On Saturday, October 28, news broke that actor Matthew Perry died at the age of 54. Matthew played Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends from 1994 to 2004. Matthew crafted the character of Chandler into the funny one, the one who could be sarcastic without being mean, the one who made jokes whenever he was uncomfortable. He even created a speech pattern for Chandler that is often mimicked because “Could his way of talking be any more unforgettable?”
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Matthew was found dead of an apparent drowning at his home in Pacific Palisades, California. An autopsy has been completed, but his cause of death has been “deferred” pending a toxicology report that could take weeks. In the meantime, here’s what we know about his death so far.
He had played pickleball that morning.
On the morning of his death, he had played pickleball for a couple of hours. He played the game often and was passionate about it according to his pickleball coach, Matt Manasse. “He thought it was something that could help with his recovery and he was doing an awesome job,” Matt Manasse told People. “He loved it. He came out five times a week, would always talk about it."
He was found unresponsive by his assistant.
TMZ reports that after Matthew came home that morning, he sent his assistant to run some errands. The assistant returned later that day to find Matthew dead in his hot tub. The assistant then called 911.
The call to 911 was made at 4:07 p.m.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphries, a 911 call about Matthew Perry came in at 4:07 p.m. and the Los Angeles Police Department was on the scene at 4:10 p.m.
Matthew was already dead when authorities arrived.
“An adult male patient was deceased prior to first response arrival,” the LAFD said in a statement. “The patient was found by a bystander who had re-positioned the victim where the head was out of water.”
According to the statement, “Firefighters pulled the victim out of the jacuzzi and did a quick medical assessment to find he was deceased.”
Foul play is not suspected.
LAPD Capt. Scot Williams, head of the Robbery Homicide Division that is investigating Matthew’s death, said on Sunday that the “cause of death may not be known for some time, but at this point foul play is not suspected.”
No illicit drugs were found at his home.
Because of the actor’s history with substance abuse, many news outlets were quick to point out that there were no “illicit” drugs found at his residence. Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prescription medications were found at the home.
An autopsy has been completed, but cause of death has not been determined.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy has been conducted, however, the actor’s cause of death has been listed as “deferred” pending a toxicology report that could take weeks to be completed.
His family issued a statement.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," his family shared with People. "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend." The statement also included the following thank you to fans: "You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."
Warner Bros. TV, which produced ‘Friends,’ also issued a statement.
“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
His ‘Friends’ costars are reportedly ‘reeling’ from the loss of their dear friend.
“The cast is reeling from the loss of their brother, because that’s what Matty was—their brother,” an industry source told Page Six on Sunday. We can only imagine how devastated Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow must be at the loss of their longtime costar and friend.
