On Saturday, Oct. 28, Canadian American actor and comedian Mathew Perry was found unresponsive in his bathtub alone in his home in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County coroner has not yet determined a cause of death, but is taking additional investigative steps towards finding the cause of death.
Perry was best known for his role in the hit sitcom “Friends”. The show follows the lives of six adults in their mid-twenties, as they navigate issues in their relationships and jobs. Perry portrayed the character Chandler Bing, well-known by fans as a sarcastic and humorous figure. His career continued after the end of the ten-season show, as Perry starred in movies such as “17 Again” with co-star Zac Effron, “Fools Rush In” alongside Salma Hayek and “The Whole Nine Yards” with actor Bruce Willis.
Substance abuse had been a present issue in Perry’s life since the age of 14, and gradually worsened with his stardom in “Friends” through his twenties. He has been vocal regarding his struggles with substance abuse and the negative health issues that he has experienced as a result from drug use.
In 2019, Perry’s colon burst due to opioid usage and he was rushed to the hospital for emergency care. He recovered from the incident, but later explained that he had nearly died following the accident.
Outside of his film and acting career, Perry had been very open about his struggles and attempts at drug recovery. He documented his journey in a memoir titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing”.
As fans, co-star and his family mourn his passing, many have paid tribute to his career and personal achievements. “Friends” co-star Maggie Wheeler memorialized the actor on her Instagram account. “The joy you [Perry] brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared,” said Wheeler.
As details emerge regarding his death, many continue to mourn Perry’s death.
