Matthew Perry, beloved 'Friends' star, has died at age 54

Matthew Perry, beloved “Friends” star, has died at the age of 54, a representative for the actor and law enforcement confirmed to NBC News. He was found at his Pacific Palisades home after an apparent drowning.

At approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, Perry was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi, according to authorities. The Los Angeles City Fire Department pronounced him dead upon responding to the scene.

Detectives from robbery homicide division conducted a preliminary investigation and found "no obvious signs of trauma," authorities said. Perry's official cause of death is pending the coroner's investigation.

A cause of death has not been determined, and two law enforcement officers tell NBC News that this is a death investigation thus far, meaning that it typically will be handled by the coroner and that there is no sign of foul play.

Perry most notably rose to fame for starring in the '90s hit comedy series “Friends” as Chandler Bing, one of six best friends living together in New York City.

Aside from the show, which ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, Perry also appeared in several other hits like “Boys Will Be Boys,” “Growing Pains,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The West Wing” and “Scrubs,” among others.

Perry has been open about his battle with drugs and alcohol over the course of his career. In 2019, Perry had a near-death experience after his colon burst due to opioid overuse, according to the actor's memoir. He underwent emergency seven-hour surgery and was told at the time that he had a 2% chance of survival.

Perry survived the operation, but found himself in a two-week long coma, followed by a five-month hospitalization. Subsequently, he underwent at least 14 more surgeries, according to his book.

In his memoir, Perry also opened up about his struggles with addiction, revealing that he had spent upwards of $7 million in an attempt to become sober and had been to rehab at least 15 times.

“I’ve been in a mental institution, gone to therapy twice a week for thirty years, been to death’s door,” Perry wrote.

Tributes poured in for the actor after the news of his death. Maggie Wheeler, who played his character's on-again, off-again girlfriend on "Friends" told NBC News that he was "an incredibly generous actor."

"There was no single time I stepped onto a stage with him that I did not feel lifted by his brilliance. Even in his darkest moments, his comedic timing was impeccable. Matthew suffered so terribly as his book revealed to the world. I hope he is at peace beyond that suffering. He died way too soon and will be missed by all who loved and knew him in life, and as the beloved Chandler Bing."

The official "Friends" Instagram account, along with Warner Bros., posted shortly after the news of his death broke.

"We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry's passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans," it read.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended school with Perry and shared his shock on X.

"Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening," he wrote. "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."

The actor's last Instagram post was shared just six days ago. He can be seen sitting in the corner of what appears to be a hot tub under a moonlit sky.

"Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good?" reads the caption. "I'm Mattman."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com