Justin Trudeau pays tribute to Matthew Perry after the actor revealed he'd once beaten up the politician in schoolyard

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has paid a touching tribute to Friends' actor Matthew Perry.

Perry was found having passed away at the age of 54 at his home in Los Angeles by authorities yesterday (Saturday, 28 October).

Fans and friends of the actor - best known and loved for his role of Chandler Bing in US sitcom Friends - have flooded to social media to commemorate the star, including Trudeau, who went to school with Perry.

Perry appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2017 opening up about a story he wasn't 'proud of' which took place when he was in fifth grade - aged around 10 years old - at school in Canada.

The actor explained he was a couple of years ahead of Trudeau, but that didn't stop them from having an interaction in the playground.

Perry said he was reminded of the story by his friend, Chris Murray, recalling: "We actually beat up Justin Trudeau.

"[...] We both beat him up and I think he was excelling in a sport that we weren't - so pure jealousy. And we, you know, beat him up."

Getty Images/ Frederick M. Brown

Perry noted he wasn't 'bragging' about the childhood story, adding he was 'a stupid kid' and 'didn't want to beat him [Trudeau] up'.

"I think at one point I tried to turn it into love play," he jokes. "But I think I was rather instrumental in him going to such great heights and becoming the prime minister.

"I think he said, 'I'm going to rise above this and I'm going to become prime minister'."

Trudeau then responded to the interview by taking to X - formerly known as Twitter - to joke: "I've been giving it some thought, and you know what, who hasn't wanted to punch Chandler? How about a rematch @Matthew Perry?"

"I think I will pass at your request for a rematch kind sir (given that you currently have an army at your disposal)," Perry responded.

Despite it not being a 'proud' moment for Perry, Trudeau only has fond memories of his time at school with the actor.

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And the Canadian prime minister took to X earlier today (Sunday, 29 October) to commemorate him.

The post reads: "Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening.

"I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them.

"Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved – and you will be missed."

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Perry's death is currently being investigated by Los Angeles Police Department's robbery-homicide detectives, according to the LA Times, but no foul play is suspected.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677