News Wrap: ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry dies at age 54

Read the Full Transcript

• John Yang:

  It's against the backdrop of Israel's war on Hamas that former President Donald Trump has renewed his vow to reinstate his ban on travelers from mostly Muslim countries entering the United States. Trump who dominates the race for the Republican presidential nomination spoke in Las Vegas.

• Donald Trump, Former U.S. President:

  We had a travel ban that was very restrictive to certain countries where they want to send people that hate us into our country. So if you don't mind, we'll have it again. Okay, is that okay?

• John Yang:

  The White House responded quickly calling Trump's ban vile and unAmerican.

  Fans have lost a friend. Matthew Perry, the Emmy nominated actor and the ensemble cast of the hit 90s sitcom Friends, was found dead last night at his home in Los Angeles.

  On the long running sitcom Friends, Matthew Perry portrayed the widow the sarcastic Chandler Bing.

• Matthew Perry, American Actor:

  Could I be more sorry.

• John Yang:

  A role that allowed him to deliver some of the series mostly memorable lines. The show followed a group of young professionals living in New York, it became an instant classic running for 10 seasons on NBC and catapulting the entire cast to stardom.

• Matthew Perry:

  Well, I loved Chandler. I love the show. And I also knew remember this because it's going to be the best time of your life.

• John Yang:

  After the show left the air in 2004, Perry showed his range with dramatic roles like White House lawyer Joe Quincy on The West Wing.

• Matthew Perry:

  Saying that it's good that you can buy food for less than entire wage.

• John Yang:

  He had leading parts in the blockbuster films Fools Rush In and The Whole Nine Yards.

  But behind the professional success was personal turmoil. In his 2022 memoir, friends, lovers and the big terrible thing, Perry candidly described his decade's long struggle with substance misuse. His chronic alcohol and drug use led to multiple stints in rehab and life threatening medical complications.

  After overcoming his addictions, Perry wanted to support others on their journey to sobriety. In 2013, converting his Malibu beach home into a sober living facility.

• Matthew Perry:

  The best thing about me, bar none, is if somebody comes up to me and says, I can't stop drinking, can you help me? I can say yes, and follow up and do it. When I die, I don't want friends to be the first thing that's mentioned. I want that to be the first thing to mention.

• John Yang:

  In 2021, Perry and his classmates got back together for a Friends reunion special on HBO Max. There was nostalgia but also a celebration of the show's newfound popularity among younger viewers.

• Zaira Ramos:

  It was actually one of my favorite characters. You know, his sense of humor was super dry and I grew up watching it with my family, so it's really sad that he's gone.

• John Yang:

  On social media today, Perry is being mourned by CO stars and co-workers. On X formerly called Twitter, the official Friends account called Perry a true gift to us all. He was also remembered by fans including former childhood classmates, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who posted thanks for all the laughs, Matthew.

  The cause of Perry's death is being investigated. He was just 54 years old.

  Across the United States, at least three people are dead and more than 40 injured and multiple mass shooting incidents across this weekend. Four people to have them students were shot today near Georgia State University in Atlanta. In Chicago, a gunman fired into a crowd at a Halloween party on Saturday night injuring 15. One person was shot dead at an Indianapolis house party and in the Tampa neighborhood of Ybor City gunfire erupted between two groups during a Halloween celebration. Two people died, 18 were hurt.

  So far this year there have been 577 incidents in which four or more people have been shot, that's nearly two a day.

  And in Lewiston, Maine on the Sunday after the worst mass killing in the state's history, residents attended church services and gathered to express their grief and to reflect. Last night there was a vigil in nearby Lisbon Falls. A similar event is planned to report tonight in Lewiston. It's an opportunity for residents to come together after days of fear and anxiety.

  Still to come on PBS News Weekend, what some states are doing to protect your personal data, and the story of UNICEF's Halloween fundraiser and how it's changing with the times.

Improved audio player available on our mobile page