One year ago, on October 28th, 2024 shockwaves went through our lives as the death of cherished comedy actor Matthew Perry was internationally reported. Known for bringing laughs to lives internationally, Perry was found dead in the Jacuzzi of his Los Angeles deceased on an otherwise peaceful Saturday night at the age of 54.
Perry was an actor who was able to completely become his role. He is most popularly known for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom Friends, where he acted in an ensemble alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.
“We were more than just castmates. We are a family. We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just castmates. We are a family,” the group wrote.
Perry’s passion for acting was first discovered at 15, and by the time he graduated high school in 1988, he had landed his first role in Second Chance. He progressed quickly in acting during the early 90s, landing roles in various television shows. At age 24, he landed his biggest role in Friends, where he spent 10 years alongside some of the most popular actors. By the end of the show, he was a household name internationally.
Despite his rise to fame, life behind the scenes was not so glamorous. In his 2022 memoir, he talks about life before Friends, his aspiration to one day have a family, and opened up about his struggles with opioids and alcohol. For years he worked hard to get sober, and eventually, he did.
Since his death, the Los Angeles police have made progress on the case. Toxicology report results showed that Perry had suffered a fatal ketamine overdose.
During the final weeks of his life was victimized by various drug dealers and physicians who were aware of the dangers of ketamine. A licensed physician, Dr. Salvador Placensia, and an alleged San Fernando Valley drug dealer, Jasveen Sangha, were arrested on an 18-count-indictment for distributing ketamine to Perry.
If convicted of these charges, Placensia would be facing up to 10 years imprisonment for each ketamine-related charge, Sangha would be facing a minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life in prison.
Perry will not only be remembered for his work in the acting community but also for his willingness to share his story. His openness to his struggles with opioids will continue to encourage other addicts long after his death.
