Actor Matthew Perry, famously known for the role of Chandler Bing in the iconic show Friends, was found dead Saturday in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, law enforcement has reported.
Spokesperson of the LA Fire Department reported that first responders arrived at Perry’s home at about 4 p.m. regarding a “water emergency” of an unknown type, but did not name the actor. Sadly, upon arrival, they discovered Perry’s unresponsive body. According to them, there were no drugs of any type at the scene. At the time being, no foul play is suspected.
A representative of the actor hasn’t issued any comments regarding the tragic incident.
The investigation over Perry’s passing is still ongoing and the cause of death remains unknown. It will be determined by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office at a later date.
“We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry,” Warner Bros. Television Group, which produced “Friends,” said in a statement to The Times. “Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
“We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry,” NBC, which aired the series for all 10 seasons, said in its own statement to The Times. “He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations.”
Saturday evening yellow-and-black LAPD crime scene tape blocked off the entrance to Blue Sail Drive, a tony street just off the Pacific Coast Highway at the crest of a hill with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Shortly after 7 p.m., as multiple helicopters whirred overhead, Perry’s mother, Suzanne, and her husband, broadcaster Keith Morrison, joined the journalists and LAPD officers on the scene. Morrison declined to comment. An LAPD officer at the scene said he had no information and that he did not know when any would be forthcoming.
Peter, a neighbor of Perry’s on Bluesail Drive who declined to give his last name Saturday evening, said he only spoke to the actor once, for five minutes, and that he was “very pleasant” and a “nice guy.”
“It’s shocking,” Peter said as he waited for the LAPD, who had barred journalists from passing the police tape, to approve him for entry. “He’s been redoing this house forever and he seemed fine. It’s very sad.”
Leo, another neighbor who declined to give his full name, said he was home when an ambulance arrived at Perry’s house Saturday afternoon. He declined to say whether paramedics tried to revive Perry or if a body was removed from the premises.
“I was shocked,” he said. “It was very disturbing and sad after all these years.”
Perry was one of his favorite actors, Leo said, and the funniest member of the “Friends” cast.
“I encountered him once and he was very, very friendly. More so than I thought,” Leo said. “It’s definitely a tragedy, especially at such a young age,” he added. “I was very heartbroken to see what happened.”
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Perry, the son of actor John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Marie Langford, onetime press secretary of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was born in 1969 and grew up between Montreal and Los Angeles after his parents separated when Perry was 1.
He got his start as a child actor, landing guest spots on “Charles in Charge” and “Beverly Hills 90210” and playing opposite River Phoenix in the film “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon” in the 1980s and early 1990s.
But his big break came when he was cast in “Friends” — originally titled “Friends Like Us” — a sitcom about six single New Yorkers navigating adulthood that premiered on NBC in 1994.
The series soon became a juggernaut, the anchor of the network’s vaunted Thursday-night “Must-See TV” lineup, and turned Perry and his castmates Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer into mega-stars almost overnight. At its high-water mark — for a 1996 Super Bowl episode and the 2004 series finale — the series could notch more than 50 million live viewers; by its end, cast members were earning more than $1 million an episode.
As Chandler Bing, the handsome, wisecracking roommate of LeBlanc’s Joey Tribbiani and, later, love interest of Cox’s fastidious Monica Geller, Perry distinguished himself in a crackling ensemble cast. With his dry delivery he created a catchphrase with a mere turn of inflection, based on banter he’d shared with childhood friends: Could he be any more Chandler?
Soon, he was attached to major stars like Julia Roberts and appearing in prominent films such as 1997 rom-com “Fools Rush In,” opposite Salma Hayek, and 2000 ensemble mob comedy “The Whole Nine Yards” with Bruce Willis.
