Matthew Perry Credits ‘Friends’ Costar Hank Azaria for His Journey to Sobriety
Hank Azaria credits Matthew Perry for his support during their shared journey to sobriety, revealing how Perry accompanied him to AA meetings, providing invaluable assistance in their recovery
Matthew Perry and Hank Azaria J. Vespa/WireImage
Hank Azaria paid a heartfelt tribute to Matthew Perry, expressing gratitude for the late actor's support during his journey to sobriety.
In an Instagram video on October 29, the 59-year-old actor, known for his guest appearances on Perry's popular sitcom Friends, shared that Perry was his first friend in Los Angeles when he moved there at the age of 21, while Perry was 16. Azaria went on to highlight the strong bond they formed, resembling more of a brotherly relationship. They shared many moments of laughter and indulged in heavy drinking together, supporting each other in the early stages of their careers.
Perry passed away at the age of 54 from an apparent drowning on Saturday, October 28. The police received a call regarding someone in cardiac arrest at a residence in Los Angeles, and it was reported that Perry was found unconscious in a hot tub. While there were no indications of foul play, an investigation into Perry's death is currently ongoing.
In a social media post, Azaria reflected on Perry's struggles, which began with his addiction to drugs and alcohol. Perry openly discussed how his life took a negative turn after a jet ski accident in 1997. His addiction to Vicodin eventually escalated to include alcohol abuse. In 2000, Perry was hospitalized with pancreatitis and continued to detox while still working on the set of Friends.
Courtesy of Hank Azaria/Instagram
According to Azaria, many of Perry's close friends, including himself, felt a sense of loss due to his struggles with drugs and alcohol, which he openly discussed in his autobiography titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, published in 2022. Azaria admitted that reading the memoir was a difficult and painful experience, as he had to repeatedly put it down before continuing.
Perry chronicled his numerous endeavors to achieve sobriety in his book. Along his journey towards recovery, he found inspiration to establish a residence for men seeking sobriety in 2013. Subsequently, he elaborated on his dedication to assisting others in confronting their addictions.
"I aspire to leave behind a legacy of living fully, loving deeply, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge," Perry expressed during the "Q With Tom Power" podcast in 2022. "Above all, my utmost priority is to support and aid those in need. That is my ultimate desire."
Azaria remarked, "Without a doubt, my most admirable quality is my unwavering commitment to aiding those struggling with alcoholism. If someone were to approach me and confess their inability to overcome their addiction, I can confidently assure them that I possess the means to assist them and take the necessary steps to achieve sobriety. When my time comes to an end, I do not wish to be remembered solely for my role in Friends. Rather, I desire my legacy to revolve around my capability to make a positive impact in the lives of others. I am determined to spend the remainder of my life validating this purpose." Fondly reflecting upon his friendship with Perry, Azaria acknowledged that the deceased actor played a vital role in his personal journey towards recovery.
“I’ve been sober for 17 years, thanks to Matthew who introduced me to AA [Alcoholics Anonymous],” he stated on Sunday. “Throughout my first year of sobriety, we attended meetings together. He showed immense care and generosity. He played a crucial role in helping me maintain my sobriety. I truly wish he had stayed committed to the same path of recovery more consistently."
Azaria concluded the poignant video by honoring Perry’s legacy, proclaiming, “Most evenings spent with Matthew ended with laughter and tears. He was an incredibly talented actor. It saddens me that we will never know the heights his career could have reached."
