Friends co-creators praise the ‘joy, light, and blinding intelligence’ of Matthew Perry
The co-creators of Friends have spoken out after the tragic death of Matthew Perry.
The legendary actor who played Chandler Bing in the iconic TV series passed away over the weekend after a suspected drowning.
The 54-year-old was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his home in Los Angeles at about 4pm local time, according to law enforcement sources.
There were no signs of foul play or drugs on the scene, and an investigation is currently underway.
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In the wake of his death, fans all around the world have been paying tribute to his legacy.
The people who brought Friends to life, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, say the world has lost an incredibly funny individual.
“We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well,” Kauffman and Crane said in a joint statement with executive producer and director Kevin Bright.
“This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
They added: "We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible.
"All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives."
Their joint statement added how they were constantly amazed at how Perry managed to bring Chandler's lines to life.
"He was a brilliant talent," they said.
"It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words.
"From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us.
"He was always the funniest person in the room.
"More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart."
Perry was born in August 1969 to his mother, journalist Suzanne Marie Morrison, and father, actor John Bennett Perry.
He was raised by his mother in Ontario after his parents split up, and his mom later went on to marry Keith Morrison, who is known for hosting NBC News’ Dateline.
He was also the oldest of five half-siblings, Caitlin, Emily, Maria, Will and Madeline.
They have also released a joint message to fans following his death.
Perry's family 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."
Topics: Friends, Matthew Perry, Celebrity
Stewart Perrie