Friends cast 'so utterly devastated' at death of Matthew Perry - live updates

Matthew Perry spotted with woman 24 hours before death

Matthew Perry was spotted out with a mysterious woman the day before he died.

The legendary Friends actor, who died on Saturday aged just 54, appeared in good spirits in the meeting with a woman at the Hotel Bel-Air in California. Matthew was found unresponsive in his hot tub at around 4pm and was declared dead after emergency services went through a water rescue protocol.

In the years before his death, Matthew was vocal and candid about his experiences in the hospital and with addiction. In 2018, the actor suffered from an exploded colon and coma, given a 2% chance of survival. Nonetheless, he lived and entered a period of recovery.

Laura Whitmore likens herself and Iain Stirling to Brad Pitt and Jen Aniston

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Lisa Kudrow said Matthew 'survived impossible odds'

Lisa Kudrow revealed her Friends co-star and long-time pal Matthew Perry "survived impossible odds" before his tragic death over the weekend.

Well before the devastating news of Matthew's death was announced, the actress wrote about her friendship with Matthew and his serious battle with addiction. In her forward for her co-star's memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing she wrote how she felt and responded to the frequent question: "How's Matthew Perry doing?"

She wrote: "Over the many years since I was first asked, it's been, at different times, the most asked question for me. I understand why so many people asked it: they love Matthew and they want him to be OK," she added: "Me too."

Lisa explained that throughout the years she "always bristled at that question from the press" because she felt like it wasn't her business to share. She wrote: "I couldn't say what I wanted to say: 'It's his story to tell and I'm not authorized to tell it really, am I?!'"

Matthew Perry and Lisa Kudrow (WireImage for Lollipop Theater Network)

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Friends creator spoke to 'chipper' Matthew Perry weeks before death

The creator of Friends has revealed she spoke to Matthew Perry just two weeks before his death - saying he was "chipper" and "in a good place".

The famous actor was most well-known for playing his beloved character Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends. Now, creators of the hit show Marta Kauffman and David Crane have spoken out about the last conversation they had with Perry.

They said he was "great, happy and chipper" when they had a conversation with him just two weeks ago. Speaking to Today host Hoda Kotb, Marta added: "He didn't seem weighed down by anything. He was in a really good place, which is why this seems so unfair."

Matthew's Friends co-stars have shared touching tributes since his sad passing. In a joint statement, they said: "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.

"There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty's family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

Friends creator Marta Kauffman reveals she spoke to Matthew Perry just two weeks before his death (NBC News/Today)

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Matthew Perry 'active in Alcoholics Anonymous' before his death

A source has claimed Matthew Perry was sober and very active in his Alcoholics Anonymous recovery program in the lead up to his death.

A member of the group said he seemed to be "doing well" before he was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. Matthew is said to have been attending meetings and working with a handful of newcomers.

"He had a sponsor and was a sponsor. He seemed to be doing well," the source told Daily Mail.

Matthew Perry enjoyed dinner date day before he died

Matthew Perry seemed to be in good spirits as he was spotted having lunch just one day before he was found dead at his home in Los Angeles.

In pictures obtained by TMZ, the actor was seen sat at the Hotel Bel-Air on Friday night. He spent his time with a mystery brunette. Bystanders at the hotel say they sat at their table for more than an hour before leaving.

The pair seemed engrossed in conversation as they enjoyed some food and drinks.

Friends creator spoke to Matthew Perry two weeks before his death

Marta Kauffman, one of the creators of Friends, has revealed she spoke to Matthew Perry just two weeks before his death.

She said the actor had seemed "happy, chipper and not weighed down by anything". During an interview on the Today show, Marta added: "He was in a really good place, which is why this seems so unfair."

Matthew Perry's death investigated by robbery homicide cops

Matthew Perry's death is being investigated by robbery homicide police, despite there being no signs of foul play.

Investigators said there were no illegal drugs were found at his home although prescription drugs were. It is standard procedure for the LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division to investigate high-profile cases including famous actors, according to TMZ.

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How Matthew Perry wanted to be remembered

Matthew Perry was well-known for his role in Friends, but he admitted he wanted to be remembered for something else when he died.

For years, the actor struggled with addiction. However, he ultimately overcame his demons and dedicated the rest of his life to helping others.

"When I die, I don't want 'Friends' to be the first thing that's mentioned," Matthew said during an interview on the Q With Tom Power podcast in 2022. "I want [helping people] to be the first thing that's mentioned, and I'm gonna live the rest of my life proving that."

