Coroner investigating LA hot tub death of ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry
Mourners stand outside the home of actor Matthew Perry, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)
By Josh Campbell, Cheri Mossburg and Alli Rosenbloom
The cause of actor Matthew Perry’s death at his Pacific Palisades residence Saturday will require additional investigative steps by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office before reaching a conclusion, according to records from the agency.
The medical examiner updated its online record for Perry on Sunday afternoon, listing his cause of death as “deferred.”
“In cases where the cause of death cannot be determined at the time of autopsy, a deferred certificate will be issued until additional studies have been completed,” according to the LA coroner’s guidelines.
An autopsy has been conducted, but examiners are awaiting the results of toxicology reports in order to determine Perry’s cause of death, the medical examiner’s office told CNN on Sunday. Such reports can take weeks to complete.
Investigators are planning to use the toxicology reports to determine whether any foreign substances may have contributed to Perry’s death, according to a law enforcement source.
File – Matthew Perry poses for a portrait on Feb. 17, 2015, in New York. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)
Matthew Perry arrives at the 2022 GQ Men of the Year Party on Thursday, Nov.17, 2022, at the West Hollywood Edition in West Hollywood, Calif. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)
FILE – Matthew Perry arrives at the premiere of “Ride” at The Arclight Hollywood Theater in Los Angeles. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File)
Actor Matthew Perry attends the 32nd Annual Lucille Lortel Awards at the NYU Skirball Center on Sunday, May 7, 2017, in New York.(Photo by Brent N. Clarke/Invision/AP)
Actor Matthew Perry participates in the BUILD Speaker Series to discuss the mini-series “The Kennedys After Camelot” at AOL Studios on Thursday, March 30, 2017, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
FILE – Actor Matthew Perry poses in his hotel bedroom in New York, Aug. 7, 2002. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (AP photo/Gino Domenico, File)
Matthew Perry speaks during “The Odd Couple” panel at the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter TCA on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
A makeshift memorial for Matthew Perry is seen outside the building known as the “Friends” building in New York, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. Fans lingered in the rain, taking pictures and leaving flowers on the corner outside the building shown in exterior shots on the popular TV show. Perry, who played Chandler Bing on NBC’s “Friends” for 10 seasons, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. He was 54. (AP Photo/Brooke Lansdale)
A makeshift memorial for Matthew Perry is seen outside the building known as the “Friends” building in New York, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. Fans lingered in the rain, taking pictures and leaving flowers on the corner outside the building shown in exterior shots on the popular TV show. Perry, who played Chandler Bing on NBC’s “Friends” for 10 seasons, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. He was 54. (AP Photo/Brooke Lansdale)
Fans place flowers at a makeshift memorial for Matthew Perry outside the building known as the “Friends” building in New York, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. People lingered in the rain, taking pictures and leaving flowers on the corner outside the building shown in exterior shots on the popular TV show. Perry, who played Chandler Bing on NBC’s “Friends” for 10 seasons, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. He was 54. (AP Photo/Brooke Lansdale)
A person takes pictures of a makeshift memorial for Matthew Perry outside the building known as the “Friends” building in New York, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. Fans lingered in the rain, taking pictures and leaving flowers on the corner outside the building shown in exterior shots on the popular TV show. Perry, who played Chandler Bing on NBC’s “Friends” for 10 seasons, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Saturday. He was 54. (AP Photo/Brooke Lansdale)
Mourners stand outside the home of actor Matthew Perry, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)
Mourners stand outside the home of actor Matthew Perry, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)
Flower are placed outside the home of actor Matthew Perry, Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)
FILE – Matthew Perry, from left, Courteney Cox Arquettte, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc of the television show “Friends” arrive for NBC’s 75th Anniversary event on May 5, 2002 in New York. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing has died. The actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg, File)
FILE – Actor Matthew Perry arrives at a benefit screening of “Moonlight Mile,” Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2002, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (AP Photo/Chris Weeks, File)
FILE – Matthew Perry arrives at the GQ Men of the Year Party on Thursday, Nov.17, 2022, in West Hollywood, Calif. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” has died. He was 54. The Emmy-nominated actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)
FILE – David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc pose after “Friends” won outstanding comedy series at the 54th Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 22, 2002, in Los Angeles. Perry, who starred as Chandler Bing has died. The actor was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, according to the Los Angeles Times and celebrity website TMZ, which was the first to report the news. Both outlets cited unnamed sources confirming Perry’s death. His publicists and other representatives did not immediately return messages seeking comment. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)
Actors Katie Holmes, left, and Matthew Perry participate in the BUILD Speaker Series to discuss the mini-series “The Kennedys After Camelot” at AOL Studios on Thursday, March 30, 2017, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Reelz CEO Stan E. Hubbard, from left, Katie Holmes and Matthew Perry arrive at a special screening of “The Kennedys – After Camelot” at The Paley Center for Media on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Katie Holmes, left, and Matthew Perry arrive at a special screening of “The Kennedys – After Camelot” at The Paley Center for Media on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
