UPDATE: 'Friends' Star Matthew Perry Dead at 54
The beloved actor reportedly drowned at his Los Angeles home.
Update: In a recent New York Times article, new contributing causes to Friends actor, Matthew Perry’s death have been identified.
The article reports that while coronary artery disease and drowning were also causes of Perry’s death, “acute effects” of ketamine have been confirmed as the primary cause of his death in accordance to an autopsy report released by the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office yesterday.
In the past, Perry has publically spoken about his struggles with addiction and substance abuse. According to the report, Perry was undergoing ketamine therapy before his death, which is an increasingly popular alternative treatment that’s been touted to treat mental health disorders. Despite acknowledging this, the report also notes the ketamine traces found in his system were too recent to have been from his previous known therapy session, which is said to be over a week and a half ago.
Original: According to reports, 54-year-old Friends star Matthew Perry was found dead at his Los Angeles home Saturday. The reports note that law enforcement responded to a call to the actor’s home around 4 p.m. local time where they found Perry unresponsive in his hot tub.
The investigation into the death of Matthew Perry is still ongoing but sources are noting the actor drowned, no drugs were found and no foul play is suspected. An official ruling for the cause of death is set to be announced by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office following the investigation.
“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry,” shared Warner Bros. Television Group in a statement. “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.”
After getting into show business as a child actor with guest spots in Charles in Charge and Beverly Hills 90210, Matthew Perry landed his first big role opposite River Phoenix in the film A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon. Despite his big break on Friends, the pressures of stardom weighed heavy on the actor, who shared his struggles with alcohol and opioids in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Matthew Perry, rest in peace.
