Acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the long-running sitcom "Friends," has tragically passed away at the age of 54. The news of Perry's death was first reported by TMZ and later confirmed by the LAPD. The actor was found deceased at a home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles after police responded to a 911 call for a water rescue on Saturday afternoon.

Reports indicate that Perry was discovered in a hot tub or jacuzzi, although Reuters has not been able to independently confirm this information. NBC News, citing an unnamed representative for the actor and a law enforcement source, reported that Perry was found dead due to an apparent drowning at his home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

Matthew Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing on “Friends” catapulted him to international stardom. With his eccentric mannerisms and quirky personality, Perry quickly became a fan favorite on the show that aired for an impressive 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. Reflecting on his time on “Friends” in a 2015 interview with CBS News, Perry described it as a "wonderful time in my life."

"It's great, it's a wonderful time in my life," he said. "People come up to me that I know were not born when we shot the show, for sure. And they're just surprised at how elderly I look."

Perry's remarkable performance on “Friends” earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. In 2002, he received an Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actor in a comedy series. Throughout his career, Perry also appeared in several other television shows and movies, including "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," "Growing Pains," "Ally McBeal," "17 Again," "The Whole Nine Yards," "The West Wing," and a reboot of "The Odd Couple." His role in the miniseries "The Ron Clark Story" in 2007 garnered him Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.

However, behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Perry battled with substance abuse issues. In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," released last year, he candidly shared his struggles with addiction and how it affected his career. Perry emphasized the importance of understanding addiction as a disease rather than a personal failing.

"I think that people don't understand that it's a disease," he said during a 2015 interview. "It was declared a disease in 1955 by the American Medical Association. And even people who are in trouble with this thing don't kind of realize that they are suffering from a disease. So they sort of blame themselves. So it's important to get it out there, and not be a secret, so you can get the help that you need."

Matthew Perry's untimely passing has left fans and fellow actors mourning the loss of a talented performer. His contribution to the entertainment industry, particularly his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing, will forever be remembered.