Celebrity Death

Matthew Perry's costars from "Friends" have broken their silence on the actor's death ... revealing the shocking passing has left them all "utterly devastated."

Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer provided a statement to People, saying, "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."

They go on to add, "For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."

TMZ broke the story, Matthew was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi over the weekend after 2 hours of pickleball ... sources told us there were no illicit drugs found at his home, but there were several medications discovered -- including anti-depressants and anxiety meds.

An autopsy has been done, but the results are inconclusive ... and an official cause of death could take months before an answer is discovered.

Since Matthew's passing, fans, friends, and family members have all mourned the loss of the actor -- a memorial was even set up outside the NYC building which was used for exterior shots on "Friends," specifically to portray the place where the pals all lived.

Matthew Perry fans are in their feelings over his death, playing music from "Friends" and buying up his books ... with spikes in purchases and streams across the board.

According to stats from Spotify and YouTube, the "Friends" theme song "I'll Be There for You" has had over 1.3 million streams across Spotify and YouTube since his death.

Matthew's memoir started flying off the shelves Monday ... over at Amazon, his book, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir" is now the top-seller for hardcovers and it's No. 5 in paperback ... it came out last year but there's obviously renewed interest.

Meanwhile, other books about Matthew are flying off the shelves too ... two biographies are now hits, and other people are buying a "Friends" coloring book from Jeff Bezos' website.

Basically, any book related to Matthew is seeing big sales gains.

Over on the TV side, networks are remembering Matthew with "Friends" marathons and an In Memoriam.

TBS has 'Best of Chandler' marathons scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday ... with more than 46 hours of 'Friends' episodes on tap.

Morgan Fairchild is reflecting on her time working with Matthew Perry on the "Friends" set, where she played his character Chandler Bing's mother ... praising him as an "incredibly talented actor" who "always had stars in his eyes."

Morgan's the latest in a long list of industry figures who've had nothing but kind words for Matthew, and she joined us Monday on "TMZ Live" to share her memories of his talent ... telling us he had a rare, impromptu ability to hilariously tweak lines for his character. BING-O!

It was clear her memories from the set of the hit NBC sitcom were overwhelmingly of the super-friendly actor bringing boundless energy to set -- all while sporting a big smile on his face.

Morgan added, Matthew was very professional and consistent with his joyful attitude on set, even during the times he was dealing with personal demons, such as his highly publicized battle with substance abuse.

Of course, with "Friends" having been such a monster hit for Matthew, the veteran actress was also sure to jog everyone's memory on his other acting credentials to showcase his talents.

She also praised him for baring his soul and helping others through his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir."

It certainly appeared as though Matthew had made another friend in Morgan.

As we first reported, the actor shockingly passed away Saturday just 2 hours after playing pickleball at Riviera Country Club near his home in Pacific Palisades.

Our sources have told us foul play is NOT suspected in Matthew's cause of death, and there were NO illicit drugs found at his home.

Matthew Perry está siendo homenajeado en la ciudad de Nueva York en una famosa locación de "Friends" instantáneamente reconocible para los fans de la serie, y este santuario está creciendo a cada minuto.

Se ha levantado un monumento en el exterior del edificio del West Village que se utilizó para las tomas exteriores del apartamento donde vivían los protagonistas de la serie. Básicamente, es donde vivían Chandler y Joey, y Monica y Rachel.

Las escenas reales dentro del apartamento fueron filmadas en el backlot de Warner Bros. en Burbank, CA, pero esta ubicación en la Gran Manzana - en la esquina de 90 Bedford Street y Grove Street - es donde los fans de "Friends" están llegando a compartir sus recuerdos de Matthew.

Se puede apreciar el gran número de flores que la gente lleva al al lugar. Tantas, que ya comienzan a hacer una pila bastante grande. También hay cartas escritas a mano y notas conmemorativas para el icónico cantante.

Algunos de los mensajes que la gente está dejando allí se pueden leer en las fotos y muchos de ellos están dando gracias por la actuación de Matthew, y por la risa y la alegría que se extendió a través de su carrera de 10 años en "Friends".

El hecho de que el memorial surgió orgánicamente habla de lo impactante de su repentina muerte, no solo conmocionó a la industria del entretenimiento, sino que a todo el mundo.

Además de todos los artículos que se están colocando en la calle en honor a Matthew, la gente se está reuniendo allí a raudales, aunque no hay señales de una vigilia todavía.

