Entertainment

US Friends TV Comedy Star, Matthew Perry Is Dead

Published

2 years ago

October 29, 2023

An American-Canadian actor Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing in the hit ’90s TV sitcom Friends, has died at the age of 54.

The actor was found dead at his home in his Los Angeles, law enforcement sources told US media.

Friends, which followed the fortunes of six young friends living in New York City, aired from 1994 until 2004.

Its final episode was watched by 52.5 million in the US, making it the most watched TV episode of the 2000s.

The LA Times and TMZ, which first reported that Perry had died, said the actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his house.

A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson told the BBC that first responders went to an address in the Pacific Palisades area, regarding a “water emergency” of an unknown type, but did not name Perry.

Warner Bros TV, which produced Friends, said “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry”.

“Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family,” the statement read.

“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.”

Born in Massachusetts in 1969, Perry was raised in Ottawa, Canada, where he attended elementary school with Justin Trudeau, who later became Canadian prime minister.

Perry moved to Los Angeles as a teenager. He starred as Chazz Russell in Boys Will Be Boys and also had roles in shows including Growing Pains.

But he became an international star on Friends, a show which followed the lives of six New Yorkers navigating dating, careers and friendship.

The comedy, co-starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow, became one of the most successful shows of all time.

Perry was cast as the awkward Chandler Bing, famous for his sarcastic one-liners. The role earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2002.

Perry battled for years with addiction to painkillers and alcohol, and attended rehabilitation clinics on multiple occasions.

In 2016, he told BBC Radio 2 that he could not remember three years of filming during Friends, because of drink and drugs.

In an interview last year, he spoke about how he did not watch the show.

“I didn’t watch the show, and haven’t watched the show, because I could go, ‘Drinking, opiates, drinking, cocaine,’” he said. “I could tell season by season, by how I looked. That’s why I don’t wanna watch it, because that’s what I see.

“But I think I’m going to start to watch it because it’s been an incredible thing to watch it touch the hearts of different generations.”

Perry also appeared in several films, including Fools Rush In, Almost Heroes and the Whole Nine Yards.

Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice in Friends, was the first of Perry’s co-stars to publicly pay tribute to the actor.

Ms Wheeler said the joy Perry brought to “so many” in his “too short lifetime will live on”.

“I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared,” she wrote on Instagram.

Morgan Fairchild who played Perry’s on-screen mother and erotic novel writer Nora Bing, said: “I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my ‘son’, Matthew Perry.”

“The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock,” she added.

Cruel Intentions actress Selma Blair said Perry was her “oldest boy friend”, adding: “All of us loved Matthew Perry, and I did especially. Every day. I loved him unconditionally. And he me.

“And I’m broken. Broken hearted. Sweet dreams Matty. Sweet dreams.”

Entertainment

2Face Controversy: Family, Friends Speak Out Amid Apology Backlash

Published

17 hours ago

July 5, 2025

Editor

The recent public apology issued by Nigerian music legend, 2Face Idibia, over his comments on men and commitment has sparked a heated debate, with family and friends weighing in on the controversy.

According to reports, 2Face’s apology was met with skepticism, with many believing he was forced to retract his statement.

Media personality, Daddy Freeze, claimed that 2Face was being controlled by someone, while former dancehall star, Cynthia Morgan, accused 2Face’s wife, Natasha Osawaru, of allegedly forcing him to issue the apology.

In a shocking turn of events, 2Face’s brother, Charles Idibia (Charlybrave), penned an emotional open letter to the singer, accusing Natasha of manipulation and control.

Charlybrave detailed alleged instances of Natasha’s meddling, including isolating 2Face from his business and personal life.

Meanwhile, media personality, Do2dtun, expressed concern over 2Face’s well-being, stating that the singer’s apology video seemed unnatural. Do2dtun believes 2Face needs help and recommended therapy, suggesting that someone was exploiting his vulnerability.

The situation has raised questions about the dynamics of 2Face’s personal life and the impact of his public apology.

As the debate continues, many are calling on 2Face to prioritise his well-being and take action to protect himself.

With family and friends speaking out, the controversy surrounding 2Face’s apology is unlikely to die down anytime soon. One thing is certain, however, 2Face’s fans and the public are eager to see how this situation unfolds.

