The actor’s sudden death has left family, friends, co-stars and fans in complete shock

MATTHEW Perry was found with his head underwater in his hot tub by his assistant, first responders said.

The actor, 54, who played Chandler Bing in Friends, was found with his head underwater in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home on Saturday.

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Matthew Perry was found with his head underwater in his hot tub by his assistantCredit: Getty

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The actor was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on FriendsCredit: Getty

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Perry is believed to have drowned in his hot tub at his LA homeCredit: Sky News
It can now be revealed that his assistant lifted his head up to try and get him some air, according to the Los Angeles Times.

He was said to be already dead when the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at his Pacific Palisades home.

An LAFD spokesperson said: “An adult male patient was deceased prior to first response arrival.

“The patient was found by a bystander who had re-positioned the victim where the head was out of water.

“Firefighters pulled the victim out of the jacuzzi and did a quick medical assessment to find he was deceased.”

Cops confirmed the death was being investigated but no foul play is suspected.

The 15-second dispatch audio clip refers to a drowning — known as an Emergency Medical Situation 9.

A first responder said: “Agent 23. Rescue 23. EMS 9 on the radio. In response to the drowning.”

He had been candid about his struggles with drink and drugs, and health problems.

No narcotics were discovered at the scene, but authorities found anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs and a drug for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

On the morning of his death Matthew had played racquet sport pickleball with a female friend, who revealed the star had felt unwell and “fatigued” for the past week.

The actor was said to have been in good spirits as he played at the Riviera Country Club near his home in the Pacific Palisades region of Los Angeles.

He returned home and later sent his assistant on an errand, but was unresponsive when they returned two hours later.

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The cast of Friends is said to be reeling from Perry’s deathCredit: Instagram