler’s character was known for his distinctive sense of humor, which he frequently used as a way to protect himself and hide his deeper feelings. This mix of personality traits and his unique style of humor has made Chandler Bing one of the most adored characters in the “Friends” series.
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Perry’s Struggles with Addiction
Perry faced challenges with addiction to painkillers and alcohol. He sought help in rehabilitation clinics on multiple occasions. He once revealed that he couldn’t remember three years of filming “Friends” due to his substance abuse.
Perry’s Perspective
Matthew Perry initially chose not to watch “Friends.” He later decided to watch it, acknowledging the show’s impact on different generations.
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Matthew Perry’s Impressive Career in Entertainment
Matthew Perry, widely recognized for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the beloved TV series “Friends,” had a remarkable career that spanned various forms of entertainment.
Here are some of his most significant and successful works:
In the World of Film:
- The Whole Nine Yards (2000): Perry took on the role of Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky, a mild-mannered dentist caught up in a mafia plot. This film not only achieved commercial success but also showcased Perry’s skills as a lead actor.
- Fools Rush In (1997): In this romantic comedy, Perry starred alongside Salma Hayek, playing Alex Whitman, a New Yorker who finds love with a Mexican-American woman.
On the Television Stage:
- Friends (1994-2004): Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing in “Friends” made him a global star. The series remains a timeless classic, and Perry’s depiction of Chandler’s witty and endearing character played a crucial role in the show’s incredible success.
- The West Wing (2002-2003): Perry had recurring appearances in this highly praised political drama series, where he portrayed Joe Quincy, a lawyer working within the White House. His performance earned acclaim from both critics and viewers.
In the World of Theater:
- The End of Longing (2016): Matthew Perry explored his talents in writing and acting with this play, which premiered in London’s West End. The play delved into themes of love, friendship, and addiction, allowing Perry to demonstrate his versatility as both a writer and an actor.
Matthew Perry’s most recent acting project was “Friends: The Reunion” in 2021, in which he not only played a prominent role but also served as an executive producer.
While Matthew Perry is best known for his role in “Friends,” his contributions to these films, TV shows, and theater productions highlight his diverse talents as an actor and writer.
Tributes from Co-Stars and Friends
The company Warner Bros TV which produced “Friends,” expressed their deepest sadness at his passing. They praised his talent, humor, and the impact he had on fans of different generations.
Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice in “Friends,” paid tribute to Perry, highlighting the happiness he brought.
Actress Selma Blair, a close friend of Perry, expressed her love and deep sadness over his passing.
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