Farewell to the One Who Made Us Laugh

THE FRIENDS STAR WAS A COMIC GENIUS WHO LOVED BATMAN AND HAD A HEART OF GOLD-AND MADE IT HIS MISSION TO HELP OTHERS EVEN AS HE FACED HIS OWN DEMONS

- JULIE JORDAN

MATTHEW PERRY 1969-2023

Matthew Perry appeared to be in a very good place. The beloved Friends star, who battled alcohol and drug addiction for decades, had moved into a newly renovated home overlooking the ocean in the L.A. neighborhood Pacific Palisades. He'd also just signed on to star in a new drama film, Unworthy, and was toying around with an idea for a series featuring a Batman-esque character named Mattman. He was traveling with friends including to the French Open in June-and playing pickleball almost every day. "He was having fun," says a source close to him. "And he was incredibly happy."

That promising future came to a devastating end on Oct. 28 when Perry was found dead at age 54 in a hot tub in the backyard of his home. As of press time the L.A. County Medical Examiner's Office had not established the cause of death. According to reports, no illegal drugs were found at the scene, and no foul play was suspected; a toxicology report is pending following his autopsy. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother," his family told People in an exclusive statement. "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."