NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: NBC’s morning talk show ‘Today’ paid heartfelt tribute to ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry and how his death at 54 impacted the American pop culture.
On Saturday, October 28, the actor known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in ‘Friends’ died at the age of 54 by apparent drowning at his Pacific Palisades home, according to TMZ.
According to the reports, he was found in a jacuzzi at his home and no drugs were found at the scene. He was found unresponsive by his assistant and no foul play was suspected.
Following the tragic news, ‘Today’ host Willie Geist and NBC’s contributor Chloe Melas paid tribute to the actor and shared how the industry is affected by his death.
‘Today’ talks about the impact of Matthew Perry’s death on American pop culture
'Today’ host Willie Geist welcomed NBC’s contributor Chloe Melas to pay tribute to Matthew Perry and talk about his impact on the industry.
Geist recalled how Perry continues to be at the “center of ‘Friends’ family” and Melas shared how people are expressing their love for the actor.
She said while reflecting on the 90s sitcom, “’Friends' changed the way we viewed the ideal of family, that you could call ‘Friends’ your chosen family. This show was the epitome of pop culture.”
She continued, “Millions tuned in for the show every week and the season finale in 2004, 50 million viewers. People watch ‘Friends’ to this day. And Matthew Perry’s Chandler Bing goes down as one of the most genius roles in comedic television.”
Melas concluded, “You cannot overstate the cultural significance of ‘Friends’, of Matthew Perry’s character, Chandler Bing. He will be deeply missed.”
Fans devastated by Matthew Perry’s death
Fans of the critically acclaimed actor were heartbroken on hearing of his death. One wrote, “In a time with so much pain and devastation...Matthew...had a very special gift...he made people all over the world smile and laugh...you will be rememebed ...R.I.P.”
One more added, “I miss him so much...he was so talented and touched so many people...this feels so unreal..so devasting,”
One fan wrote, “You gave us laughter that help us go through the challenges of everyday life. From your friends around the world, rest peacefully Chandler Bing. 🙏”
“52.4 million watched the final episode and millions more all over the world! RIP Matthew Perry! My favourite “friend” Chandler Bing!!” wrote another.
One fan shared their sorrow adding, “Every time i stop crying 😢 about this i start up again. I have lost family members to addiction. He was a big part of my childhood. He was finally getting his life on track. This is soo sad 😔. R.I.P. prayers 🙏”
A fan expressed his pain adding, “What does this world doing to us? Why Mat? He brought us a life time of hapiness, he didn’t deserve it,RIP great man❤”
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