Devastated fans have flooded Matthew Perry's final Instagram post with heartfelt tributes following the tragic news of his death.
The 54-year-old Canadian-American actor was found unresponsive on Saturday (October 28) in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, law enforcement sources revealed.
According to TMZ, first responders arrived at the star's LA home at around 4:10PM in the afternoon. Police sources have also suggested that no drugs were found at the scene and that no foul play is currently suspected.
The cause of death will be determined at a later date by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
NBC (the network that aired Friends for all 10 seasons) confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement to the Los Angeles Times, which read: "We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry."
"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations," they concluded.
Warner Bros. Television Group - the studio that produced the hit show - also provided a statement regarding his sudden passing, penning: "We are 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," they continued. "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."
Just five days before his passing, Perry took to his Instagram to share a post of himself relaxing in a hot tub. Posing against the backdrop of a dark sky and sporting headphones, he wrote in the caption: "Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I'm Mattman." (The actor had been making several references to Batman in previous posts.)
Many of his shocked 8.6 million followers have now inundated the comment section with tribute messages and condolences. One user wrote: "Thanks for the smiles you gave when we needed it."
Another fan said: "One can even imagine the pain n pangs he was caged in but still refused to give up. We will always be his audience. I grew up with FRIENDS, feels like we all did. A comedy icon of my generation, in my opinion, such a gem. R.I.P MP. May he live the life he always wanted. Forever love."
A third supporter commented: "Thank you so much for your service as an incredibly hilarious actor who brought us belly aches and smiles for so many years. rest easy, my friend."
The star's death has also prompted an emotional reaction from the world of entertainment, including his former co-stars on Friends.
Morgan Fairchild - who played Perry's on-screen mother Nora Bing - penned a sincere tribute to the actor on X, writing: "I'm heartbroken about the untimely death of my 'son', Matthew Perry."
"The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock," she continued. "I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest."
Maggie Wheeler - who played Chandler's on/off girlfriend Janice in Friends - remembered the man who captured the hearts of millions on Instagram, writing that the "joy" he brought to "so many" in his "too short lifetime will live on." She added: "I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared."
Selma Blair, Paget Brewster, Morgan Fairchild, and Michael Rappaport have also remembered the late actor for his comic talent and caring soul.
Furthermore, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - who was one of Perry's childhood friends - penned on X: "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."
Perry rose to international fame for his portrayal of the snarky but lovable Chandler Bing in Friends. He starred alongside Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and Courteney Cox in the successful TV series that ran for 10 seasons on NBC from 1994 to 2004.
Our thoughts continue to be with Perry's friends, family, and fans at this time.
