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

How ‘I Faked Madness To Earn Public Sympathy’ – Shina Peters

Published

5 days ago

October 25, 2025

Editor

Veteran Afro-Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters, has opened up about the unusual strategy that helped reshape his image after his controversial exit from Prince Adekunle’s band.

During an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, the “Ace” crooner recounted that his decision to leave the band sparked widespread backlash, with many accusing him of betraying his mentor for money.

He narrated how his team deliberately made him look like a mentally unstable person and showcased him in public to gain public sympathy.

“People protested against me when I left Prince Adekunle’s band because they believed I left my father figure for money. Then the owner of my record label and some media heads came up with an idea.

“They asked me to braid my hair for three days without loosening it, then I wore some torn up cloths. After that, they took me to Oyingbo Market to buy ewedu while recording everything. I didn’t even know what they were up to.”

The veteran singer said the stunt continued in Badagry, where he was filmed behaving like a mentally unstable person at a construction site handled by Julius Berger.

“They told me to act like a madman and eat in public. All of that was done to change people’s narratives and earn empathy from fans,” he said.

Sir Shina Peters explained that the carefully planned drama ultimately helped him win back public sympathy and rebuild his image as a solo artiste.

Entertainment

Ned Nwoko Breaks Silence, Blames Regina’s Outburst On Drug Abuse

Published

2 weeks ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

Senator Ned Nwoko has broken his silence following a viral video showing his wife, actress Regina Daniels, in distress, describing her recent actions as “drug-influenced” and “unprovoked carnage.”

In a lengthy post and a short video shared on his Instagram handle #princenednwoko on Sunday, Nwoko claimed the actress was battling drug and alcohol abuse, which he said was at the root of the crisis rocking their marriage.

“Regina was not always like this. Her current battle with drugs and alcohol abuse is the root of our problem.

“She must continue her rehabilitation programme, or I fear for her life and safety,” he wrote.

The senator alleged that Regina went on a violent rampage at their home in his absence, attacking staff and destroying property.

“She slapped and hit three staff in the past 48 hours and destroyed property, including cars and windows, for no just cause.

“Now she has moved to a place where she will have unrestricted access to drugs,” the senator alleged

Nwoko said he had offered his wife two rehabilitation options in Asokoro or Jordan, “where she will not have access to drugs.”

He further alleged that the scene at home was worsened by the interference of Regina’s associates, whom he described as “drug suppliers.”

“While I took Moon to the hospital, a scene of chaos unfolded at home, orchestrated by Sammy, Regina’s main drug supplier.

“Another known supplier of drugs to Regina is the tiny evil devil called Ann,” he alleged.

His post came hours after The PUNCH reported that a video of the actress, visibly agitated and shouting during a confrontation, had gone viral on Saturday, sparking widespread concern.

In the footage, Regina could be heard saying, “In Ned Nwoko’s house, I am nothing, but in my own house, I am a Queen. Not again. I can’t stand the violence, it’s too much.”

Her brother, Ojeogwu Samuel Danhillman, popularly known as Sammy West, also reacted angrily on Instagram, accusing Nwoko of assaulting his sister and vowing to defend her.

“Anywhere wey man dey beat woman, whether na my sister or not, I go fight with my blood,” he wrote.

The cause of the altercation remains unclear, as neither Regina nor her representatives have publicly responded to Nwoko’s allegations.

Regina Daniels, who married Nwoko in 2019, has often been in the public eye alongside the politician and businessman.

The couple’s marriage, marked by a 40-year age gap, has long drawn public attention and debate.

Entertainment

Annie Idibia Finds Love Again

Published

2 weeks ago

October 19, 2025

Editor

It appears actress Annie Idibia may not remain single for long following the reported crash of her marriage to music icon, 2Face Idibia.

Fresh reports and social media activity suggest that celebrity stylist Jeremiah Ogbodo, popularly known as Swanky Jerry, may be the new man warming Annie’s heart.

The duo, who have shared a long and sometimes dramatic friendship, recently set the internet abuzz with a series of affectionate exchanges that fans have interpreted as more than just platonic.

In a post that has since gone viral, Swanky Jerry described Annie as “the most beautiful soul I’ve ever known,” while Annie responded with a heartfelt “I love you always, my person.”

Their public display of affection comes just months after Annie and 2Face’s marriage reportedly hit the rocks, following years of speculation about infidelity and emotional strain.

The actress, who had once described her marriage as “a rollercoaster of love, pain, and grace,” has lately been posting cryptic quotes about “peace, self-love, and fresh starts”.

Fans were quick to notice that Swanky, who was previously at odds with Annie during the Young, Famous & African reality show saga, has now returned to being one of her closest companions.

Their reconciliation, which started quietly earlier this year, now appears to have blossomed into something much deeper and possibly romantic.

Many online observers have expressed excitement over the pair’s chemistry, with some calling them “a perfect match” and others urging Annie to “choose happiness this time.”

Swanky Jerry, known for styling top celebrities across Africa, including Tiwa Savage, Davido, and Bonang Matheba, has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationship with Annie.

Still, his recent posts featuring the actress in glowing admiration have only intensified rumors of a budding romance.

The once “perfect love story” that captivated Nigerians for years now seems to have faded, paving the way for a new chapter in Annie’s personal life.

Whether or not Swanky Jerry and Annie Idibia are truly in love or just sharing a deep emotional bond remains to be seen.