The Death of Matthew Perry
Celebration of the Late Actor and Activist
The death of actor Matthew Perry shocked the world Thursday, Oct. 28. 54-year-old Perry was found dead in his hot tub at his L.A. home, but the cause of death remains unknown.
He was found unconscious by a bystander who contacted The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and paramedics. When they arrived on the scene, they pronounced Perry dead. According to The Los Angeles Times, law enforcement stated that they did not find any drugs in the home but that an investigation is being conducted as well as a toxicology report which is estimated to take months. As of now, no foul play or drugs are suspected but an anonymous law enforcement source said that prescription drugs found in the home will be taken into consideration during the investigation.
According to Fox News, concerns about drowning or heat stroke have been raised by investigators around LA, but he could have easily died from natural causes due to surgeries and medical emergencies as well. In the future, the public is likely to hear different rumors as to what occurred until the toxicology report comes back, and when the investigation is finished which will reveal the real cause of death.
“It really just upset me because I am a really big fan of the ‘Friends’ franchise,” senior Will Patterson said. “Matthew Perry was just such a big part of my life growing up and he was so influential.”
While the world continues to grieve Perry’s death, he believed that it was important to recognize all the beneficial things he did for people struggling with addiction. In an interview with ET, he told the world what the way he wanted to be remembered.
“I've said this for a long time: when I die, I don't want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that's mentioned,” Perry said. “I want that [being an advocate] to be the first thing that's mentioned. And I'm going to live the rest of my life proving that."
Perry was best known for his portrayal of the character Chandler Bing from the 90s sitcom “Friends.” He played in other films including “17 Again,” “The Odd Couple” and “Serving Sara,” but is widely known for being an advocate for rehabilitation.
"I think it's important to recognize all that he's done,” senior Maria Boulos said. “He is such an influential figure.”
He struggled with addiction for years and confessed to undergoing 14 surgeries for addiction related illnesses and 15 visits to rehabilitation centers. He claimed to have been sober since 2021 and a close friend who saw him the day before he passed vouched that he was sober.
“The best thing about me, bar none, is if somebody comes up to me and says, 'I can't stop drinking. Can you help me?' I can say yes and follow up and do it,” Perry said.
As well as being a helping hand and supporter of rehabilitation, he founded the Perry House, a men’s sober living facility which remained open for two years. Perry was an advocate for change and helped many people recover and come back from addiction. Although he was an integral part of “Friends,” Perry will remain a role model for many people long after his death.
“I aspire to be like him one day,” Patterson said. “I want to be known for helping people.”
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