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| Reports Confirm Passing of Friends Star actor Matthew Perry at 54. |
Actor Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the beloved television series Friends, has passed away at the age of 54, as reported by various media sources. Perry was discovered dead in his Los Angeles residence, the victim of an apparent drowning, according to accounts from the Los Angeles Times, TMZ, and other outlets.
His iconic role as Chandler, the witty and commitment-phobic character, endeared him to audiences throughout the show's 10-season tenure. Perry's talent and charm left an indelible mark on fans worldwide.
Behind closed doors, Perry grappled with addiction, a battle he candidly shared in his recent memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing."
In the book, dedicated to fellow addiction sufferers, he revealed his prolonged struggle with substance abuse, recounting numerous stints in treatment, approximately 65 detoxifications, and enduring 14 surgeries.
To cope, he drew strength from the thought of helping others, even though he admitted to hiding his addiction on set. The pressure for laughs during live audience performances took a toll, leading him to describe it as an unhealthy and isolating experience.
In a Nightline episode, friend and co-star Lisa Kudrow noted, "Matthew Perry was the one who always aimed to keep everyone else happy." Perry's talent earned him an Emmy nomination for his Friends role and two more for his compelling performance as an associate White House counsel on The West Wing.
He also showcased his skills in movies like Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, and the TV series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Born in Massachusetts and raised between Los Angeles and Montreal due to his parents' split, Perry excelled as a nationally ranked junior tennis player in Canada.
Later in life, he embraced pickleball, even building a court at his new Pacific Palisades home, as reported by the Times.