Entertainment

Meet First African Artiste Who Get Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo is poised to make history as the first African artiste to be honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Renowned for her powerful vocals, genre-blending music, and dynamic stage presence, Angelique Kidjo will be recognised in the “Recordings” category. She joins a celebrated lineup of honorees that includes Miley Cyrus and The Clark Sisters.

This prestigious honour acknowledges Kidjo’s decades-long contribution to music and her enduring commitment to sharing African culture and sounds with the global community.

The honorees were selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame selection panel from hundreds of nominations during a June 20 meeting. The Chamber’s board of directors approved the selections on June 25.

The Walk of Fame Class of 2026 features 35 prominent figures across the entertainment spectrum, including music, film, television, live performance, and sports.

“We are excited to announce the newest selections of 35 esteemed individuals who will be enshrined onto the Walk of Fame,” said Peter Roth, former CEO of Warner Bros. Television and chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee, in a statement.

“These talented individuals have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment, and we are thrilled to honor them with this well-deserved recognition.”

Full List of 2026 Walk of Fame Honorees

Recordings

Air Supply
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Paulinho da Costa
The Clark Sisters
Miley Cyrus
Josh Groban
Intocable
Angélique Kidjo
Lyle Lovett
Motion Pictures

Emily Blunt
Timothée Chalamet
Chris Columbus
Marion Cotillard
Keith David
Rami Malek
Rachel McAdams
Demi Moore
Franco Nero
Deepika Padukone
Molly Ringwald
Stanley Tucci
Carlo Ramboldi (Posthumous)
Tony Scott (Posthumous)
Television

Greg Daniels
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Lucero
Chef Gordon Ramsay
Melody Thomas Scott
Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos (double ceremony)
Bradley Whitford
Noah Wyle
Live Theatre/Performance

Lea Salonga
Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
Sports Entertainment

Shaquille O’Neal
The date of Angélique Kidjo’s star unveiling ceremony has not yet been announced.

Now 64, the Beninese-French singer continues to be celebrated for her boundary-pushing artistry, visually captivating music videos, and role as a cultural ambassador. In addition to her five Grammy Awards, she received the 2023 Polar Music Prize. A vocal activist and actress, Kidjo is widely considered one of Africa’s greatest music icons.

Entertainment

‘This Is Not Me’ – 2Baba Apologises To Wife Natasha, Children Over Controversial Comments

Published

4 days ago

July 2, 2025

Editor

Popular Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, better known as 2Baba, has issued a heartfelt apology to his wife, Natasha, and their children following the backlash from a controversial statement he made about male sexuality and monogamy.

During a recent appearance on the 234 Mzansi podcast hosted by Nedu and others, the award-winning singer claimed it is “nearly impossible” for a man to remain sexually involved with only one woman, even if he deeply loves her. The remark quickly sparked widespread criticism and intense public debate.

In a remorseful post shared via his Instagram page on Wednesday, 2Baba acknowledged the gravity of his words and the hurt they caused.

He said, “I know I fxxked up with what I said. I know I am going to pay dearly for it. I’m going to pay the heavy price for this, you know; I said what I said, man. I didn’t say it appropriately.

“This is my situation; there is no excuse. I own up to that. I have hurt so many people – my fans, people that hold me up in high esteem, and millions of people who look up to me. This is not me; I’m terribly sorry for allowing myself, but one thing I’m sure of is that I’m sorry to my wife, the love of my life, Natasha. She is amazing, wonderful and smart. I’m so sorry. And also to my kids: you don’t deserve the kind of things I put them into.

“I’m Tuface Idibia; I’m 2Baba. I’m fortunate enough to have achieved a lot to have people look up to me. They call me the legend, but this talk of mine was quite unlegendary. I feel bad I own up to my mistakes.

“I know I will pay the price, but I just expressed myself. It’s something I thought we just said; we looked at it as a cruise, but the amount of response I got made me see the amount of love and respect people have for me, and for me to make that stupid statement, it cancelled everything. People that know me know that that’s not who I am. I dey talk some kinds of things.

“My music speaks for me.” I know you will be wondering if it’s the same person that said that thing.”