Friends star Matthew Perry has died at the age of 54 after drowning in a hot tub in his Los Angeles home.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Brian Humphrey, the actor was found to have drowned in a hot tub following a 911 call at 4:07PM (local time) on Saturday.
In the hours leading up to his death, Perry was believed to have participated in a two-hour long game of pickleball before sending his assistant out to run an errand.
The assistant arrived back at Perry’s home a short time later to find him unconscious.
A representative for the actor confirmed his death to NBC.
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According to police, there have so far been no signs of foul play.
There has been an outpouring of tributes from celebrities and fans following Perry’s sudden death including Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright.
“We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives,” they said in a joint statement.
Close friend of the star, Selma Blair, also shared a tribute on Instagram with a photo of the pair and a touching caption.
“My oldest boy friend. All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day,” she wrote.
“I loved him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”
Maggie Wheeler, who played a series regular and Perry’s on/off love interest Janice on Friends said the star’s death is a great “loss”.
“What a loss. The world will miss you Matthew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on,” she said.
“I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Hank Azaria who also starred alongside Perry in the hit sitcom shared a touching video in which he describes Perry helping him get sober.
“Matthew was the first friend I made in Los Angeles… We were really more like brothers for a long time,” Azaria said.
“We drank a lot together. We laughed a lot together. We were there for each other during the early days of our career.
“The night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in. The whole first year I was sober, we went to meetings together.
“As a sober person, he was so caring and giving and wise, and he totally helped me get sober. And I really wish he could have found within himself to stay with the sober life more consistently.”
Fans have also paid tribute to Perry by placing gifts and notes in front of the famous apartment complex featured in Friends.
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