Matthew Perry, celebrated for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing, brought boundless joy to millions across the globe. Regrettably, even as he provided laughter to others, he grappled with a years-long struggle against addiction, a battle he couldn’t win.
In his recently released memoir, «Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,» Perry candidly delved into his ongoing fight with addiction. Amidst the revelations, he shed light on some truths concerning his co-star Jennifer Aniston.
This past weekend, tragedy struck as Perry was discovered unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence. The exact cause of his untimely passing remains under investigation.
Born in 1969 to a Canadian mother and an American father, Perry made his silver screen debut in the 1988 film «A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon,» alongside the late River Phoenix.
His journey through the entertainment world included appearances in shows like «Growing Pains,» «Sydney» with Valerie Bertinelli, and «Beverly Hills, 90210.»
However, it was his breakthrough role as the quick-witted Chandler Bing in «Friends» that propelled him to stardom. Perry brought the character to life for a remarkable decade, from 1994 to 2004.
Over his illustrious career spanning decades, Perry took on starring roles in the 1997 romantic comedy «Fools Rush In» alongside Salma Hayek. In 2000 and 2004, he shared the screen with Bruce Willis in «The Whole Nine Yards» and its sequel, «The Whole Ten Yards.»
Yet, it was during his time on «Friends,» one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, that Perry’s personal struggles with alcohol began to intensify.
«I could handle it, to some extent. But by the time I turned 34, I was deeply entangled in a lot of problems,» Perry revealed. «There were moments of sobriety during those years. The ninth season was the one where I remained sober throughout. And guess which season I received a nomination for Best Actor? It made me realize something.»
In 2018, Perry faced a severe health crisis, being hospitalized for a gastrointestinal perforation and slipping into a two-week coma. He endured five grueling months in the hospital.
«My family was informed by the doctors that I had a mere two percent chance of survival,» Perry disclosed. «I was put on an ECMO machine, which took over the functions of both my heart and lungs. It was a Hail Mary. Almost no one survives that.»
Throughout his struggles, Perry openly acknowledged that the cast of «Friends» stood by him, aware of his battle with addiction. Their bond transcended the screen, offering unwavering support both on and off-camera.
