NBC Executive Warren Littlefield Reflects on Collaborating with the Talented Matthew Perry, and How He Rescued the 1996 Upfronts
Former NBC president Warren Littlefield praises Matthew Perry's exceptional talent and charisma, highlighting how his quick-witted charm single-handedly salvaged the network's 1996 upfronts
Warren Littlefield, Matthew Perry. Getty Images (2)
During the 1996 upfronts, a misfortunate electrical failure caused the presentation to abruptly halt. Warren Littlefield, former NBC president who had approved the show Friends, recounted how Matthew Perry stepped in to save the day. In an article for Variety, Littlefield described the situation, explaining that a curling iron overheated and caused a power outage. Littlefield admitted to panicking, but was relieved when Perry emerged from backstage with his characteristic smile, wit, and charm, entertaining the audience.
Littlefield observed that Perry, who was present to promote the second season of Friends, exchanged a knowing wink with him, signifying that he had the situation under control, and subsequently diverted the audience's focus.
"In comparison to our new autumn line-up, that incident undoubtedly left a lasting impression as the most entertaining aspect of the presentation," Littlefield added. "Matthew was not specifically assigned this task; rather, he recognized the unfolding situation and instinctively intervened. That's just the kind of person Matthew is."
Perry portrayed the quick-witted and sarcastic character, Chandler Bing, on Friends for a decade, from 1994 to 2004. Initially, there was interest in Perry's friend Craig Bierko for the role, causing Perry to hesitate in auditioning. "Matthew chose to stay in the background to avoid competing with his friend," shared Littlefield. "Who says show business has to be cutthroat?"
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Littlefield realized his prayers had been answered when he witnessed Perry's audition. Perry consistently showcased his comedic gift from the very beginning, impressing the writers, producers, and directors with his valuable contributions and instincts.
On Saturday, October 28, news spread of Perry's passing at the age of 54. Multiple reports confirm that local law enforcement responded to a cardiac arrest call at Perry's Los Angeles residence. The county's medical examiner later confirmed Perry's death on the scene, where he was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi tub. The cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
Before his death, Perry battled with addiction for many years. On Wednesday, Littlefield revealed that it was evident quite early in the lifespan of Friends that Perry required assistance. In 1997, he entered rehab for the first time.
"There were numerous programs available, but Matthew opted for a challenging program in a faraway city that did not cater to wealth or fame," Littlefield stated. "His choice was unexpected, but he believed that putting in the effort was necessary for his recovery."
Perry openly discussed his decades-long struggle with alcohol and drug addiction in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, published in 2022. In the book, he revealed that at his lowest point, he was consuming 55 Vicodin pills daily and weighed a mere 128 pounds. He acknowledged his inability to quit, explaining that the disease and addiction only worsen with age.
Additionally, Perry recounted a traumatic incident in 2018 when his excessive drug use led to his colon bursting, resulting in a two-month coma and a five-month hospital stay. He underwent a seven-hour surgery with a meager two percent chance of survival, according to doctors. Perry emphasized that his struggle with addiction is ever-present, even on his good days when he remains sober and hopeful for the future.
Perry sparked concerns about his health after his appearance on the 2021 Friends reunion special, according to an exclusive source. The insider revealed that people were worried about him during the taping, leading to feelings of sadness and regret. In response to Perry's passing, his Friends co-stars - Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Courteney Cox - released a statement expressing their grief and acknowledging their deep bond as a family.
According to another source, Perry had been making efforts to maintain a "healthy lifestyle" and return to his previous state of well-being despite facing health challenges. The insider mentioned that Perry found happiness when playing pickleball, as he dedicated four to five days a week to the sport for the past two years.
