Matthew Perry: Hollywood reacts to death of 'Friends' star
LOS ANGELES - Actor Matthew Perry, most widely known for his role as Chandler Bing in the 1990s hit "Friends," was found dead at his Los Angeles Saturday, according to police.
Law enforcement confirmed to FOX News that Perry was found dead after what appeared to be a drowning at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Images from SkyFOX showed an LAPD tent erected in the backyard near the pool, while investigators roamed the house and backyard.
Perry starred in every episode of the massively popular "Friends," alongside costars Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Matthew Perry, star of 'Friends,' dies after apparent drowning
According to TMZ, emergency personnel first responded to a call reporting cardiac arrest at the house. No drugs were found on the scene and no foul play is suspected, per the outlet.
In the aftermath of the news, Perry's family issued a statement to People Magazine saying:
"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."
According to People, Perry is survived by his father, actor John Bennett Perry, his mother, journalist Suzanne Morrison, his stepfather, "Dateline" correspondent Keith Morrison, and five siblings — Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, Madeline Morrison and Maria Perry.
Other tributes began pouring in shortly after the news was reported.
"We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew's passing," "Friends" co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright said in joint statement. "It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives."
"He was a brilliant talent," the statement continued. "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. 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. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.
"We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken."
In a statement Saturday, the Warner Bros. Television group wrote that they were, "devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. 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."
"We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry's passing," the official "Friends" account wrote on X. "He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones and all of his fans."
NBC Entertainment called Perry's passing "too soon" on X. "He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit," the account wrote.
Actres Selma Blair posted on Instagram mourning Perry's death, calling him "My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams."
Paget Brewster, who played Chandler's girlfriend on several episodes of "Friends" said "I’m so very sad to hear about Matthew Perry. He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after."
Maggie Wheeler, who played Janet on "Friends," said on Instagram "What a loss.The world will miss you Mathew Perry . The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."
Thousands of fans also took to social media once the news broke Saturday, to send condolences, and to recall their favorite moments of Perry's acting career.
"Matthew Perry was more than Chandler Bing," former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III wrote on X. "He was what made Friends go. Sad to hear of his passing, but thankful for the memories he gave us. Rest in Peace."
"I'm completely devastated by this news I can hardly believe it. Matthew Perry made Chandler Bing come to life," another X user wrote. "He made millions of people laugh even in dark times. Matthew you're so loved and you'll be so missed."
Perry was 54 years old.
City News Service contributed to this report.