Matthew Perry Dead at 54: Olivia Munn, Rumer Willis and More Stars React

Matthew Perry died on Oct. 28 after an apparent drowning at his home in Southern California, the Friends actor's rep, as well as a law enforcement source, confirmed to NBC News. He was 54.

By Jess Cohen Oct 29, 2023 2:34 AMTags
Watch: In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2023

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a beloved friend.

Matthew Perry, who portrayed character Chandler Bing on 10 seasons of Friends, died on Oct. 28 after an apparent drowning at his Southern California home, a rep and law enforcement source confirmed to NBC News. He was 54.

According to the law enforcement source, the incident was "treated as a water rescue," and there's no apparent foul play.

The Whole Nine Yards actor's passing comes just one year after the release of his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. "People have just loved it," Perry, who shared his struggle with addiction in the book, told E! News in Nov. 2022. "I shied away from nothing and I told the truth and the biggest thing was, the goal was, to help people and I know of a lot of people already who have been helped by it."

The Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip alum also noted that it surprised him how much "people took the story into their hearts," adding, "We've already heard about five different people that have read it and then checked into rehab the next day."

As news of Perry's death emerged, many fans and fellow stars took to social media to honor his memory. 

"He struggled so much with addiction and was brave enough to be open and honest about it," Olivia Munn wrote on Instagram Story Oct. 28. "I'm so sorry to his family and friends who are getting this news today. Nothing short of heartbreaking."

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Celebrity Deaths: 2023's Fallen Stars

To see more moving tributes to Perry, keep reading...

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Maggie Wheeler: "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."

Morgan Fairchild: "I'm heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son'. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I'm sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest."

Rumer Willis: "I'm so sad to hear about Matthew Perry passing. When I was a kid and I was on set while he and my dad were doing whole nine and whole 10 yards he was so kind and funny and sweet with my sisters and me and I think his physical comedy and that movie still makes me laugh so much, I know he had many challenges in his life and brought a lot of joy to people with his comedy I hope he can rest peacefully." 

Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images

Yvette Nicole Brown: "Our #OddCouple family suffered a great loss today. The entire entertainment world has. I am too sad about the news to say more than this: @mattyperry4 was a sweetheart who deserved more peace in this life. 54 is too young to go. We love you, Matty! #RIPMatthewPerry."

Ian Ziering: "RIP Matthew. My heart goes out to his family and all he was dear to. What a great guy, so sad."

Valerie Bertinelli: "Rest in peace, sweet man."

Justin Trudeau: "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."

Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

Shannen Doherty: "We were a gang way back. We all grew up together going to the Formosa, North and constantly laughing. Matt, Roger, David, Roxana. We played dare and Matt had to say ridiculous things to girls at the bar. We just always had fun and supported each other. You would always find us all together in a booth speaking in our own made up language. And yes, Matt always had THAT sense of humor. Matt and I had a date and it was on Valentine's Day. He wanted to get a reservation at a restaurant in Malibu but couldn't so my dad got the reservation for him. We went and he talked about my dads Irish persuasiveness the majority of the night. Our friendship spanned a long time. A lifetime really. I know many are hurting, especially our little gang. He will be missed by many and definitely by us. Yes. I could be more poetic or say things better but right now, shock and sadness prevail."

Paget Brewster: "I'm so very sad to hear about @MatthewPerry. He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after. Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won't rest in peace though.. He's already too busy making everyone laugh up there."

Mira Sorvino: "Oh no!!! Matthew Perry!! You sweet, troubled soul!! May you find peace and happiness in Heaven, making everyone laugh with your singular wit!!!"

Tom Green: "Shocked and saddened to just hear about the passing of Matthew Perry in a tragic drowning. He is one of the many talented and incredible success stories from my hometown of Ottawa Canada. Rest in peace Matthew."

Photo by Michael Kovac/FilmMagic

Lucy Hale: "Rest easy."

Melissa Rivers: "A high school classmate died today. So sad. Gone too soon. RIP."

George Takei: "What a tragic piece of news to read. My heart goes out to his loved ones and long time cast mates."

Mike Sorrentino: "RIP Mathew Perry."

Piers Morgan: "RIP Matthew Perry, 54. The Friends star was a great actor, but by his own admission, a very tormented guy. His recent autobiography about his addiction-ravaged life was one of the most powerful, honest and revealing I've ever read. Such sad news."

Paul Nassif: "Shocked and saddened by the news of the sudden passing of @MatthewPerry. You gave the whole world the priceless gifts of light and laughter. May you rest in peace and I will keep you, your family and close friends in my prayers."

Keep scrolling to revisit Perry's life and photos...

1988

The Boys Will Be Boys star poses for a photo while at the Limelight in New York City.

1990

The Sydney actor takes a break while on the set of the CBS series in Los Angeles, California.

1994

The Friends star sits by the well-known fountain that serves as the backdrop for the show's opening sequence.

1996

The Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing author attends the Scream premiere in Los Angeles.

1997

Perry poses while on the set of Friends as his beloved character Chandler Bing.

2000

The 17 Again star attends the Los Angeles premiere of The Grinch.

2004

The actor hits the red carpet for the premiere of The Whole Ten Yards.

2006

The Mr. Sunshine star attends the Entertainment Weekly and Matrix Men upfront party.

2012

 The Odd Couple actor hangs out backstage at an event in celebration of the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards.

2016

Perry poses for a photo while at the play The End Of Longing.

2017

The American-Canadian actor was front and center at The Circle premiere in New York City.

2022

Perry attends the 2022 GQ Men of the Year party.

2023

Six months prior to his passing, the Almost Heroes star discussed his memoir while on stage at the 2023 Los Angeles Times Festival.

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