Matthew Perry, in a 2022 interview on the Q with Tom Power podcast while promoting his memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” shared his thoughts on how he wished to be remembered after his passing.
Speaking at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema in Toronto, the Friends star expressed, “I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker.” He emphasized his desire to be known for wanting to help people, making it a paramount aspect of his legacy. “That’s what I want,” the late star concluded.
He added: “That’s probably my favorite thing about myself. Being creative, seeing, learning that if you’re uncomfortable or feeling anxiety, one of the ways to get out of that situation is to be creative.”
https://x.com/GMA/status/847428651515731973?s=20
TMZ reported that Perry was discovered deceased at a residence in the Los Angeles area on a Saturday. According to their sources, the actor was found in a jacuzzi, and first responders were summoned to the scene due to cardiac arrest. TMZ also mentioned that there were no drugs found at the location, and there were no indications of foul play involved.
Following his death, a statement was issued from Warner Bros. about the beloved actor: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”
During his appearance on the Q with Tom Power podcast, Perry also discussed the poignant reason behind his inability to watch his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends. He revealed that he could gauge the phases of his struggle with drug and alcohol addiction “season by season.” Perry explained, “I didn’t watch the show, and haven’t watched the show because I could go drinking … opiates … drinking … cocaine. Like I could tell season by season by how I looked.”
Despite the reminders of his challenging personal journey, Perry mentioned during that time that he was contemplating watching the show he co-starred in alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Lisa Kudrow. He expressed his interest in doing so because of the “incredible” experience he had while filming the series.
Perry remarked, “It was an incredible ride. It’s been an incredible thing to watch it touch the hearts of different generations. It’s become this important, significant thing, and I, you know, I would watch that again. It was really funny, and all the people were nice.”
Matthew Perry came close to missing the opportunity to portray Chandler Bing on Friends. In a 2015 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers, the actor reminisced about the circumstances that almost kept him from being a part of the iconic NBC comedy.
Perry recalled a challenging time in 1994 when he was desperate for work, having been told by his “terrible” manager that he had no money. During that year, Friends was in production, but Perry was initially unavailable because he had accepted a role on a pilot called “LAX 2194.” This pilot had an unusual premise, set in the year 2194 and centered around baggage handlers at L.A. Airport. Perry humorously noted that he had to wear futuristic clothing and work with little people playing aliens whose luggage he had to sort.
Despite his commitment to “LAX 2194,” Perry received the script for Friends, which he found hilarious and fantastic. He realized that there was a perfect role for him, and not being able to audition for it due to his commitment to the baggage handlers show was driving him crazy.
Fortunately, fate intervened when an executive at Fox watched “LAX 2194” and described it as “the worst thing we’ve ever seen in our lives.” This turn of events led the executive to declare that Perry was available and could be hired for a show called “Friends Like Us,” which later became Friends.
Matthew Perry went on to star alongside Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow for ten seasons on the NBC comedy, which ran from 1994 to 2004.
In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry shared a personal anecdote about praying for a change in his life just weeks before his audition for Friends. He recalled a moment of desperation in his apartment and a prayer that included a plea to “make me famous.” Perry noted the irony in how his prayer seemed to be answered in terms of fame, but it also referenced the challenges and struggles he faced, likely alluding to his addiction and health issues.
We will miss him so much
