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Matthew Perry’s autopsy has been completed, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office has confirmed.
The “Friends” star’s cause of death was listed as “postponed” on the coroner’s website pending a toxicology report, which could take weeks.
“In cases where the cause of death cannot be determined at the time of autopsy, a deferred certificate will be issued pending further study,” LA coroner’s guidelines state.
The news comes as fans, co-stars and family members pay tribute to the comedian, known for his sarcastic Friends character Chandler Bing, who died at his home in LA on Saturday (October 28). He was 54.
NBC News previously reported that the American-Canadian star appeared to have drowned after being found in his hot tub, according to his representative.
“We are heartbroken over the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” his family said. “Matthew has brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and as a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous love shown to him.”
Matthew Perry played Chandler Bing on all ten seasons of “Friends” on NBC from 1994 to 2004
(PA)
Perry played the sarcastic self-saboteur Chandler on all ten seasons of NBC’s Friends from 1994 to 2004, with the show catapulting him and the rest of the young cast – Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and Courteney Cox – into world fame .
His co-stars from a decade have yet to comment on the news; However, a joint statement from the stars is expected soon.
Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler’s mother Nora Bing, said: “I am heartbroken by the untimely death of my ‘son’… The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock.”
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Maggie Wheeler, who played Chandler’s clueless love interest Janice, shared a picture of them on Instagram with the caption: “What a loss. The world will miss you, Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too-short life will live on. I feel so blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a school friend of Perry’s, called the star’s death “shocking and sad.” He wrote: “I will never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world will never forget the joy he brought them.” Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and we will miss you.”
Selma Blair, Paget Brewster, Octavia Spencer and Yvette Nicole Brown also sent messages of condolence.
Matthew Perry and ex-girlfriend Julia Roberts
(Friends)
In New York City, Friends fans flocked to the iconic Manhattan apartment where the series was filmed to pay their respects.
Perry will also be remembered for his work in recovering drug addicts. The actor spoke openly about his own journey to sobriety and wrote openly about his substance abuse in his moving 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.”
In 2013, he opened the Perry House in Malibu, California, with addiction specialist Earl Hightower, offering rehabilitation programs at his former home.
“The best thing about me is when an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, ‘Will you help me?’ “I can say ‘yes’ and then go ahead and do it,” he wrote in his memoir.
While Perry never had more success than his appearances in “Friends,” he also appeared in other small-screen films such as “Boys Will Be Boys,” “Growing Pains,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” “The West Wing,” ” Scrubs” and “The Odd Couple”. He also appeared in films such as “Fools Rush In,” “The Kid,” and “17 Again.”
He has had a break from acting since 2017.