It has now been over a week since Hollywood icon Matthew Perry sadly passed away at 54. The “Friends” star was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi while at home.According to reports, Perry passed on October 28, a Saturday afternoon. Authorities said they received the call about the incident around 4 p.m.
He passed away at his Pacific Palisades home and was found by his assistant, whom he had sent out on an errand just before. Sources report that the assistant who discovered Perry, who a friend described as tired during his final days, attempted to lift his head out of the water and get him some air, but unfortunately, it had been too late.
Prior to his death, Perry had been keeping a low profile after his book tour but was seen out shopping at The Grove in September with his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who is believed to have been the one to find him unresponsive. Sources also confirm that Perry had another assistant, Briana Brancato, whom the late actor spoke about in his memoir.
The duo shared a very close relationship that spanned over several years. Perry revealed that the two met at a rehab center where Brancato had been working at the time.
He became enthralled by her and so poached Brancato to be his assistant. Of Brancato, whom he gave the pseudonym Erin in his book, and the platonic relationship he shared with her, Perry divulged:
“…she became my best friend…She’s always there when I need her…She saved my life at the rehab…Who knows what I’d do without her; I intend to never find out.”
Brancato and Perry shared a special bond, and she was there for him throughout the struggles he encountered in life for years. Naturally, when he passed, she was devastated and took to her social media account to share a heartfelt tribute.
Matthew Perry Rented a $49K-a-Month Home with His Assistant Prior to His Death
Reports stipulate that a few months before Perry’s demise, Brancato had left his side to pursue a career as a personal trainer, hence why Perry ultimately had two assistants. His main one, Iwamasa, was in charge of his affairs for over 25 years and was his live-in assistant and caretaker. According to a source, Perry had rented a $49K-a-month home with Iwamasa before he died.
When Perry’s Palisades mansion, which had an office that was his favorite space, was under renovation, he and Iwamasa moved into a Beverly Hills rental, reportedly for over a year. The home has three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms and spans over 6,305 square feet, with a view overlooking the ocean. According to the landlord, John Malakzad, though he said he had never personally met Perry, he called him a:
“good tenant…”
Malakzad also described Iwamasa as someone who monitored Perry while they were living together. Many continue to miss and mourn the loss of the Hollywood legend who lit up the silver screen.