Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He is best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the beloved sitcom Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004. However, Perry’s talents extend far beyond his portrayal of the witty and sarcastic Chandler. As a skilled writer, he wrote his own autobiography and had aspirations of writing and directing his own feature film. He also showcased his versatility as an actor in a range of films. Notably, he starred in the hit comedies The Whole Nine Yards and Fools Rush In, demonstrating his ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles.
With a career spanning over three decades, Perry solidified his position as a talented and accomplished actor, with a legacy that continues to entertain audiences to this day. Sadly, Perry passed away on October 28, 2023. He was 54 years of age.
Matthew Perry Was Open About His Struggles with Addiction
Matthew Perry‘s memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, offered a deeply personal and unflinching look at his struggles with addiction, which he revealed began at the age of 14 when he had his first drink. The actor spoke candidly about his struggles with substance abuse, which escalated after the show’s conclusion. Perry’s addiction problems began to worsen when he started taking prescription medication following a 1997 jet ski accident on the set of Fools Rush In, which led to a prescription for Vicodin. He eventually found himself taking up to 55 pills per day, revealing the devastating impact that addiction had on his life and career.
Through his book, Perry provided a rare glimpse into the inner turmoil and pain that he experienced during this period, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of seeking help. By sharing his story, Perry gave fans a deeper understanding of his struggles and has inspired others to speak openly about their own addictions. When his book was released, Perry claimed he was clean and had finally overcome his addictions with the help of a sober coach and the support of his best friend.
What Was the Actor’s Cause of Death?
As mentioned, Perry stated that he was clean and sober by the time his book was released. However, shortly after his passing, it was revealed that an overdose of ketamine was his cause of death. The actor was found face-down in his jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The autopsy revealed that Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine” and drowning. The manner of death was listed as an accident. It was reported that he had been receiving ketamine infusion therapy as treatment for depression. However, his last session was a week and a half before he died, possibly alluding to the fact that he was also taking the drug recreationally.
It’s no secret that Perry’s battle with addiction was one that had plagued him for most of his life. While his close friends sympathised with him, others also expressed that the star may have been lying about his sobriety. A friend of Perry’s spoke to The Daily Mail but wished to remain anonymous. The source said: “He lied to everyone about being clean. He never was. It is very sad. You know, the biggest lie he told was probably to himself. He could be quite a manipulative person when it came to his struggles with using, but it was such a struggle, such a battle, and he battled every day to the end.”
Matthew Perry’s Triumphs Will Endure a Lasting Legacy
Alongside starring in one of the biggest sitcoms of all time, Matthew Perry also made a succesful foray into movies. His most notable roles include the aforementioned rom-com Fools Rush In, the crime comedy The Whole Nine Yards, and the popular teen-angst movie, 17 Again. In the world of television, he starred in shows like The Odd Couple, The Good Wife, and The Good Fight. Before his passing, Perry was also working on a feature film that he had wrote and intended to direct, and was gunning for Zac Efron to take on the lead role. In November 2023, Efron expressed his admiration for Perry and said he was “honored to hear” that Perry wanted him to star in his movie. Efron then also praised Perry during his induction into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In the wake of his passing, a plethora of Hollywood stars took to their social media accounts to pay tribute to Perry. Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston took to her Instagram page, writing: “Being able to really SIT in this grief allows you to feel the moments of joy and gratitude for having loved someone that deep. And we loved him deeply. He was such a part of our DNA. We were always the 6 of us. This was a chosen family that forever changed the course of who we were and what our path was going to be.”
Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright also released a heartfelt statement. They wrote: “He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words.” As we continue to honour his name and legacy, here are Matthew Perry’s 6 best moments as Chandler on Friends.
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