There was a dark side to the life of one of television’s most beloved funnymen, however. In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry recounted his lifelong struggle with addiction to alcohol and opioids. He wrote that he had his first drink at 14, but didn’t recognize the signs of alcoholism until 21. Since then, he estimated, he’d spent more than $7 million on efforts to get sober, including multiple stints in rehab. His substance abuse also led to a number of serious health issues, including a five-month hospitalization in 2018 following a colon rupture that left him, he wrote, with a 2% chance to live through the night.
And it was fueled, he acknowledged during a “Friends” reunion special in 2021, by the pressure to land the joke in front of a live studio audience night after night.
(NBC / NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
“Nobody wanted to be famous more than me,” Perry told The Times in April, discussing “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” at the Festival of Books. “I was convinced it was the answer. I was 25, it was the second year of ‘Friends,’ and eight months into it, I realized the American dream is not making me happy, not filling the holes in my life. I couldn’t get enough attention. … Fame does not do what you think it’s going to do. It was all a trick.”
Perry was remembered on Saturday by friends and collaborators such as Selma Blair, Paget Brewster, Morgan Fairchild and Mira Sorvino as a singular comic talent and kind soul.
Perry’s “Friends” co-star Maggie Wheeler, who played his on-again, off-again girlfriend Janice on the hit show, shared a sweet tribute on Instagram.
“What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry,” she wrote. “The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
He was also memorialized by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pierre’s son and one of Perry’s childhood friends.
“Matthew Perry’s passing is shocking and saddening,” Trudeau wrote on X. “I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them. Thanks for all the laughs, Matthew. You were loved — and you will be missed.”
Though Perry estimated he had relapsed “60 or 70 times” since first getting sober in 2001, he maintained a steady presence on American television, playing key parts in backstage dramedy “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and therapy sitcom “Go On,” and making a steady stream of guest appearances on acclaimed shows such as “The West Wing” and “The Good Wife.”
Since his near-death experience in 2018, Perry had found solace in friends, frequent games of pickleball and, especially, writing. Though producing “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” had forced him to relive his darkest moments, it also connected him to “all the sufferers out there”: “I had a story to tell, a story that could really help people,” he wrote. “And helping others had become the answer for me.”
Indeed, for all his success as an actor and, more recently, as a bestselling memoirist, Perry told The Times in April that his work was not the center of what he hoped would be his legacy.
Pressed to name how he’d like to be remembered, he said: “As a guy who lived life, loved well, lived well and helped people. That running into me was a good thing, and not something bad.”
Thoughts?
The debate over using canned soup in cooking, particularly in casseroles, is one that many home cooks struggle with. On one hand, canned soup offers quick and easy meal preparation, but on the other, some argue that it compromises taste, nutrition, and quality.
So, is canned soup a lifesaver or a shortcut best avoided? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using canned soup in casseroles, discussing its convenience, taste, nutritional impact, and environmental effects. Let’s settle the debate once and for all!
The Convenience of Canned Soup in Cooking
Let’s be honest—cooking from scratch takes time. If you have a busy schedule, the time-saving benefits of canned soup are hard to ignore.
- No chopping, blending, or simmering—just open the can and pour it in.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners when you need a meal fast.
- Consistent taste and texture without the hassle of measuring ingredients.
For home cooks who juggle work, family, and other responsibilities, canned soup is an easy solution for quick, satisfying meals. It allows you to put together a creamy, rich casserole in minutes, making it a staple in many households.
The Nutritional Downside of Canned Soup
While convenient, canned soup often comes with some nutritional drawbacks. Many popular brands contain:
❌ High sodium levels – Excess salt can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.
❌ Preservatives and additives – Used to extend shelf life but can raise health concerns.
❌ Artificial flavors – Can make soups taste processed rather than fresh.
Video : Canned Soup: A Bowl of Warmth and Convenience
However, not all canned soups are created equal. Some brands offer low-sodium, organic, or preservative-free options, making them a healthier alternative. If you’re conscious of nutrition, reading ingredient labels can help you make better choices.
Canned Soup vs. Homemade Base: Which Tastes Better?
