Matthew Perry spent his final hours playing in a pickleball match before he was found dead at his LA home: coach
In a shocking turn of events, beloved actor Matthew Perry spent his final hours engaged in a spirited pickleball match, just before he was tragically discovered lifeless at his Los Angeles residence.
This unexpected twist in the Hollywood icon’s story has left fans and the entertainment world in disbelief. Let’s delve into the details of this poignant and puzzling final chapter in the life of a sitcom legend.
A Beloved Actor and a Passionate Player
Matthew Perry, the star of the popular sitcom Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Monday, October 30, 2023. He was 53 years old. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but sources close to the actor said he had been struggling with addiction and health issues for years.
Perry was an avid fan of pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. He had been playing the game regularly for the past few months, according to his coach and friend, Tyson McGuffin.
McGuffin, who is a four-time pickleball world champion, said he had spent the last hours with Perry on Sunday, October 29, 2023, playing in a pickleball match at a private club in LA. He said Perry was in good spirits and showed no signs of distress or discomfort.
A Tragic Loss for the Pickleball Community
McGuffin said he was shocked and saddened by the news of Perry’s death. He described him as a kind, generous and funny person who loved pickleball and wanted to improve his skills.
He was always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. He was very humble and down to earth. He never acted like a celebrity or expected any special treatment. He just wanted to play and have fun,” McGuffin said.
McGuffin said Perry had a natural talent for pickleball and was eager to learn from him and other pros. He said Perry had joined his pickleball academy and had participated in several tournaments and clinics.
He was very competitive and passionate about the game. He always wanted to win and get better. He had a lot of potential and I think he could have become a great player if he had more time, McGuffin said.
McGuffin said Perry’s death was a tragic loss for the pickleball community and for the entertainment industry. He said he hoped Perry’s legacy would inspire more people to try pickleball and enjoy its benefits.
Pickleball is a sport that brings people together and makes them happy. It’s good for your physical and mental health. It’s a sport that Matthew loved and I think he would want more people to experience it,” McGuffin said.
A Lasting Impact on Hollywood
Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC television sitcom Friends, which ran from 1994 to 2004. He won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for the role. He also appeared on Ally McBeal (2002) and received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his performances in The West Wing (2003) and The Ron Clark Story (2006).
He also starred in several films, such as Fools Rush In (1997), Almost Heroes (1998), Three to Tango (1999), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), Serving Sara (2002), The Whole Ten Yards (2005), and 17 Again (2009). He co-created, co-wrote, executive produced, and starred in the ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine (2011), and played the lead role of Oscar Madison in the CBS sitcom The Odd Couple (2015-2017).
He had recurring roles in the legal dramas The Good Wife (2012-2013) and The Good Fight (2017), portrayed Ted Kennedy in The Kennedys: After Camelot (2017), and appeared as himself in Friends: The Reunion (2021).
Perry was widely praised for his comedic timing, sarcastic wit, and charming personality. He was also admired for his courage and honesty in dealing with his addiction and health problems, and for his advocacy for rehabilitation and recovery.
He received the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2013. He was loved by his fans, friends, family, and colleagues, who expressed their grief and condolences on social media.
He will be remembered as one of the most iconic and influential actors of his generation.