Tributes have begun pouring in from Hollywood for Matthew Perry, who has sadly passed away at the age of 54.
The beloved actor, best known for his portrayal of sarcastic joker Chandler Bing in the hit 90s sitcom Friends, died after being found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home on Saturday (October 28).
TMZ and Los Angeles Times reported that the five-time Emmy nominee was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub after authorities arrived at the actor's home at around 4:00PM.
A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson told BBC News that first responders were dispatched to an address in the Pacific Palisades area in response to an unknown "water emergency". However, Perry was not mentioned by name.
Perry rose to fame for his longtime role as Chandler Bing in one of the most successful TV series of all time.
The cherished series ran for 10 seasons on NBC from 1994 to 2004, and turned its young cast - Perry, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and Courteney Cox - into megastars.
The studio that produced Friends, Warner Bros. TV, confirmed the iconic comedic actor's tragic passing in a statement that read: "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.
"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."
As news of Perry's sudden death circulated online, it elicited an emotional reaction from both within and outside of the entertainment community, including his former co-stars on Friends.
Maggie Wheeler - who played Chandler's on/off girlfriend Janice in Friends - was the first of Perry's co-stars to publicly pay tribute to the actor. The 62-year-old actress remembered the man who captured the hearts of millions, writing that the "joy" he brought to "so many" in his "too short lifetime will live on."
"I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared," she added on Instagram.
Morgan Fairchild - who played Perry's on-screen mother Nora Bing - also penned a heartfelt 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."
Actor Michael Rappaport, who had a recurring role on the show as Gary in season five of the show, also took to the social media platform to offer his thoughts on Perry, calling him a "part of American culture".
Paget Brewster, who appeared as Kathy in season four of the comedy - shared a similar sentiment, recalling how Perry was "lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after," adding: "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."
Actress Selma Blair, who starred as Wendy in season nine - also shared a sincere message on Instagram: "My oldest boyfriend. 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."
As of this writing, law enforcement sources - who have remained anonymous due to the ongoing investigation - have not provided a cause of death, but informed the LA Times that no drugs were found at the scene.
Furthermore, it is believed that no foul play was involved in the star's passing.
Our thoughts are with the beloved actor's friends, family, and fans at this time.