FILE – In this April 28, 2015, file photo, Matthew Perry arrives at the LA Premiere of “Ride” in Los Angeles. The former “Friends” star appears with Katie Holmes, who reprises her role as Jackie Kennedy in “The Kennedys After Camelot,” which premieres on the Reelz channel on April 2. (Photo by Rich Fury/Invision/AP, File)
Matthew Perry arrives at a special screening of “The Kennedys – After Camelot” at The Paley Center for Media on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc seen at Showtime’s Annual Summer Soiree at 2015 TCA held at the Pacific Design Center on Monday, August 10, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision for Showtime/AP Images)
Actor Matthew Perry, left, talks with former Los Angeles Kings player Wayne Gretzky during the third period of an NHL hockey game between the Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday, March 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
In this Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015 photo, American actor Matthew Perry poses for a portrait in promotion of his role in the upcoming CBS network comedy series “The Odd Couple” in New York. The show premieres on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, on CBS. (Photo by Brian Ach/Invision/AP)
Matthew Perry speaks on stage during “The Odd Couple” panel at the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter TCA on Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, in Pasadena, Calif. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 23: Matthew Perry onstage at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 64th Primetime Emmy Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on September 23, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phil McCarten/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images)
Actor Matthew Perry, seen in the office of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), not seen, as they met about the critical need for Drug Court funding, Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Washington. (Nick Wass/AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
Actor Matthew Perry smiles as he met with Senator Richard Shelby’s (R-AL) staff and others about the critical need for Drug Court funding on Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Washington. (Nick Wass/AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
Actor Matthew Perry, smiles in the office of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), not seen, as they met about the critical need for Drug Court funding, Tuesday, July 16, 2013, in Washington. (Nick Wass/AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRUG COURT PROFESSIONALS – Actors Matthew Perry and Kristen Johnston show their support for Drug Courts by attending the NADCP 19th Annual Conference on Monday, July 15, 2013 at National Harbor in Ft. Washington, Md. (Paul Morigi/AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 21: 20th TV’s Tal Carter, Matthew Perry and Lindsay Sloane at the African Millennium Foundation Fundraiser Partnered with Grey Goose to raise funds to buy solar ovens for AIDS orphans at Private Residence on November 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision/AP Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 21: Matthew Perry and Lindsay Sloane at the African Millennium Foundation Fundraiser Partnered with Grey Goose to raise funds to buy solar ovens for AIDS orphans at Private Residence on November 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Invision/AP Images)
National Association of Drug Court Professionals All Rise Ambassador actor Matthew Perry, right, meets with Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL) to discuss his support for the expansion of Drug Courts at a meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi / AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRUG COURT PROFESSIONALS – National Association of Drug Court Professionals All Rise Ambassador actor Matthew Perry, right, meets with Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to discuss her support for the expansion of Drug Courts at a meeting at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi / AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
National Association of Drug Court Professionals All Rise Ambassador actor Matthew Perry speaks about Drug Courts as a solution to prescription drug abuse during a briefing in conjunction with the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi / AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRUG COURT PROFESSIONALS – National Association of Drug Court Professionals All Rise Ambassador actor Matthew Perry, left, participates in a panel discussion on Drug Courts as a solution to prescription drug abuse during a briefing in conjunction with the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse at the U.S. Capitol on Monday, May 6, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi / AP Images for National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
Actor Matthew Perry speaks during a session on prescription drug abuse during the Clinton Global Initiative at Washington University Saturday, April 6, 2013, in St. Louis. More than 1,000 university students from 75 countries and all 50 states are gathered for a weekend of sessions seeking practical and innovative solutions to the world’s problems. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
National Association of Drug Court Professionals All Rise Ambassador Actor Matthew Perry testifies before the House Commerce, Justice & Science Appropriations Subcommittee in support of funding for Drug Courts and Veterans Treatment Courts, programs that save money and reduce recidivism, on March 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. (Paul Morigi / AP Images for The National Association of Drug Court Professionals)
Matthew Perry arrives at the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
Matthew Perry, left, and Scott Silveri attend NBCUniversal’s 2012 Summer Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, July 24, 2012, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
“Go On” co-stars Matthew Perry and Laura Benanti arrive for the NBC network upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall, Monday, May 14, 2012 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
