Matthew Perry, the actor who played the sarcastic and witty Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom ‘Friends’, has died at the age of 54, according to multiple reports. Perry was found dead of an apparent drowning at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 28, 2023.

NBC, the network that aired ‘Friends’ for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, confirmed Perry’s death in a statement posted on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The statement expressed “deep sadness” and “heartfelt condolences” to Perry’s family, friends and fans.

The Los Angeles Times and TMZ.com, both citing unnamed law enforcement sources, reported that Perry was found unconscious by first responders in a hot tub or jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades residence. They were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead at the scene. No drugs were found at the location, TMZ added.

Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing, one of the six friends who lived and worked in New York City. His character was known for his sarcastic humor, awkwardness and romantic relationship with Monica Geller, played by Courteney Cox. The show was a huge success and made Perry and his co-stars Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc household names.

Perry also starred in several films, such as ‘The Whole Nine Yards’, ‘17 Again’ and ‘Fools Rush In’. He also appeared on TV shows such as ‘The West Wing’, ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ and ‘The Good Fight’. He received five Emmy nominations for his work on ‘Friends’ and one for his guest role on ‘The West Wing’.

Perry had struggled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol for years and had attended rehabilitation clinics on multiple occasions. He had revealed his battle with substance abuse in interviews and in his memoir titled ‘Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir’, which was released last year.

In his book, he wrote that he felt “shame” and “pressure” while working on ‘Friends’ and that he often suffered from anxiety and panic attacks. He said that he felt like he was going to die if the live audience did not laugh at his jokes and that he had a secret that no one could know.

During a recent televised ‘Friends’ reunion, Perry surprised his co-stars by admitting to having experienced severe anxiety “every night” during filming. He said that he felt like he was going to freak out if he did not get the laugh he was supposed to get.

Hollywood stars and fans reacted with shock and sadness after learning about Perry’s death. Many of them took to social media to pay tribute to him and express their condolences.

Olivia Munn, who co-starred with Perry in the movie ‘Office Christmas Party’, wrote on Instagram: “I’m so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today. Nothing short of heartbreaking. Rest in love, Matthew Perry.”

Rumer Willis, the daughter of actor Bruce Willis, who also appeared with Perry in ‘The Whole Nine Yards’, shared her condolences in her Instagram Story: “You gorgeous man. You have brought so much laughter and love to this world. You’ll be forever missed and forever remembered.”

Mira Sorvino, who won an Oscar for her role in ‘Mighty Aphrodite’, tweeted: “Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!”

Bai Ling, star of ‘Anna and the King’ and ‘The Crow’, posted a photo of her with Perry backstage at a comedy show called ‘Ronna and Beverly’. She wrote: “He was so friendly very funny and charming, had the sparks in my eyes that I always like, so sharp and soulful I loved the time we spend together.”

Melissa Rivers, a TV personality and the daughter of comedian Joan Rivers, revealed that she was a high school classmate of Perry. She tweeted: “A high school classmate died today. So sad. Gone too soon. RIP.”

Perry’s death has left a void in the hearts of millions of fans who grew up watching him on ‘Friends’ and other shows. He will be remembered as one of the most talented and beloved actors of his generation.