Matthew Perry's Journey: Triumphs and Trials
Explore the rollercoaster life of Matthew Perry, the beloved star of 'Friends,' who soared to global fame while secretly battling addiction Discover his journey towards sobriety, finding new purpose, and the challenges he faced along the way
Matthew Perry garnered worldwide recognition and achieved remarkable professional accomplishments, delighting viewers across the globe. Behind the scenes, however, he grappled with the anguish accompanying the affliction of addiction.
Throughout his tenure on the immensely popular sitcom "Friends," spanning a decade, Perry battled against his struggles with substance abuse. In his 2022 memoir, titled "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir," he unveiled the staggering reality of attending 6,000 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and embarking on 15 rehabilitation endeavors.
Perry documented his journey of loneliness during his struggles with substance abuse and recovery, dedicating himself to assisting others in similar situations. After Perry's passing on Saturday, actor Hank Azaria expressed his heartfelt tribute on Instagram, recounting how his longtime friend played a significant role in his own sobriety journey.
"As someone who has been sober for 17 years, I want to acknowledge that it was Matthew who guided me into that path when I entered Alcoholics Anonymous. Throughout my first year of sobriety, we attended meetings together," Azaria shared. "His compassion, generosity, and wisdom were instrumental in helping me find the strength to stay sober. It is unfortunate that he could not consistently maintain the sober lifestyle himself."
Perry made it a priority to assist individuals going through similar challenges.
"I've experienced many highs and lows in my life along with numerous remarkable achievements," Perry shared with The Hollywood Reporter in 2015. "What sets me apart is that when someone struggling with alcoholism approaches me and asks, 'Can you assist me in overcoming my addiction?' my immediate response is, 'Absolutely. I possess the knowledge to guide you through that journey.'"
Heres a look back at some key moments in Perrys life.
"Friends"
Perry was cast as the lovable, witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing in 1994. The quickly skyrocketed to fame.
In Season 1 of the television show "Friends," the characters are portrayed by Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, and Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green. Image credit: Reisig & Taylor/NBCUniversal/Getty Images.
A sweet connection
Perry and Julia Roberts formed a friendship before she made a guest appearance on Season 2 of the popular television show. According to Perry's memoir, Roberts agreed to be part of the series on the condition that her character would be involved in a storyline with Chandler Bing. To express his enthusiasm, Perry sent her a bouquet of roses accompanied by a card that humorously stated, "Sending you flowers not only delights me because you're joining the show, but it also gives me a legitimate reason to do so."
After a few months of exchanging sweet messages via fax, the two eventually started dating in 1995, according to Perry. However, their relationship only lasted for six months. Perry, who was struggling with addiction at the time and had feelings of inadequacy, decided to end things out of fear.
"Dating Julia Roberts had become overwhelming for me. I was constantly filled with the belief that she would end the relationship," Perry explained in his book. "I felt like I was never enough; I believed I was damaged, flawed, and incapable of being loved. So instead of facing the inevitable heartbreak of losing her, I made the difficult decision to end the relationship with the extraordinary and intelligent Julia Roberts."
Julia Roberts and Matthew Perry in "Friends."
IMDB
A prescription for pain
Perry disclosed in his book that his misuse of prescription medication started after he experienced a jet ski accident on the set of "Fools Rush In" in 1997, leading to a prescription of Vicodin. According to his account, his pill consumption escalated to a staggering 55 pills per day, causing noticeable weight loss during his time on the television show "Friends."
In 1997, Perry made the decision to seek treatment and spent a month at the Hazelden Betty Ford facility in Minnesota.
A high point in his career, clouded by addiction
In 2000, Perry revealed he was abusing alcohol and was hospitalized with pancreatitis. He was prescribed Dilaudid, an opioid for pain, Perry wrote in his book.
"It was my new favorite drug," he wrote. "And I would have stayed in that hospital for a hundred days if they kept [administering] it."
Perry maintained he did not work under the influence.
In a 2002 interview, he remembered, "I never work when I'm experiencing it. However, the aftermath is incredibly harsh. I felt drowsy and trembling during work." He sought treatment once more during the production of the Season 7 finale for the television show "Friends" in 2001.
"I wedded Monica and was chauffeured to the rehabilitation facility during the pinnacle of my success in Friends, the height of my professional career, the moment of fame on the renowned program, in a pickup truck steered by a technician who was sober," Perry wrote.
"The One With Monica And Chandler's Wedding" first aired on May 17 in 2001.
Danny Feld/NBCU/Getty Images/IMDB
A focus on sobriety
Perry spent two and a half months in rehab, finished filming "Serving Sara" and returned to the set of "Friends." He said he was focused at the time on getting better.
In 2002, he expressed, "It all originates from a profound connection with something greater than oneself. That is where the essence of life lies. As for the material possessions, I am fortunate to possess a stylish car and an abundance of wealth. However, without inner happiness and putting others before oneself, one would experience loneliness and misery even in a grand residence." Perry received high praise for his contributions to "Friends," receiving acclaim as he won a Screen Actors Guild Award for his exceptional performance in a Comedy Series. Additionally, he garnered five Emmy nominations for his diverse roles.
Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer.
NBC/Getty Images/IMDB
Finding new purpose
Perry stated in 2011 that although he had not relapsed, he intended to dedicate a month to prioritize his sobriety and ongoing recovery. He humorously added, "Feel free to entertain yourselves by poking fun at me on the internet."
In 2013, Perry transformed his former residence in Malibu into a facility for individuals seeking a supportive environment in their journey towards sobriety.
Hospitalization
In 2018, Perry spent three months in the hospital and due to his deteriorating health and underwent surgery to repair a gastrointestinal perforation caused by opioid abuse.
Perry mentioned in a 2022 interview that the doctors informed his family about a mere 2% survival chance. He was then connected to an ECMO machine, which took charge of his cardiac and pulmonary functions. Perry referred to this intervention as a Hail Mary, noting its rarity to result in survival. This close brush with death brought about a transformation in Perry.
"Ive surrendered, but to the winning side, not the losing," Perry wrote in his book. "Im no longer mired in an impossible battle with drugs and alcohol."
"Friends" again
The cast of "Friends" reunited on screen in 2021 after 17 years. Almost missing the reunion, Perry had recently undergone urgent dental work and struggled with speaking. "I couldn't not show up," he shared with Diane Sawyer in 2022, explaining that he decided to give it his best despite the challenges.
Perry spoke about the strong camaraderie among the cast during the reunion special.
"When the show ended, whenever we crossed paths at a party or any social event, it was a guarantee that we would spend the entire night together," Perry expressed.
"And that was all there was to it. You expressed your apologies to the individuals accompanying you, yet they had to grasp that you had encountered someone who held great significance to you, and you intended to engage in conversation with that individual for the remainder of the evening," he proceeded. "And that's precisely how things unfolded."
âFriends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing"
Perry revealed during his book promotion in 2022 that he had successfully maintained sobriety for a period of 18 months, which coincided with his participation in the "Friends" reunion. He estimated that he had invested around $9 million in his journey towards achieving sobriety.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry.
Julia Weeks/AP
In reflecting on his life during a promotional appearance last November, Perry reiterated the value he placed on helping others.
Perry expressed his desire to be remembered as someone who embraced life and love, and had an insatiable curiosity. His ultimate goal was to assist others, which he deemed as of utmost importance. He emphasized that when he passes away, he hopes his legacy will revolve around his dedication to aiding fellow addicts, rather than his social circle. Perry vowed to spend the remainder of his days demonstrating this commitment.
