Friends star Matt Perry dead at 54

Matt Perry, best known for his TV role of Chandler Bing on Friends has died at the age of 54.

The actor was reportedly found dead in his Los Angeles residence, with sources saying he was found unresponsive in his hot tub.

Matt Perry was best known for his long-standing role as Chandler Bing, the wise-cracking, sarcastic member of the hit comedy show Friends. Perry joined the show at its beginning in 1994 and was there all the way to its finale in 2004.

Starring alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow, Friends is arguably the biggest comedy TV show ever aired, going on to win several awards and be reaired on TV and streaming services constantly.

Despite its success, Matt Perry always said that he never watched the show in the same way others did, finding it incredibly difficult to see himself on screen.

This was due to a drink and drug addiction he experienced late into the show’s production, which was reportedly reflected in his appearance and performance. In an interview, Perry said: "I didn't watch the show, and haven't watched the show, because I could go, 'Drinking, opiates, drinking, cocaine,' … I could tell season by season, by how I looked. That's why I don't wanna watch it, because that's what I see.”

Despite those hardships, Perry still held the show in high regard, calling it a “true gift for us all.”

Fans worldwide have taken to social media to pay their respects, thanking Perry for his work and the impact it had on their lives.

One fan said: “Rest In Peace, Matt Perry! You provided millions of people all around the world with laughter and comfort!”

Another added: “Rest in Peace, Matt Perry. You were a good man who fought through drug addictions, and you came out the other end a better person.”

One more said: “Rest in peace, Matt Perry. You provided millions of people all around the world with laughter and comfort. Thank you for being our Chandler Bing.”

It’s truly a tragic passing, but Matt Perry leaves behind a lasting legacy of joy, happiness and comedy.