Friends creators pay tribute to Matthew Perry

Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright have paid tribute to Matthew Perry, who tragically died this week.

At 4.07pm local time in Los Angeles, police responded to a 911 call at Perry's home. According to The LA Times and TMZ, Perry died by drowning in a hot tub or jacuzzi.

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There was no foul play involved.

The news comes as a devastating blow to his family, friends and the millions of fans Friends, one of the greatest sitcoms in history.

Perry became a comedy legend thanks to his role as the sharp-witted Chandler Bing, who became an icon. His memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, was released towards the end of last year.

In it, he detailed his troubles with drug addiction, alcoholism and depression.

Matthew Perry tribute

In a joint statement, Kauffman, Crane and Bright said:

"We are 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.

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. 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.

"We send all of our love to his family and friends. This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken."