Rest in Peace, Mathew. Photo courtesy of The Los Angeles Times.
Matthew Perry, most known for his role as Chandler Bing from F.R.I.E.N.D.S., passed away at age 54 at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023.
The authorities said he apparently drowned in his hot tub, which led to his death since no traces of drugs or foul play were seen on the scene.
The actor starred in many films, including "Fools Rush In," "17 Again," and "The Ron Clark Story." He also dabbled in sitcoms, such as playing Ryan King in the NBC sitcom "Go On" and starring in the revival of the CBS sitcom "The Odd Couple."
His career as an actor that spanned decades showcased his versatility and capabilities. As Chandler, his comedic genius can still be seen in everyday sitcoms. With the role being his big break, Perry gave the character a witty and sarcastic perspective that added life to the character, making it endearing to many fans of the series. With his satirical one-liners and humorous deliveries, Chandler became an icon of the 90s sitcom genre.
In his role in the movie "The Ron Clark Story," he brought a cynical air to the persona and wanted to distance himself from his prior hit role of Chandler. The character, which earned him an Emmy Nomination, was a hit hero based on a real-life story that gave viewers a sense of inspiration and comfort right after the 9/11 attacks.
Among all of these, the greatest legacy that Perry left behind was his advocacy for drug use and rehabilitation. It was early on in his career that he became addicted to Vicodin after his jet-ski incident in 1997, which led to his weight fluctuating and him suffering from pancreatitis.
His decades-long battle with addiction led him to spend around $9 million trying to get sober. At age 49, Perry spent two weeks in a coma, five months in the hospital, and had to use a colostomy bag for the next nine months as he suffered a colon burst from opioid overuse.
In 2011, Perry became the U.S. Congress' celebrity spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in supporting the funding of drug courts. And in 2013, he received a Champion of Recovery Award from the White House for opening Perry House, a rehab center in his former mansion in Malibu.
His impact extends far beyond the gates of celebrity stardom. His talent, resilience, and story is a beacon of hope for everyone who knows and loves him dearly. Immortalized by his characters, Perry will be remembered as an icon and a star.