CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses drug use and alcoholism.
Since the news of Matthew Perry’s tragic death at the age of 54, social media has celebrated him for his role as the beloved Chandler Bing in Friends death came as a shock to many, including his five co-stars in Friends, who released a joint message describing his death as an “unfathomable loss”. Whilst his performance as Chandler Bing is part of his legacy, there is something far more important that the star wanted to be remembered for.
Despite the smiles and laughs in front of the camera, Matthew Perry experienced addiction and alcoholism during the ten years he spent filming Friends. Many of his co-stars in Friends, including Jennifer Anniston, talked to him about his addiction and tried to intervene to no avail. He reportedly told the New York Times that he spent $9 million in his efforts to become sober. After seeking treatment 15 times in rehab, Matthew Perry quit drugs and alcohol completely. At 18 months sober, he published an autobiography in 2022 entitled Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. As he states in his memoir, “You can track the trajectory of my addiction if you gauge my weight from season to season — when I’m carrying weight, it’s alcohol; when I’m skinny, it’s pills. When I have a goatee, it’s lots of pills.” In a 2016 interview with BBC radio 2, Perry stated that he could not remember filming seasons three to six due to his use of opioids and alcoholism.
The courage that Matthew Perry had to write his memoir that speaks candidly about his experiences with addiction and how he overcame it was important in giving others hope. People in a similar place to Matthew were inspired by his memoir to seek treatment. After becoming sober, Matthew Perry dedicated his life to helping others overcome addiction. He was an advocate for understanding addiction and the devastating effects it can have on people’s lives. He turned his Malibu home into a men’s sober living facility in 2012 and received an award for his efforts from the White House. The actor was also an incredibly vocal advocate for the treatment of people with substance abuse issues rather than incarceration. He used his status as a celebrity to bring addiction into the media when it was often seen as a taboo topic, and by doing so created an open discussion.
Following the memorial service for the actor in November, the Matthew Perry foundation was launched by the National Philanthropic Trust, and his friends and loved ones. On their website, a quote from Perry reads: “When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned – I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned and I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.” Another quote from Perry’s 2022 memoir, is also on the website: “Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.” The foundation aims to “honor his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences”. They are currently accepting donations and the foundation has raised more than $49 billion since its launch.
Many of us will hold Matthew Perry close to our hearts as the witty, charismatic Chandler Bing, but let us also remember his dedication to helping others overcome their struggles. Through his work, there is hope that addiction will come to the forefront of discussions and addicts will be treated with the compassion and empathy they deserve.
Writers note: For more information about the Matthew Perry Foundation, please visit: https://matthewperryfoundation.org
For more information about the quotes mentioned in this article, please visit: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67253920
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/friends-matthew-perry-addiction-drugs-book-b2438173.html