Matthew Perry praised Jennifer Aniston for reaching out

Matthew Perry revealed Jennifer Aniston was the "one that reached out most" as he struggled with addiction issues.

"She was the one that reached out the most. You know, I'm really grateful to her for that," he revealed during an October 2022 interview with Diane Sawyer. he also said it was Jennifer who initially confronted him over his addiction.

"I should have been the toast of the town, but I was in a dark room meeting with nothing but drug dealers and completely alone," Matthew added.

Matthew Perry’s words of advice in last interview

Matthew Perry's last interview before his death has been shared on social media.

In the clip, the actor gave advice to those going through addiction, something he himself had experienced. In the video, originally from November 2022, Matthew said: "I’ve been asked to give any general life advice, which is kind of funny that I’ve been asked to do that."

He added: "I want people to understand that they’re not alone, that there are other people feeling exactly the way they’re feeling, that their behaviour is not insane, that they have a disease and it’s not their fault."

John Stamos almost quit showbiz before Matthew Perry stopped him

John Stamos has admitted he came close to quitting showbusiness before he was supported by Matthew Perry.

During the ninth season of Friends, John starred as a prospective sperm donor for Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Perry) but he suffered an "embarrasing" moment while filming. "Standing backstage, ready to make my entrance, Matt whispers, ‘The audience is going go crazy when they see you! Get ready for some loud screams'," John recalled on Instagram.

"I walk through the door … silence. I was so embarrassed," he added. However, Matthew walked over and introduced John to the audience before they broke out into applause.

Matthew Perry had heartbreaking anxiety struggles

Matthew Perry once admitted he suffered from anxiety and at one point, felt like "I was gonna die".

The actor started suffering from anxiery as he was trying to be funny in front of the live Friends audience, which aired from 1994 until 2004. Speaking on the Friends reunion special, he admitted being "great" made him nervous.

"To me, I felt like I was gonna die if they didn't laugh," he explained. "And it's not healthy for sure, but I would sometimes say a line and they wouldn't laugh and I would sweat and just go into convulsions."

Matthew Perry helped make Friends fan's 'dying wish’ come true

Friends fan Melissa Reich was helped by Matthew Perry after being diagnosed with ovarion cancer.

Melissa, who has survived the disease, took to Instagram shortly after Matthew's death to share how he made sure her once-dying wish came true. She explained how she was invited to the set of Friends after being granted a wish from Make A Wish Foundation.

She said she was initially "only allowed watch an episode rehearsal" of the sitcom, but this changed when she met Matthew. "Once I met Matthew Perry, he said that wasn’t good enough. He told the producers to put me in the front row for the taping AND to put me in as an extra. And they did," she said.

Matthew Perry had a 'secret crush' on Lisa Kudrow

Matthew Perry had a big crush on some of his Friends co-stars, one of which was Lisa Kudrom.

Revealing his crush, Matthew told Diane Sawyer: "It made it kind of difficult to go to work because I had to pretend I didn't have these crushes." However, Matthew avoided having any sort of romantic relationship with Lisa or any of the other cast members. He said that on set there was a "no hookup rule."

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Fate of Matthew Perry's dog revealed

Matthew Perry's dog Alfred will be looked after by his ex-fiancée Molly Hurwitz following his tragic death.

Reports had suggested Matthew's Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow was planning to adopt Matthew's dog, but it's quickly been arranged that the doodle mix will return to his official owner, Molly.

Molly was initially linked to the actor in 2018, and the pair were engaged in November of 2020, before separating in June 2021. Since their split, Alfred has been a regular staple on Molly's Instagram.

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Loose Women star slammed over insensitive Matthew Perry post

Janet Street-Porter has been slammed for an insensitive tweet she made following the death of Friends legend, Matthew Perry.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday, she said: "Am I the only person who has managed to live a fulfilling life without watching Friends?" The Loose Women presenter was quickly criticised online with many asking why she felt the need to criticise the show after the actor's tragic passing. Read more here.

Matthew Perry's cause of death still under investigation

Matthew Perry's death is still being investigated as some circumstances are still unknown. Authorities have not released an official cause of death, but early reports said authorities did not immediately suspect foul play. Due to Matthew's "celebrity status," authorities conducted a preliminary investigation, as per a statement given to The New York Times. Additionally, at the time, there were no drugs found on the scene.