La investigación sobre el fallecimiento de Perry sigue en curso y todavía hay un montón de preguntas sin respuesta sobre lo que exactamente lo llevó a ahogarse en su bañera de hidromasaje en casa.

Sabemos que se ha realizado una autopsia, pero los resultados no son concluyentes. Su cuerpo está listo para ser recogido por su familia y podemos imaginar que la familia está organizando el funeral.

Matthew Perry is being honored in New York City at a famous "Friends" location -- instantly recognizable to fans of the show -- and this shrine is growing by the hour.

A memorial has been set up outside of the West Village building which was used for exterior shots of the apartment where the show's main characters lived. Basically, it's where Chandler and Joey, and Monica and Rachel lived.

The actual scenes inside the apartment were filmed on the Warner Bros. backlot in Burbank, CA, but this location in the Big Apple -- on the corner of 90 Bedford Street and Grove Street -- is where "Friends" fans are coming to share their memories of Matthew.

As you can see ... tons of flower bouquets are being left at the light post there, and they're starting to stack up into a hefty pile. There are also handwritten letters and notes commemorating Matthew's iconic character from the series.

Some of the messages people are leaving there can actually be read from the photos ... and a lot of them are giving thanks for Matthew's performance, and for the laughter and joy he spread through his 10-year run on "Friends."

The fact the memorial popped up organically like this speaks to just how impactful his sudden death was ... not only did it shock the entertainment industry, but the world too.

In addition to all the items that are being placed on the street in honor of Matthew ... people are gathering there in spurts, although there's no sign of a vigil just yet.

The investigation into Perry's passing is still ongoing, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions over what exactly led to him drowning in his hot tub at home.

We know an autopsy has been done, but the results are inconclusive. His body is ready to be picked up by his family -- and ya gotta imagine an official funeral is now being planned.

Matthew Perry was in a good place before his shocking death ... we're told he was happy, content, optimistic and had recently committed to a new film.

Sources in daily contact with the late "Friends" star tell TMZ ... Matthew had "never been happier" and had just moved into his new house 3 weeks ago and was loving the new digs.

In addition to being happy about his new home, we're told Matthew had a lot going on in Hollywood ... our sources say he had recently committed to acting in a new movie, a drama, and he was also working on other projects and coming up with ideas for scripts.

Overall, our sources say Matthew's outlook on life was optimistic ... and he was sober and felt content.

Add it all up, and it makes sense why those around Matthew are so shocked by his sudden death Saturday ... as we first reported, he was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi after playing 2 hours of pickleball at Riviera near his home in Pacific Palisades.

Of course, Matthew's been open about his history with substance abuse, and while there's speculation that could be a factor here, so far there's been no indication that's the case.

For now, Matthew's cause of death remains a mystery ... and our sources have told us foul play is NOT suspected, and there were NO illicit drugs found at his home.

Matthew had picked up pickleball too ... using the sport as a way to keep him away from drugs and on the straight and narrow.

Matthew Perry se sentía bien antes de su muerte, nos dicen que estaba feliz, contento, optimista y recientemente se había comprometido a una nueva película.

Fuentes cercanas al actor le dicen a TMZ que Matthew "nunca había sido tan feliz" y se acababa de mudar a su nueva casa hace tres semanas, lo cual lo tenía muy feliz.

Además de estar feliz por su nuevo hogar, nos informan que Matthew tenía mucho que hacer en Hollywood, nuestras fuentes dicen que se había comprometido recientemente a actuar en una nueva película, un drama, y también estaba trabajando en otros proyectos.

En general, nuestras fuentes dicen que la perspectiva de Matthew en la vida era optimista y estaba sobrio y se sentía contento.

Tiene sentido por qué los que rodean a Matthew están tan conmocionados por su repentina muerte el sábado. Como informamos por primera vez, fue encontrado inconsciente en su jacuzzi después de jugar dos horas de pickleball en Riviera cerca de su casa en Pacific Palisades.

Por supuesto, Matthew ha sido abierto acerca de su historia con el abuso de sustancias, y si bien se especula que podría ser un factor, hasta ahora no ha habido ninguna indicación de que ese sea el caso.

Por ahora, la causa de la muerte de Matthew sigue siendo un misterio y nuestras fuentes nos han dicho que no se encontró actividad sexual y NO se encontraron drogas ilícitas en su casa.

El pickleball fue un gran aliado para Matthew en lo que respecta a su lucha contra las drogas.

