It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of Matthew Perry’s passing. The beloved actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show “Friends,” tragically died on October 28, 2023. The cause of death, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, was “the acute effects of ketamine.” Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety at the time.
The toxicology report revealed that high levels of ketamine in Perry’s system led to cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression, which ultimately proved fatal. However, it is important to note that his passing was ruled an accident, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder.
Perry’s sudden departure left his “Friends” cast members devastated. In a heartfelt statement, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer expressed their profound grief at the loss of their beloved friend. They described themselves not only as castmates but as a family. Together, they shared their fondest memories of Perry and expressed their love and support for his family and friends during this difficult time.
Jennifer Aniston, who had been in contact with Perry on the day of his passing, fondly recalled their last conversation. She described him as happy, healthy, and living a smoke-free life while getting into shape. Aniston emphasized that Perry was not in pain or struggling but was simply happy. She cherished every moment with him and remembered his funny and kind nature.
Courteney Cox also paid tribute to Perry by sharing a special blooper video from the “Friends” set on Instagram. Cox expressed her gratitude for the time she spent with Perry and how much she misses him. She shared a heartfelt story about a funny line Perry whispered to her before filming a scene, highlighting his playful nature and the strong bond they shared.
Matt LeBlanc, another co-star and dear friend, took to Instagram to express how much he cherished the times they spent together. LeBlanc honored Perry’s memory and referred to their time on the show as among the favorite moments of his life. He proclaimed it an honor to have shared the stage with Perry and to call him a friend. LeBlanc ended his tribute with a touch of humor, reminiscing about the 20 dollars Perry owed him that will forever remain unpaid.
Matthew Perry’s death serves as a solemn reminder of his ongoing battle with addiction. Throughout his career, he openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. In 2022, Perry published his memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” sharing his personal journey. To honor Perry’s legacy of helping others grappling with addiction, the Matthew Perry Foundation was established.
The foundation aims to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals facing addiction, guided by Perry’s own experiences and passion for making a difference. It serves as a lasting tribute to the enduring commitment Perry had in supporting those in need.
Matthew Perry’s presence on “Friends” brought laughter and warmth to millions of viewers worldwide. His portrayal of Chandler Bing, a character blending witty humor with underlying sadness, resonated deeply with audiences. As we reflect on his life and career, we appreciate the struggles he overcame to bring joy to our screens.
Matthew Perry will be dearly missed, but his legacy lives on. In our hearts, he will forever be remembered as a beloved friend.
