“Beloved Friends” star Matthew Perry’s legacy of laughter and bravery lives on.
We mourn the loss of beloved Friends star Matthew Perry, whose passing at the age of 54 has left a void in the entertainment world. Best known as the iconic Chandler Bing, Perry not only brought laughter to millions but also shared his personal struggles with unwavering bravery, leaving a legacy that goes far beyond his acting career.
Perry’s struggle with addiction, an affliction hidden behind his on-screen charisma, came to light in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Bad Thing. In this candid account, he opens up about the challenges he faced before and during his time on the hit ’90s show, forcing fans to see his golden years from a different perspective.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my life,” Perry admitted. “But the best thing about me is when an alcoholic or a drug addict comes to me and says: Will you help me?” I always say, ‘Yes, I know how to do that. I’ll do it for you, even if I can’t always do it for myself!'”
Driven by his personal experiences, Perry founded Perry House in Malibu, a sober living facility for men that offers a lifeline to those fighting similar battles.
His play “The End of Longing” became a poignant message to the world, an exaggerated depiction of his own struggles designed to connect with people like him and those who love them.