Reportedly,emergency services responded to a a 9-1-1 call in regards to cardiac arrest. When they arrived on the scene Saturday around 4:00 p.m. PST, they found Matthew unresponsive in his hot tub and, after going through a water rescue protocol, declared him dead. Read more.

Helen Baxendale's sombre stroll

Helen Baxendale looked sombre as she was pictured for the first time since her former Friends co-star Matthew Perry 's death over the weekend. See the images here.

Cold Feet actress Helen played Ross' English girlfriend and then fiancée Emily Waltham in Friends alongside Matthew. Ahead of Emily's marriage to Ross, the cast made their way to London for a special set of episodes. In the episodes, Chandler Bing, Matthew's character, sleeps with Ross' sister Monica Geller, kickstarting their romance.

Matthew Perry's funeral plans get underway in LA

Matthew Perry's funeral plans are reportedly underway following his tragic death over the weekend. The late actor's body has been released to his family, allowing them to begin their funeral plans.

In a statement, the family wrote: "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. 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." Read more on this story here.

Matthew Perry's romance with Mean Girls star and heartbreak as she got married

It was already common knowledge that Friends star Matthew Perry, who suddenly died last night, was previously engaged to Molly Hurwitz, but fans are discovering his almost-marriage to Lizzy Caplan.

The comedy legend shared the intimate details of his six-year relationship with Mean Girls star Lizzy Caplan in his memoir, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. Matthew never mentions Lizzy by name, but fans obviously figured out who she was. He wrote that he was "seconds away" from getting down on one knee, admitting that he had planned a giant romantic gesture. Read the full story here.

Matthew and Lizzy, pictured here playing Janis Ian in Mean Girls, dated for six years (CBS via Getty Images)

Matthew's bond with lifesaving assistant

Matthew Perry had a very close years-long relationship with his "best friend" and assistant Briana Brancato who "saved his life".

In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, the Friends star describes Briana under the pseudonym 'Erin', but states that she sat by his bedside every night for five months when he was in hospital after suffering from an exploded colon. He explained how she pushed past the nurses and bundled him into her car and made their way to UCLA.

"'I have to go fast,' Erin said, her brown, compassionate eyes looking over at me with concern and fear. 'We have to get you there now.' It was right about here that I drifted out of consciousness," Matthew wrote. "She saved my life at the rehab when my insides exploded, and she saves it every day still." Read the full story and Biancia's tribute here.

Matthew Perry finally rewatched Friends before his death

Matthew Perry's former fiancée Molly Hurwitz has said that the late actor rewatched episodes of Friends ahead of the cast's reunion and had a bittersweet revelation.

Speaking in 2016 about his addiction battles, Matthew admitted he didn't recall large chunks of his time on Friends. Chatting on BBC Radio 2, he said: "I don’t remember three years of [the show]. Somewhere between Seasons 3 and 6 … I was a little out of it." He also revealed he struggled to rewatch the sitcom that made him a household name.

But his former partner Molly has now revealed the Chandler Bing actor did manage to watch his incredible performances prior to his tragic death. Read the full story here.

New details about Matthew's death emerge

New details are being reported in relation to the death of actor Matthew. The Friends icon was reportedly found in his hot tub in an apparent drowning on Saturday, with it later confirmed he had passed away at the age of 54.

It's now been reported that the late actor's body wasn't in the hot tub for long before he was found dead from an apparent drowning, adding to the tragedy. It's been claimed that law enforcement sources have said that his body was not waterlogged when first responders arrived at his home in California and declared him dead at the scene.

The Studio 60 actor is said to have been alone when he died, with his assistant having reportedly been out on an errand at the time, according to TMZ. When the assistant returned, Matthew was found underwater and they were able to "bring him above water," however, he was "unresponsive." Read more here.

Salma Hayek pens sweet tribute to Fools Rush In co-star

Salma Hayek has shared a lengthy tribute to her former co-star Matthew and said she will always cherish the late actor’s “silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart.”

The actress, who starred alongside Matthew in the 1997 film Fools Rush In, shared a series of pictures of herself and the Friends star with her fans on Instagram and told her followers: “Two days ago, I woke up to the shocking news that Matthew Perry is no longer with us. It’s taken me a couple of days to process this profound sadness. There is a special bond that happens when you share dreams with someone, and together you work towards them.

