Matthew Perry, known for his iconic role in the popular sitcom Friends, was tragically found dead at 54. The cause of death was reported as drowning in a jacuzzi where his body was discovered on Saturday.
The news of his demise has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media from colleagues and television personalities. TV host Piers Morgan praised Perry's candidness in his recent autobiography which detailed his struggle with addiction. Maggie Wheeler, Perry's co-star on Friends who played Janice Hosenstein, expressed her sorrow, reminiscing about her fond memories of working together.
Other actors from the sitcom also shared their emotions on this tragic loss. Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Perry's mother on Friends, expressed her shock and heartbreak, while Wendell Pierce offered prayers for Perry's peace. Paget Brewster, another co-star, remembered Perry for his humor and the legacy he leaves behind.
NBC and Warner Bros Group, the network and production company behind Friends, also expressed their condolences on this sudden loss. Perry's health had been a concern for fans due to his changed appearance and demeanor, sparking worry and speculation.
Perry's last Instagram post depicted a scene of him enjoying a late-night swim, a haunting coincidence considering the circumstances of his death.
Perry's life was characterized by a pervasive struggle with addiction, as revealed in his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: A Candid, Darkly Funny Book. In it, Perry shared the harrowing details of his addiction, including a period where he was taking up to 55 Vicodin pills a day and weighed only 128 pounds. This struggle nearly cost him his life in 2019 when he suffered a gastrointestinal perforation caused by opiate usage.
After the incident, Perry was hospitalized for five months. He endured the physical ordeal of wearing a colostomy bag and the horror of waking up covered in feces multiple times. Despite the hardships, he continued to fight his battle with addiction, speaking openly about his experiences in the hope of raising awareness and helping others.