In their statement, the family shared heartfelt sentiments: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
Matthew Perry, the only child of actor John Bennett Perry and writer Suzanne Morrison, experienced the separation of his parents a year after his birth. Both parents moved on to new relationships, and Matthew grew up with five younger siblings from these subsequent unions.
Suzanne, after her relationship with John, married journalist Keith Morrison, with whom she shares four children. This relationship also resulted in Matthew gaining a stepbrother. John, on the other hand, married Debbie Boyle and has a child from this marriage.
The family’s statement, conveyed to People magazine, emerged as tributes poured in from fans and celebrities following the distressing news of Matthew’s demise. The 54-year-old, famed for portraying Chandler Bing in “Friends,” tragically passed away in his Los Angeles home after reportedly drowning in his hot tub on October 28. Emergency responders were summoned around 4 pm after a reported cardiac arrest, engaging in water rescue procedures upon their arrival due to the suspected drowning. Notably, no drugs were found at the scene, dispelling any suspicion of foul play.
Matthew had been candid about his struggles with opioid addiction in the years preceding his death, an issue that significantly impacted his tenure on “Friends.” The sitcom, which aired from 1994 to 2004 and spanned ten seasons, culminated in a celebrated reunion, “Friends: The Reunion,” broadcast in 2021.
The news of Matthew’s passing instigated an outpouring of tributes, including those from journalist Billy Bush. Reflecting on the late actor, Billy praised his iconic role as Chandler Bing and pledged to pay a heartfelt tribute on “ExtraTV.” He described Matthew as someone everyone desired to be friends with, an ideal boyfriend, and a role model who left an indelible mark through his performance.
Billy reminisced further, acknowledging Matthew’s kind, shy yet charming demeanor during their interactions, reflecting on his genuine and unassuming nature.
