Matthew Perry brought laughter to millions on ‘Friends,’ but off-screen, his life told a very different story. At the height of his fame, Perry seemed to have everything. The success came fast, and for a while, it felt like everything he had worked for as a young actor had finally clicked. B…
LOS ANGELES — The personal assistant who injected "Friends" star Matthew Perry with a fatal dose of the hallucinogenic drug ketamine was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison Wednesday, bringing to a close the prosecution of five people who admitted to roles in the actor's death.
Actor, comedian and producer Matthew Perry arrives at the CBS, CW And Showtime 2015 Summer TCA Party held Aug. 10, 2015, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Calif.
For many fans, ‘Friends’ remains the ultimate comfort show. The sitcom, which debuted in 1994, followed six friends navigating life in New York and quickly became a global phenomenon. But in the years since its 2004 finale, a number of beloved cast members have sadly passed away. One of the most shocking losses was Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing. He was found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home in October 2023 at the age of 54. A coroner later ruled that his death was caused by the “acute effects of ketamine,” with drowning and coronary artery disease listed as contributing factors. Jasveen Sangha, who has been dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” and accused of supplying the fatal dose, was sentenced in April 2026 to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges. Fan-favorite James Michael Tyler, who played the Central Perk barista Gunther, died in October 2021 at the age of 59 after battling prostate cancer, a diagnosis he had received in 2018. Teri Garr, who portrayed Phoebe’s birth mother, passed away in October 2024 at 79 years old due to complications from multiple sclerosis. Throughout its run, the show also featured several legendary guest stars, including Robin Williams, whose brief and unscripted appearance alongside Billy Crystal left a lasting impression. He died on August 11, 2014, at 63. Authorities confirmed his death was a suicide, and his wife, Susan Schneider Williams, later revealed that he had been struggling with severe depression and a neurodegenerative condition later diagnosed as Lewy body dementia.
Actor, comedian and producer Matthew Perry arrives at the CBS, CW And Showtime 2015 Summer TCA Party held Aug. 10, 2015, at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, Calif.
