Matthew Perry's family have spoken out for the first time following the actor's death at the age of 54. In a statement issued to People magazine, they said: '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.'
The actor, best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on 28 October. Law enforcement sources said responders were called to the scene at around 4pm local time following a report of a cardiac arrest. Water rescue protocol was initiated after it was suspected he had drowned in his hot tub. No drugs were found at the scene, and foul play is not suspected.
Perry had been open about his long-standing struggles with opioid addiction, which had significantly impacted his time on Friends. He was once addicted to the painkiller Vicodin. The actor is survived by his father, actor John Bennett Perry, his mother Suzanne Morrison, stepfather Keith Morrison, and five younger half-siblings.
Tributes have poured in from fans and celebrities alike. Journalist Billy Bush described Perry as 'the guy you wanted to be friends with' and praised his 'courage under the grips of a relentless disease'. Friends originally aired from 1994 to 2004, with a reunion special broadcast in 2021.