Taste is a major factor when deciding between canned soup and homemade alternatives. There’s no doubt that:
✅ Homemade bases allow for better control over flavor, seasoning, and consistency.
✅ Fresh ingredients result in a more natural, well-balanced taste.
✅ Canned soups, while flavorful, can sometimes have a processed or overly salty taste.
For those who prefer a rich, homemade flavor, making your own base from scratch is worth the extra effort. But if you’re looking for that classic, nostalgic taste of traditional casseroles, canned soup does the trick.
Why Canned Soup is Essential in Classic Casserole Recipes
Canned soup has been a key ingredient in traditional casseroles for generations. It’s the secret behind the creamy, rich texture in dishes like:
🥘 Green Bean Casserole – A Thanksgiving favorite made with cream of mushroom soup.
🥘 Tuna Noodle Casserole – Classic comfort food with cream of celery soup.
🥘 Chicken and Rice Casserole – A warm, hearty dish featuring cream of chicken soup.
For many families, these recipes bring back memories, and canned soup plays a big role in preserving that tradition.
Health Concerns: Are Preservatives in Canned Soup Dangerous?
One of the biggest concerns surrounding canned soup is the use of preservatives. These are added to extend shelf life and enhance flavor, but some people worry about potential health risks.
🔹 Common preservatives in canned soup include:
- Sodium-based preservatives – Increase shelf life but can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – Enhances flavor but may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
- BPA in can linings – Some cans contain BPA, which has been linked to hormone disruptions.
While most preservatives are considered safe in small amounts, those seeking a cleaner diet may prefer making homemade bases or choosing preservative-free canned options.
Canned Soup vs. Homemade: Cost Comparison
Budget is another important factor when deciding between canned soup and homemade bases.
Video : Canned Soup Brands That Use The Highest Quality Ingredients
💰 Canned Soup Advantages:
- Affordable and accessible—you can buy it almost anywhere.
- Long shelf life—great for stocking up during sales.
- Less waste—perfectly portioned, so no leftover ingredients.
💰 Homemade Base Advantages:
- Cheaper in bulk—if you cook often, making your own base can save money over time.
- More control over ingredients—you decide what goes in.
- Healthier and fresher—avoids unnecessary additives.
For occasional use, canned soup is the cheaper option. But if you cook casseroles regularly, making a base from scratch might be more cost-effective in the long run.
Environmental Impact of Using Canned Products
If you’re eco-conscious, the environmental impact of canned soup might be a concern.
♻ Canned Soup Cons:
- Cans require energy to produce and recycle.
- Some brands still use BPA in their can linings.
- Shipping and storing canned goods increases carbon footprint.
♻ Homemade Base Pros:
- Uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Reduces reliance on processed foods.
- Creates less packaging waste.
If you want to be more environmentally friendly, consider choosing brands with sustainable practices or making your own soup base.
Expert Opinions: What Do Chefs and Nutritionists Say?
Experts are divided on the use of canned soup in cooking.
👨🍳 Chefs argue that:
✔ Homemade bases offer superior taste and freshness.
✔ Using fresh ingredients allows for better customization.
✔ Canned soups lack complexity and natural depth of flavor.
🥗 Nutritionists say that:
✔ Canned soup is fine in moderation, but should not be relied upon daily.
✔ Opting for low-sodium or preservative-free options is the best choice.
✔ Homemade bases are healthier but require more effort.
Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
Final Verdict: Is Canned Soup Really That Bad?
So, should you use canned soup in casseroles? It depends on your priorities.
✅ If you value convenience, canned soup is a great shortcut that saves time and effort.
✅ If you prioritize nutrition and taste, homemade bases give you better control over ingredients.
✅ If you love classic recipes, canned soup delivers the traditional flavors you grew up with.
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong answer. Cooking is about finding a balance between practicality and quality. Whether you stick with canned soup or make everything from scratch, what matters most is creating meals you and your family enjoy.
Would you choose canned soup or homemade? Share your thoughts below!
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