Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom "Friends," has tragically passed away at the age of 54. The news of his death has left his co-stars and friends devastated, as they release a joint statement paying tribute to their beloved castmate. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc expressed their deep sorrow and emphasized that they were more than just cast mates - they were a family. They stated, "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."

The statement also mentioned that in time, they will share more about their memories of Perry, but for now, their thoughts and love are with his family, friends, and all those who loved him around the world. This sentiment was echoed by “Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, as well as executive producer Kevin Bright, who released their own statement honoring Perry. They expressed their shock and deep sadness, emphasizing how blessed they were to have had him as part of their lives. They described him as a brilliant talent who truly made the role of Chandler Bing his own.

The “Friends” cast remained close even after the show's series finale, and they recently reunited onscreen for the highly anticipated 2021 special, "Friends: The Reunion." The bond they formed over the years was evident in their heartfelt statement and the love they shared for their late co-star.

Details regarding Perry's tragic passing were also revealed. According to law enforcement sources, he was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home on Saturday around 4 p.m. PT. The Los Angeles City Fire Department responded to the scene and pronounced Perry deceased. The LAPD's Robbery Homicide Division conducted a preliminary investigation due to his celebrity status, although there were no obvious signs of trauma. The official cause of death is pending the coroner's investigation. An autopsy was performed, and toxicology results, which could take weeks, are awaited to determine the cause of death.

Matthew Perry's family also released a statement expressing their heartbreak and thanking his fans for their support. They described him as someone who brought joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. Perry's parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Marie Morrison, divorced when he was young, and both arrived at his home after news of his death broke. His father, also an actor, appeared in films like “Independence Day” and "George of the Jungle." Perry starred alongside his father in the 1997 comedy "Fools Rush In." His mother, a journalist who worked as the press secretary to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, later married Keith Morrison, a correspondent for "Dateline." Perry grew up with his stepbrother, Justin Trudeau, who is now the Prime Minister of Canada. Trudeau expressed his sorrow on social media, remembering the schoolyard games they used to play and acknowledging the joy Perry brought to people's lives.

Matthew Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing on “Friends” endeared him to audiences worldwide. The sitcom, which aired from 1994 to 2004, followed the lives of six friends living in the same New York City apartment building. Perry's character was known for his zingy one-liners and comedic timing. The show became immensely popular, with an estimated 51.1 million viewers tuning in for its series finale. Fans gathered at the West Village building used for the show's exterior shots to pay their respects to the beloved actor, leaving flowers and signs in his memory.

In a podcast interview last year, Perry expressed his desire not to be solely remembered for his role on “Friends” after his death. He emphasized that the best thing about him was his ability to help others struggling with addiction and his dedication to making a positive impact. Perry released a memoir in which he detailed his battle with alcohol and opioid addiction, as well as his journey to recovery.

Matthew Perry's death is a tremendous loss for the entertainment industry and his loved ones. As the world mourns the loss of a talented actor and kind-hearted individual, his legacy will continue to live on through the laughter he brought to millions of people.