Actor Matthew Perry, spokesman for the National Association of Drug Court, meets with Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., not shown, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2011, on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
“17 Again” cast members, from left, Zac Efron, Leslie Mann and Matthew Perry pose together at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Tuesday, April 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Matthew Perry arrives at the premiere of the film “17 Again” in Los Angeles, Tuesday, April 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Matthew Perry, a cast member in the film “17 Again,” poses at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Tuesday, April 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Actor Matthew Perry attends “Le Reve: Indulge the Dream, Play 4 Parkinson’s Casino Gala” benefit at the Puck Building, Tuesday, April 22, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini)
Actress Lauren Graham, right, and actor Matthew Perry, left, pose for a portrait during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
Actress Lauren Graham, right, and actor Matthew Perry, left, pose for a portrait during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah on Monday, Jan. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
Jessica Biel, left, applauds as Matthew Perry hears of his nomination at the 64th Annual Golden Globe Awards news conference in Beverly Hills, Calif., Thursday, morning Dec. 14, 2006. Perry was nominated for best actor in a television miniseries or movie for his role in "The Ron Clark Story." Nominations were announced in 25 categories for the Golden Globe Awards, airing live Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at the Beverly Hilton. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Actors Sarah Paulson, left to right, Matthew Perry and Amanda Peet attend the 9th annual benefit for the Lili Claire Foundation held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 in Beverly Hills, Calif.(AP Photo/Phil McCarten)
Matthew Perry of ”Studio 60 On th Sunset Strip,” poses for photographers during red carpet arrivals at NBC’s All Star Party, Saturday, July 22, 2006, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Rene Macura)
Cast members from the new television series ” Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” Amanda Peet and Matthew Perry, pose for photographers on the red carpet as NBC introduces its new season line-up, New York, Monday, May 15, 2006. (AP Photo/Stuart Ramson)
“The Whole Ten Yards” cast member Matthew Perry arrives with his girlfriend, Rachel Dunn, at a screening of the film at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Matthew Perry, one of the stars of the new film “The Whole Ten Yards,” looks back for photographers at the premiere of the film at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
“The Whole Ten Yards” cast members, top row from left, Kevin Pollak, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Bruce Willis and Natasha Henstridge are joined by Willis’ daughter Tallulah at a screening of the film at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, Wednesday, April 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Actor Matthew Perry arrives at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Ca., Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Actor Matthew Perry, left, talks with Jennifer Capriati, center, as Kim Clijsters looks on during the WTA Tour Charities Gala Monday, Nov. 3, 2003, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry, co-stars in the comedy series “Friends,” arrive at the 47th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony Sunday afternoon, Sept. 10, 1995, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
“Friends” cast member Courteney Cox, left, gives fellow cast member Matthew Perry a kiss backstage as cast member Lisa Kudrow looks on, after the actors won Outstanding Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series at the 2nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, Saturday, Feb. 24, 1996, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Matthew Perry, seen here arriving to a movie premiere in 2009, died Saturday.
The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division is investigating Perry’s death, but a law enforcement source told CNN that no foul play is suspected. On Sunday, the medical examiner’s records indicated the actor’s remains were ready to be released to his next of kin.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey told CNN a 911 call came in Saturday at 4:07 p.m. for a water rescue emergency. LAPD responded at 4:10 p.m. and characterized the call as a death investigation shortly after.
Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in his hot tub, according to the Los Angeles Times, citing law enforcement sources.
Perry’s parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Morrison, along with his step-father, “Dateline” correspondent Keith Morrison, were seen arriving at the actor’s home Saturday night amid the police response.
On Sunday, Perry’s family released a statement to People magazine saying that they were “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,” the statement said. “You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
“The best thing about me, bar none, is that if somebody comes to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking, can you help me?’ I can say ‘yes’ and follow up and do it,” he said while appearing on the “Q With Tom Power” podcast last year to discuss his book.
Perry went on to say that he wanted to be remembered “as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker” and that “his paramount thing is that he wants to help people.”
“That’s what I want,” he said.
Perry was battling addiction at the height of his career on “Friends” and said during the interview that because of this, he wasn’t able to watch the show.
Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Matt LeBlanc co-starred alongside Perry on “Friends,” which ran from 1994 to 2004.
The actors have yet to comment on Perry’s death.
On Sunday, “Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright released a statement to CNN, saying they were “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,” their statement said. “He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words. From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us.”
The statement added: “We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment – not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart…This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
