6:02 p.m. PT – More details are emerging about the circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry’s death… Sources say he actually died in his own home this morning after engaging in physical activity.
We were told that Matthew came home sometime early in the morning after a two-hour game of pickleball and that shortly thereafter he sent his assistant out to run errands. When the assistant returned about two hours later, we’re told he found Matthew unresponsive… and called 911.
It is unclear whether what Matthew did before his death played any role in his death at this point – the investigation into his death is ongoing.
Matthew Perry — one of the stars of “Friends” — has died … TMZ has learned.
We’re learning from law enforcement sources that the actor was found at a home in the Los Angeles area on Saturday… where he apparently drowned. According to our sources, first responders rushed to the scene to induce a cardiac arrest. It is unclear exactly where on the site this occurred.
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Our sources say he was found in the home’s hot tub… and we’re told no drugs were found at the scene. We were also told there was no foul play.
Perry is best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit ’90s sitcom, which ran for 10 seasons…starring him in all 234 episodes. His character was a fan favorite, as was his performance – mannerisms and storylines were later recreated and spoofed by fans around the world. One thing in particular comes to mind…”Could (blank) BE more…”
While Friends was his biggest claim to fame…MP had starred/guest starred in countless other TV shows over the years – like Boys Will Be Boys, Growing Pains, Silver Spoons and Charles. in Charge”, “Sydney”, “Beverly Hills, 90210”, “Home Free”, “Ally McBeal”, “The West Wing”, “Scrubs”, “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”, “Go On”, ” “The Odd Couple” and more.
He had also appeared in a handful of memorable films (mostly comedies)…such as Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, Three to Tango, The Kid, 17 Again and Getting In . ,’ and many others. He’s been off the radar more recently…he hasn’t appeared since a TV miniseries in 2017.
While he appeared friendly and optimistic on screen, Matthew suffered greatly behind the scenes – especially from his addiction to drugs and alcohol – especially painkillers. He was addicted to Vicodin for years — even during his time on “Friends” — and was in and out of rehab.
Matthew open about this painful chapter of his life in his memoir, which he published last year – in which he detailed the struggles he had… including his significant weight loss/gain on the show.
During the release of his book…Matthew gave a series of interviews in which he became incredibly emotional – including one with Diane SawyerWhere is he details his story.
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Diane Sawyer/ABC News
While Perry appeared clean and sober a year ago, the year before – when he and the other cast members clogged the “Friends” reunion show – caused concern from fans… as they felt he was unwell, sometimes slurring his words and looking a little confused.
In addition to his drug use, Matthew also struggled with health problems, some of which were serious and required hospitalization. One such incident The reason for this was a gastrointestinal perforation which forced him to undergo emergency surgery…but fortunately he recovered.
Matthew never married, but he was briefly engaged To Molly Hurwitz a few years ago…which ended after only 6 months. He had previously been linked to him Lizzy Caplan.
He was 54 years old.
REST IN PEACE
Originally published – 5:10 p.m. PT