Beloved 'Friends' star Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54

A spokesman for the actor and law enforcement confirmed to NBC News that the cherished "Friends" star Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54. After what appeared to be a drowning, he was discovered at his Pacific Palisades house.

There is no indication of foul play, and two law enforcement officials tell NBC News that this is still a death investigation, which means the coroner will normally handle it. The cause of death has not been established.

Perry became well-known for his role as Chandler Bing, one of the six closest friends who shared a New York City apartment, in the 1990s smash comedy series "Friends."

In addition to the ten seasons of the sitcom that aired from 1994 to 2004, Perry starred in a number of other popular television shows, including Growing Pains, The West Wing, Boys Will Be Boys, Growing Pains, and Scrubs.

Throughout his career, Perry has been transparent about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. Based on his memoir, actor Perry experienced a near-death experience in 2019 after his intestines burst from opiate addiction. He was given a 2% chance of life at the time of his emergency seven-hour surgery.

Perry made it through the surgery, but he spent the next two weeks in a coma and then five months in the hospital. According to his book, he had at least 14 more procedures after that.

Perry also discussed his battles with addiction in his memoir, disclosing that he had visited a minimum of 15 rehab facilities and had spent over $7 million trying to kick the habit.

Perry wrote, "I've been to death's door, gone to therapy twice a week for thirty years, and been in a mental institution."

Following the actor's passing, tributes to him were overwhelming. Maggie Wheeler, who portrayed his character's erratic girlfriend on "Friends," described him to NBC News as "an extraordinarily giving actor."

He was so brilliant that every time I took the stage with him, I did not feel better. He had perfect comedic timing, even at his worst moments. As the world learned from his book, Matthew endured abject suffering. I pray that behind that pain, he is at peace. Everyone who knew and loved Chandler Bing will miss him since he passed away far too soon."

Warner Bros. and the official "Friends" Instagram account both shared posts soon after the news of his passing surfaced.

"The news of Matthew Perry's passing breaks our hearts. For us all, he was a genuine gift. We send our condolences to his family, friends, and all of his admirers," the statement said.

Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, went to school with Perry and expressed his surprise at X.

"Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening," he wrote in a letter. "People all across the world will always remember the joy he brought them, and I myself will never forget the games we used to play in the schoolyard." Matthew, I appreciate all of the laughs. You will be missed, and you were loved."