It's no secret Matthew Perry loved pickleball ... but now we're learning the game also helped him tremendously in his recovery from drug abuse.

The "Friends" actor played pickleball religiously at Riviera Country Club near his L.A. area home -- and he even had a personal coach, Matt Manasse.

Manasse told People magazine ... Perry used the game as a tool to keep him away from drugs and on the straight and narrow.

"He thought it was something that could help in his recovery and he was doing an awesome job," Manasse said.

Manasse noted Perry was so passionate about the game he would play five times a week and talk incessantly about it.

"[Perry] got so much better, always made everyone laugh," Manasse said, adding, "He was competitive, not in a bad way at all. He loved it. When he hit an unbelievable shot, he would tell you about it for days."

Manasse also described Perry as a caring person who was always trying to help others, especially recovering addicts by introducing them to pickleball at Riviera.

TMZ broke the story ... Perry, 54, apparently drowned in his jacuzzi Saturday after playing 2 hours of pickleball at the country club. We're told he was in good spirits during the game.

Later that afternoon, his assistant returned to his house after running errands and discovered Perry was unresponsive. The assistant called 911, Perry's mother and one of his siblings, as well as another person.

Law enforcement tells us ... authorities discovered anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs and a COPD drug inside Perry's house. COPD refers to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is often used to treat emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Perry smoked cigarettes during his life.

No es ningún secreto que a Matthew Perry le encantaba el pickleball, pero ahora nos enteramos de que el juego también le ayudaba enormemente en su recuperación del abuso de drogas.

El actor de "Friends" jugaba religiosamente al pickleball en el Riviera Country Club, cerca de su casa de Los Ángeles e incluso tenía un entrenador personal, Matt Manasse.

Manasse le dijo a la revista People que Perry utilizó el juego como una herramienta para mantenerlo alejado de las drogas.

"Él pensó que era algo que podría ayudar en su recuperación y estaba haciendo un trabajo impresionante", dijo Manasse.

Manasse señaló Perry era tan apasionado por el juego que practicaba cinco veces a la semana y hablaba sin cesar al respecto.

"Perry mejoró mucho y siempre hacía reír a todo el mundo", dijo Manasse, y añadió: "Era competitivo, pero no en el mal sentido en absoluto. Le encantaba. Cuando pegaba un tiro increíble, te lo contaba durante días".

Manasse también describió a Perry como una persona cariñosa que siempre estaba tratando de ayudar a los demás, especialmente a los adictos en recuperación introduciéndolos al pickleball en Riviera.

TMZ publicó la historia. Perry, de 54 años, fue encontrado muerto en su jacuzzi el sábado después de jugar 2 horas de pickleball en el club de campo. Nos dicen que estaba de buen humor durante el juego.

Esa misma tarde, su asistente regresó a su casa después de hacer unos recados y descubrió que Perry no respondía. El asistente llamó al 911, a la madre de Perry y a uno de sus hermanos, así como a otra persona.

La policía nos dice que las autoridades descubrieron antidepresivos, ansiolíticos y un medicamento para la EPOC dentro de la casa de Perry. EPOC se refiere a la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, que se utiliza a menudo para tratar el enfisema o bronquitis crónica. Perry fumó cigarrillos durante su vida.

Charlie Puth took time out of his latest concert to pay tribute to the late Matthew Perry ... performing the iconic "Friends" theme song, followed by one of his own touching hits.

The singer took a detour during his concert in Australia over the weekend to play a piano rendition of "I'll Be There For You," the main track for Perry's hit TV show.

It's a pretty emotional moment, and the entire crowd joins Charlie in singing the world-famous song. It got even more bittersweet when he transitioned into his 2015 hit, "See You Again" -- paying more homage to the actor.

TMZ broke the story, Matthew was found unresponsive Saturday in his jacuzzi by his assistant, whom Perry sent out to pick up a new iPhone and prescription glasses for him.

Law enforcement sources told us first responders didn't find any illegal drugs in his home, but did find anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds, and a COPD drug.

Hank Azaria está recordando a su viejo amigo Matthew Perry, reflexionando sobre su larga relación y revelando cómo el difunto actor lo introdujo a la sobriedad.

El famoso actor de voz de "Los Simpsons" que también participó en "Friends" durante un puñado de episodios, publicó un largo video el fin de semana en el que habló sobre el repentino fallecimiento de Matt y señaló lo desgarrador que era, viendo lo cerca que habían estado.