“I was very moved last year when Matthew shared on his Instagram stories how much he loved 'Fools Rush In,' and how he thought that that film we did together was probably his best movie. Throughout the years, he and I found ourselves reminiscing about that meaningful time in our lives with a deep sense of nostalgia and gratitude. My friend, you are gone much too soon, but I will continue to cherish your silliness, your perseverance, and your lovely heart. Farewell, sweet Matthew, we will never forget you.”

Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek in a scene from the film Fools Rush In

Matthew's memoir becomes #1 bestseller again

Following Matthew’s heartbreaking death over the weekend, the late actor’s 2022 memoir has shot back up the bestseller charts on Amazon. Friends, Lovers and The Big Terrible Thing, Matthew’s honest and humour account of his life and addiction battles, has become the #1 book on Amazon, replacing Britney Spears’ autobiography The Woman In Me.

In his raw memoir, Matthew revealed to readers that he once spent weeks in a coma during the height of his addiction battles. The late star detailed just how close he came to dying as he struggled with drug and alcohol and recalled his family being told he only had a 2% chance of pulling through, after overusing opioids caused the actor's colon to burst when he was aged 49.

Matthew explained in the book how he had to use a colostomy bag for nine months following the near-death experience and underwent a total of 14 surgeries on his stomach - alongside 15 trips to rehab in a bid to get sober and manage his addictions.

Lisa Kudrow wished she could do more to help Matthew Perry

Lisa Kudrow once said that she had "periods of wondering" if she "was wrong for not doing more" to help her former co-star and pal Matthew Perry with his addiction.

The actress penned the foreword for Matthew's memoir last year and began by stating that "the most asked question" to her over the years had been: "How's Matthew Perry doing?" Lisa said she was aware people "love" him and wanted him to be okay, adding that she felt the same.

Lisa then shared with readers that she hadn't wanted to speak for him and that at times she wasn't sure herself how he was doing. Lisa went on to write about how it took time for him to open up about some of his experiences.

She continued by sharing in the memoir: "Over those years I didn't really try to intervene or confront him, because the little I knew about addiction was that his sobriety was out of my hands. And yet, I would have periods of wondering if I was wrong for not doing more, doing something." Read more here.

Fans plan Halloween tribute

Matthew’s fans have taken to social media in the wake of his death to suggest those mourning the late actor use his work on the show Friends as inspiration for their Halloween costumes this year.

Writing on Twitter, also known as X, one mourning fan shared a snap of Matthew’s character Chandler in a pink bunny costume and suggested: “In loving memory of Matthew Perry, It would be awesome if people dressed up as a pink bunny for Halloween tomorrow.” The post currently has over 30,000 likes, with replies suggesting other Chandler costume ideas.

Chandler’s costume was from the episode The One with the Halloween Party, where Monica buys her husband a pink bunny costume at the last minute as he loved the book The Velveteen Rabbit as a child - something Chandler wasn’t too happy about.

"It was either a pink bunny, or no bunny at all,” Monica tells him when he feels uncomfortable about the pink get-up, to which Chandler quips back with: "No bunny at all. Always no bunny at all!"

Kate Hudson recalls playing tennis and laughing with Matthew Perry

'As you can see, to know him was to adore him'

Kate Hudson has shared a sweet tribute to the late Friends actor following his death over the weekend, remembering laughing and playing tennis with the comedy star.

Taking to her Instagram Stories, the Oscar-winning actress shared a picture of herself and Matthew presenting an award on stage together at the 2004 MTV Movie Awards. She told her millions of followers: “As you can see, to know him was to adore him.

“We played tennis and played more tennis, talked endlessly about trials and tribulations of love and then would talk some more as we would laugh our asses off and then laughed some more.”

She concluded: “'I share the same sadness with all our film and TV community who shared time with Matthew. I send my love and condolences to his family and his work families. We love you Matthew.”

Max tribute to Matthew

Max, HBO’s streaming platform, is paying tribute to Matthew via the show that made him a household name.

Many will be flocking to rewatch Friends in the wake of Matthew’s death and take comfort in the late actor’s portrayal of wise-cracking Chandler Bing. Those who watch via Max will notice when they click on the first episode of any of the 10 available seasons, they will see a brief tribute that reads, “In Memory of Matthew Perry.”

Charmed actress begs 'can we let Matthew rest in peace'

Alyssa Milano, best known for playing Phoebe Halliwell in Charmed, has taken to Twitter (aka X) to ask her followers to "let Matthew rest in peace".

The actress penned: "I’m begging you…can we please let Matthew Perry rest in peace? It doesn’t matter how he died. What matters is how he lived."