Friends star Matthew Perry has died at the age of 54.
First responders found Perry unconscious in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home and were unable to revive him, law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times.
The actor was best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit US sitcom.
Friends followed the lives of six young friends living in New York City between 1994-2004. An international success, 52.5 million people tuned in to watch the final episode in the US, making it the most-watched TV show of the 2000s.
Perry’s co-stars included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer.
In a statement Warner Bros, which made the show, said:
“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.”
Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing, was released last year. He talked openly about his struggles with anxiety and addiction, including a near-death experience due to opioid use.
Born in Massachusetts in 1969, he was raised in Ottawa, Canada, where he attended elementary school with Justin Trudeau, who later became Canadian prime minister. He moved to Los Angeles when he was a teenager and starred as Chazz Russell in Boys Will Be Boys and also had roles in shows including Growing Pains.
He was 24 years old when he was cast as the awkward Chandler, known for his sarcastic one-liners. He received one Emmy nomination for the role, and a further two for his role on the political drama television series The West Wing.
The actor’s notable film roles included Fools Rush In (1997 with Salma Hayek) and The Whole Nine Yards (2004) with Bruce Willis.
NBC, which aired Friends, tweeted: “He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations.”
