Lauren Graham Reflects on the Continued Impact of Matthew Perry's Passing After 6 Months

Lauren Graham recently shared her feelings about the heartbreaking loss of her friend Matthew Perry, who passed away nearly six months ago. During a book event at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C., the 57-year-old actress opened up about her close bond with Perry. "It's still so difficult to accept," she told the audience, reflecting on his passing.

Graham referred to Perry as a close friend who was always there for her, clarifying that their relationship was never officially romantic but he held a significant place in her life.

She shared that they had a unique friendship, mentioning that they would go through periods of not being in touch but always found a way back to each other. In the months leading up to his passing, they had reconnected once again.

Perry surprised the Gilmore Girls alum with a special birthday gift last March - a pickleball set. She mentioned that he is a big fan of tennis and pickleball and gave her a card that humorously said, "Be older."

Lauren Graham Remembers Her Last Interactions With the Late Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry, known for his role in Friends, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. He was discovered unresponsive in a hot tub at his residence. A toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner indicated that his death was due to "the acute effects of ketamine." The official cause of his death was determined to be accidental, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the impact of buprenorphine, a medication used for treating opioid addiction, listed as contributing factors.

The Friends actor openly discussed undergoing ketamine treatments in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. He mentioned that the treatments were aimed at reducing pain and alleviating depression.

According to Perry, trying out ketamine was a unique experience for him. He described the feeling as similar to being pleasantly surprised. However, he also mentioned that the aftereffects were challenging, overshadowing the initial positive effects.

Perry tried out various treatments but in the end, he felt that ketamine was not the right choice for him.

During his time on Friends, Perry faced challenges with substance abuse, despite his popularity. He openly shared his struggles, admitting in his memoir that he was only sober for one season of the show.

During her book tour for "Have I Told You This Already?", Graham highlighted Perry's pride in the impact of his memoir. She mentioned how happy he was with the positive reception, not just because it was successful, but because it allowed him to give back and share his struggles to help others.

In a November 2023 appearance on CBS Mornings, Graham expressed her grief over the passing of her friend, whom she co-starred with in the 2008 film Birds of America.

"He made me laugh like no one else did. I would have tears streaming down my face. Being around him and being his friend brought so much joy," she shared. She also mentioned that fans can be grateful for the beautiful work that Perry left behind.

Editor's P/S:

Lauren Graham's heartfelt sharing about her friendship with Matthew Perry and his untimely passing is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human relationships. Their bond, marked by periods of separation and reconnection, highlights the enduring power of friendship that transcends romantic attachments. Perry's gift of a pickleball set, despite his own health struggles, reflects his thoughtfulness and humor.

Perry's open struggles with substance abuse, detailed in his memoir, offer a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction. His candidness underscores the importance of seeking help and sharing personal experiences to assist others facing similar challenges. In his memoir, Perry's pride in its positive reception illustrates the power of storytelling to raise awareness, provide comfort, and inspire hope. Graham's tribute to Perry's legacy emphasizes the lasting impact of his work and the joy he brought to countless fans.