Hank dice que su historia con Matt es bastante antigua, al parecer actuaron en un piloto para una serie que nunca fue desarrollada y eran buenos amigos desde el primer día en el mundo del espectáculo.

También dice que Matthew fue el primero que lo llevó a una reunión de AA, algo que le hubiese gustado de Perry hiciera, señalando que el actor sufrió mucho con la adicción a lo largo de los años. Esto quedó claro para Hank en las memorias de Perry.

Hank tiene un montón de palabras amables aquí para Matt y es conmovedor oírlo recordar. Dice que sintió que perdió a su amigo por las drogas y el alcohol hace mucho tiempo, pero eso no hace que su muerte sea más difícil de lo que ha sido. Ese sentimiento, sin duda, es compartido por otros.

TMZ publicó la historia, Perry murió en una casa de Los Ángeles el sábado después de un aparente ahogamiento durante el día. Nos dicen que fue encontrado sin respuesta en una bañera de hidromasaje en la propiedad.

Hank Azaria is remembering his old friend Matthew Perry -- reflecting on their long relationship ... and revealing how the late actor introduced him to sobriety.

The famed "Simpsons" voice actor -- who actually guest starred opposite MP on "Friends" for a handful of episodes -- posted a lengthy video over the weekend in which he spoke on Matt's sudden passing ... and noted how heartbreaking it was, seeing how close they'd been.

Hank says his history with Matt goes way back -- apparently, they acted in a pilot together for a series that never got picked up ... and they were good buds from day one in showbiz.

He also says Matthew was the one who first brought him to an AA meeting -- something he says he wishes Matt would've stuck with himself ... pointing out the guy suffered a lot with addiction over the years, something that became crystal clear to Hank in Perry's memoir.

HA has a lot of kind words here for Matt ... and it's touching to hear him reminisce. He says he felt he lost his pal to drugs and alcohol a long time ago -- but that doesn't make his death any more difficult than it has been. That feeling, undoubtedly, is shared by others.

TMZ broke the story ... Perry died at an L.A.-area home Saturday after an apparent drowning during the day. We're told he was found unresponsive in a hot tub on the property.

There are still a lot of details that remain to be seen surrounding the exact circumstances of this tragedy ... which is evident in the fact that L.A. County Coroner aren't ready to rule on an official cause of death just yet. There were no illicit drugs found at the house, though several prescriptions were located inside. The Coroner has performed toxicology tests, but results won't be in for at least 6 weeks.

Kevin Brennan -- a former 'SNL' writer and comedian -- is making light of Matthew Perry's passing in a real ugly way ... which may speak to why he isn't more successful in showbiz.

Kevin -- who had a 2-year stint writing for the famed sketch comedy show way back when, and who was once a rising comic -- took to Twitter this weekend after news of Perry's death broke ... and posted an incredibly insensitive message mocking the late 'Friends' actor.

He wrote, "DROWNED IN A HOT TUB. HAHAHAHA" ... this while linking back to our story.

The tweet wasn't viewed by very many people -- KB only has about 5,900 followers or so anyway -- but it certainly left a bad taste in the mouths of folks who did see it ... with many people calling him out in the comments and bashing him for making a joke out of it.

While Kevin isn't nearly as relevant as he was in the '90s/early 2000s ... he still has a famous connection to mainstream Hollywood through his younger brother Neal Brennan -- from whom he's estranged. Neal, of course, is the co-creator/writer of 'Chappelle's Show.'

Neal and Kevin had a falling out years ago -- and the younger sibling went on to forge a solid path for himself. Neal's written for tons of shows, and even has his own Netflix comedy special now ... whereas Kevin hosts a pretty obscure podcast, and does gigs here and there.

It bears repeating ... Neal is NOT close to Kevin -- and based on interviews NB has done of late, where he was asked about his relationship with Kevin ... you can tell it's a sensitive topic. Based on this reaction to Perry alone, you'll see their personalities are very different.

So, of course, Kevin's crude remarks here are in no way a reflection of Neal -- who, as far as we can tell, minds his business and focuses on his work ... and who doesn't seem to have talked about Perry or 'Friends,' for that matter, very much at all publicly.

Kevin appears to still fancy himself standup-adjacent -- regularly commenting on mainstream comedians that Neal undoubtedly rubs shoulders with ... although, what he pulled here is far from a laughing matter. Neal doesn't seem to have reacted to his brother's post.

