Matthew Perry, the Canadian-American actor and producer, is best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular television sitcom Friends. However, behind the scenes, Perry had a long history of drug and alcohol abuse that he had publicly opened up about in his memoir titled “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.”
On October 29, 2023, news broke that Perry had been found dead at his Los Angeles area home at the age of 54. While the death is being investigated, multiple outlets have reported that Perry had a long history of drug addiction and personal struggles. His death has left many fans and well-wishers concerned and curious about his addiction and illness.
For those who want to know more about Perry’s drug addiction and its impact on his health, this article will provide an overview of the actor’s struggles with addiction, his health issues, and his journey towards recovery.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. His parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Marie Morrison, were both Canadian. His father was an actor and model, while his mother was a journalist and press secretary to the Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Perry moved to Los Angeles with his father after his parents divorced when he was a child. He attended The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks and later on, he went to high school in Ottawa, Canada. He then returned to Los Angeles and pursued a career in acting.
Perry’s rise to fame began with his role as Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom, Friends. The show premiered in 1994 and became an instant hit, making Perry a household name. His portrayal of Chandler earned him numerous awards and nominations, including an Emmy nomination in 2002.
Apart from Friends, Perry has also appeared in several movies and TV shows, including The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. He has also worked as a writer and producer on various projects.
Matthew Perry’s Battle with Drug Addiction
Matthew Perry, the beloved actor known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit TV sitcom Friends, struggled with drug addiction for many years. Perry’s addiction began in the late 1990s, during the height of Friends’ popularity. He has been open about his struggles with addiction and has shared his story with the public.
Initial Struggles
Perry’s addiction began with prescription drugs, which he was taking to manage pain after a jet ski accident. He quickly became addicted to the drugs and began to abuse them. Perry has said that he was taking up to 30 pills a day at the height of his addiction. He also struggled with alcoholism.
Perry’s addiction had a significant impact on his life and his work. He missed several episodes of Friends due to his addiction, and his behavior on set was sometimes erratic. He also struggled to maintain relationships and had several high-profile breakups.
Public Disclosure
In 2022, Perry wrote a candid essay for PEOPLE magazine in which he detailed his lifelong battle with addiction. The essay, titled “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” was a powerful and emotional account of Perry’s struggles.
In the essay, Perry revealed that he had been in and out of rehab several times over the years. He also discussed the impact that his addiction had on his family and friends. Perry’s essay was widely praised for its honesty and bravery.
Despite his struggles, Perry continued to work in Hollywood and remained a beloved figure. He was known for his humor, his talent, and his generosity. Perry’s death in 2023 was a shock to his fans and colleagues, who mourned the loss of a talented actor and a kind-hearted person.
