Matthew Perry's family have said they are "heartbroken" as they broke their silence following the actor's tragic death.
Matthew, who was best known for playing Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom Friends, was found dead at his home at age 54 on October 28, after 'drowning in his jacuzzi'. There were no signs of drugs or foul play at the scene.
In a heartbreaking statement shared with People, the late actor's family members said: "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."
They concluded: "You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."
The actor's father John Bennett Perry, mother Suzanne, and stepdad Keith Morrison were seen arriving at his house just hours after Matthew's body was discovered.
The family looked visibly upset as they pulled up at his home in Pacific Palisades, California. His mum Suzanne appeared particularly distressed, with her head bowed low.
The 17 Again star was found dead in his hot tub by emergency services who were called to the scene following a report of a cardiac arrest.
When emergency services arrived they started a water rescue, but were tragically unsuccessful at saving the actor's life.
A number of his Friends co-stars have paid tribute to the late actor, with actress Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice Hosenstein, Chandler's on-off girlfriend in the early series, writing: "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."
Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Chandler's mother Nora Bing in the show, expressed her sorrow on Twitter. "I'm heartbroken about the untimely death of my 'son', Matthew Perry." she tweeted. She added: "The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock."
Paget Brewster, who played Chandler’s girlfriend Kathy in season four of Friends, also paid tribute. She wrote: “He was lovely to me on Friends and every time I saw him in the decades after.
"Please read his book. It was his legacy to help. He won’t rest in peace though. He’s already too busy making everyone laugh up there."
Before his tragic death, Matthew had candidly spoken about his struggles with addiction and overcoming it as well as how he helped others.
In an interview with Tom Power at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Ontario, he explained: "It's fine when you're doing fine but when you're not doing fine it's one of the most awful things in the world.
"You have to lie and pretend that you're doing well and you don't even understand why you have to do that. Fame does some great things but it doesn't always make you happy – you want an on-off button."
Source: Read Full Article