Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. Fans all over the world mourned when he was found dead at his Los Angeles home on October 28th, 2023. Almost a year later, investigations into his death are still ongoing.
Interestingly, new details have recently emerged regarding Perry’s estate that is valued at $1.5 Million. In this article, we’ll be going over the updated details surrounding his death and the ongoing investigation. We’ll also shed some light on his financial situation at the time of his passing and the beneficiaries of his will.
Matthew Perry’s Cause of Death
Initial reports of the cause of Perry’s death indicated an apparent drowning accident. The actor was found unresponsive in his hot tub by his assistant who immediately called the police. Upon arrival, they pronounced Perry dead at 4:17 PM. However, the post-mortem examination revealed a different story. The official cause of death was determined to be the “acute effects of ketamine,” Drowning was listed as a secondary factor, and there were no signs of fatal trauma or foul play. You can check the official LAPD post below.
On 12-15-23, the autopsy indicated Mr. Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine.” Based on the Medical Examiner’s findings, the LAPD with the assistance of DEA and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, has continued its investigation into the circumstances of Perry’s death.
— LAPD PIO (@LAPDPIO) May 21, 2024
Perry was reportedly undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression, and the level of ketamine found in Perry’s system was equivalent to what would be used during general anesthesia. However, the actor’s last treatment took place a week and a half before his death and could not account for this volume. The LAPD, in collaboration with the DEA and U.S. Postal Service, is currently investigating the source of the ketamine and whether it was obtained illegally. Multiple individuals are expected to face charges.
Matthew Perry’s Will and Beneficiaries
Perry created a will in 2009, designating the majority of his belongings to the Alvy Singer Living Trust, which he had established. The names listed in the will include Perry’s father John Perry, his mother Suzanne Morrison, and his half-sister Caitlin Morrison. Interestingly, he also included his ex-girlfriend, Rachel Dunn, in the short list of beneficiaries.
Perry dated Dunn from 2003 to 2005, but he always retained a soft spot for her. In fact, she is the only non-family member to have been included in the will. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he even referred to her as “the ex-girlfriend of his dreams.” The two ended their relationship around the time Friends wrapped, and Perry included her in his will four years after their breakup. Perry died without having any children, but he also explicitly stated that any children, biological or fostered, would not be entitled to inherit from his estate.
Matthew Perry’s Personal Wealth Revalued at $1.5 Million
Initial estimates placed the value of Matthew Perry’s personal property at a little over $1 million. However, new court documents revealed a more substantial figure. Lisa Ferguson, the trustee of Perry’s estate, submitted an inventory and appraisal document showing a balance of $1,596,914.47.
It’s important to note that Perry did not own real estate in California in his own name. The $6 million Pacific Palisades home where he passed away was actually owned by Ferguson. Another Hollywood Hills property belonging to Perry’s Alvy Singer Living Trust was recently listed for sale at a staggering $5,195,000. This property was acquired by the trust for $4,995,000 just a few months prior to Perry’s death. During renovations of his Pacific Palisades home, Perry was also renting a luxurious three-bedroom home overlooking Beverly Hills at a cost of $49,000 per month.
Perhaps the biggest question mark surrounding Perry’s estate lies with his ongoing earnings from Friends royalties. Estimates suggest these royalties amount to a whopping $20 million annually! It has not been revealed who will inherit these payments going forward. Most states have a typical hierarchy of inheritance: a spouse is first, followed by children, grandchildren, parents, and then siblings. Since Perry had no spouse or children, his parents are likely to take on his acting royalties. However, Perry might also have designated the royalties to go to his trust. Unlike a will, trust details are not public knowledge, so there is no way to know for sure yet. Also don’t forget to check out 20 most mysterious celebrity deaths of all-time!
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