History Today: When ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’ star Matthew Perry's death shocked the world

The American TV show Friends was an iconic one and went on to become a cult classic. So much so that even the characters in the show were remembered for their quirky ways. From Chandler’s sarcasm to Monica’s obsession with perfection, all the characters played a major role in the series. The people who played these characters also became famous in real life due to the show. And when Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing in the series, passed away on October 28, 2023, the world came together to mourn the loss.

On this day in 2022, billionaire Elon Musk officially acquired Twitter following months of public negotiations, legal battles, and widespread speculation. The Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbour on this day in 1886.

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Here is all that took place on this day across the world.

Matthew Perry passed away

The world mourned the sudden death of Matthew Perry, the beloved actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, on October 28, 2023. Perry was found unresponsive at his home in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles at the age of 54. His passing sent shockwaves through Hollywood, fans, and fellow actors who remembered him for his sharp wit, comedic timing, and enduring contributions to television.

Perry’s career spanned decades, but he will always be most celebrated for Friends (1994–2004), where his portrayal of Chandler — a sarcastic, awkward, yet lovable character — captured audiences worldwide. The role earned him multiple award nominations and cemented his place as one of the most memorable comedic actors of his generation. Beyond Friends, Perry appeared in films such as The Whole Nine Yards and 17 Again, and starred in television shows like The Odd Couple, continually showcasing his versatility as both a dramatic and comedic performer.

Off-screen, Perry was candid about his struggles with addiction and health challenges, using his platform to raise awareness and support recovery initiatives. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, published in 2022, detailed his personal battles, resilience, and journey to sobriety, inspiring fans who admired his honesty and courage.

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Friends star Matthew Perry laid to rest: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc attend

An autopsy later revealed that Perry’s death was accidental, resulting from the acute effects of the anaesthetic ketamine, with contributing factors including coronary artery disease and buprenorphine (used in opioid-use disorder treatment). Investigations highlighted issues surrounding the administration of ketamine in the days before his death, underscoring the dangers of substance misuse.

Elon Musk took over Twitter

Elon Musk officially completed his acquisition of Twitter on October 28, 2022. He took control of the social media platform after months of public negotiations, legal battles, and widespread speculation. The takeover, valued at approximately $44 billion, marked one of the most high-profile and controversial tech deals in recent history.

Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had initially proposed to buy Twitter in April 2022, citing a desire to enhance free speech, improve the platform’s features, and address issues like bot accounts and content moderation. However, the acquisition process was fraught with challenges, including legal disputes, disagreements over the number of fake or spam accounts on the platform, and questions about financing the deal.

Upon completing the takeover, Musk made immediate and sweeping changes to Twitter’s executive team, dissolving the board of directors and firing several top executives, including CEO Parag Agrawal, CFO Ned Segal, and policy chief Vijaya Gadde. His approach signalled a new era of management with Musk positioning himself as both owner and CEO, sparking debates over governance, transparency, and platform policies.

Dedication of the Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic symbols of freedom and democracy, was officially dedicated in New York Harbor on this day in 1886. A gift from the people of France, the statue commemorated the centennial of the United States’ Declaration of Independence and symbolised the enduring friendship between France and the United States. Designed by French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and engineered by Gustave Eiffel, the statue was a marvel of 19th-century art and engineering.

The dedication ceremony, presided over by President Grover Cleveland, was a momentous occasion attended by thousands of spectators and dignitaries. The statue, standing 151 feet tall on its pedestal and rising 305 feet including its foundation, depicts Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom, holding a torch above her head in one hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the American Declaration of Independence in the other. Broken chains lie at her feet, symbolising liberation from oppression and tyranny.

Constructed in France and shipped to the United States in pieces, the statue was reassembled on Bedloe’s Island (now Liberty Island) in New York Harbor. The project involved thousands of workers and became an international symbol of industrial and artistic collaboration. The torch’s light, visible for miles, quickly became a beacon of hope for immigrants arriving in America by sea, embodying the promise of opportunity and freedom.

This Day, That Year

• Cristina Fernández de Kirchner became the first woman elected president of Argentina on this day in 2007.

• In 1971, Great Britain launched Prospero, its first Earth satellite.

• Harvard University was founded by the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1636.

With inputs from agencies