La muerte de Matthew Perry seguirá siendo un misterio por ahora, ya que las autoridades están esperando a que se realicen algunas pruebas clave antes de pronunciarse definitivamente sobre cómo murió.

La Oficina del Médico Forense del Condado de Los Angeles acaba de publicar sus conclusiones sobre una autopsia inicial del difunto actor de "Friends", y están aplazando su causa de la muerte a la espera de los resultados de toxicología y una mayor investigación, que podría tomar semanas para completarse.

Tampoco han informado el motivo de la muerte, aunque nuestras fuentes nos han dicho que no hay rastros de actividad sexual y no se encontraron narcóticos ilícitos en el lugar.

El único detalle destacable del informe de la autopsia es que se indica que murió en su domicilio y que el cuerpo está listo para ser entregado a la familia para su entierro o cremación. Una investigación sobre las circunstancias de su muerte está en marcha con la aplicación de la ley.

TMZ publicó la noticia, los primeros en responder se apresuraron a su propiedad por una llamada de paro cardíaco y Matthew fue encontrado sin respuesta en su bañera de hidromasaje, esto después de un aparente ahogamiento. La secuencia exacta de los acontecimientos no está clara, pero finalmente fue declarado muerto en el lugar.

Como informamos, Perry estuvo jugado al pickleball el sábado por la mañana durante un par de horas antes de volver a casa y enviar a su asistente a hacer un recado. Un rato después, el asistente regresó, descubrió a su jefe y luego llamó al 911.

No hace falta decir que el fallecimiento de Matthew envió ondas de choque en todo Hollywood. Teniendo en cuenta su historial con el abuso de sustancias, se ha especulado que podría estar en juego, pero hasta ahora, no hay ninguna indicación de que ese sea el caso.

Los profesionales médicos van a esperar para ver lo que estaba en su sistema en al momento de su muerte, mientras tanto, todos sus fans y seres queridos pueden recordarlo con cariño.

Matthew Perry's death will remain a mystery for now -- because officials are waiting for some key tests to be done before weighing in definitively on how he died.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office just published their findings on an initial autopsy of the late "Friends" actor -- and they're deferring his cause of death ... pending toxicology results and further investigation, which could take weeks to complete.

They're also not indicating the manner of death at this point ... although our sources have told us no foul play is suspected, and no illicit narcotics were found on the premises.

The only other notable detail from his autopsy report is that they note he died at his residence -- and that his body is now ready to be released to his family for burial/cremation. A probe into the circumstances of his death is underway with law enforcement.

TMZ broke the news ... first responders rushed to his property on a cardiac arrest call, and Matthew was found unresponsive in his hot tub ... this after an apparent drowning. The exact sequence of events is unclear, but he was eventually declared deceased on the scene.

Like we told you ... MP had played pickleball Saturday morning for a couple hours before returning home and sending his assistant on an errand. Sometime later, the assistant returned, discovered his boss ... and then called 911.

It goes without saying ... Matthew's passing sent shockwaves throughout Hollywood. Considering his history with substance abuse, there's been speculation that could be at play -- but so far, there's no indication that's in fact the case.

Medical professionals are going to wait to see what was in his system at the time of his death -- in the meantime, all his fans and loved ones can do is mourn.

No word yet on funeral plans ... but we imagine a major celebration of life is coming soon.

Matthew Perry's family is speaking out in the wake of his death -- and they're addressing both the suddenness of losing him ... and the love they've received in the aftermath.

The actor's family tells TMZ ... "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."

It's brief, but impactful ... especially considering how strongly folks have reacted to the news.

Of course, members of Matt's family were on the scene last night -- including his parents, Suzanne Morrison and John Bennett Perry -- pulling up to his property and looking sorrowful. Even his stepfather, Keith Morrison, arrived and was moving through police tape.

Perry's parents split while he was young ... and his mother went on to marry Keith and have children with him -- including 3 girls and 1 boy, all of whom are MP's half-siblings. Keith also has a son from a previous marriage.

While his mom and dad might've not been together through most of his life -- they displayed a united front Saturday night in front of paps ... this while investigators did their work.

Countless stars and showbiz types have been pouring on the tributes for Matt -- including some old "Friends" staffers ... mostly folks behind the scenes. We still haven't heard directly from any of his main costars ... who've all been radio silent since TMZ broke the news.

An investigation into Matthew's death is ongoing ... but we know he was discovered unresponsive in his hot tub. No foul play is suspected, and no illicit drugs were found either.

He was 54.