By Bailey McLaughlin
Matthew Perry, “Friends” star, passed away on 28th October 2023 at the age of 54 following an apparent drowning in his hot tub at his home in Los Angeles, California.
Born on 19th August 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Matthew Langford Perry quickly became a rising star in the world of entertainment. Perry’s most iconic role came as Chandler Bing in the hit television series “Friends.” His witty humour, perfect timing, and unforgettable one-liners made him a fan favourite and ultimately helped him to hide an addiction to alcohol and prescription painkillers which was triggered following a jet ski accident where a doctor prescribed him Vicodin.
Though he may be remembered by most for his role in “Friends”, Matthew Perry’s legacy reached far beyond that. From his memorable appearances in films like “The Whole Nine Yards”, “17 Again” and “Fools rush in” to his acclaimed stage performances in “The End of Longing”, and his memoir “Friends, Lovers and The Big Terrible Thing”, he consistently proved his status as a true artist.
Matthew Perry used his on-screen fame to advocate for those struggling with addiction and spoke very openly and candidly about his personal journey with the hope of inspiring others. Following 15 stints in rehab and various therapy sessions, Perry found himself healthy enough and extremely motivated to help others out there dealing with addictions. From 2013 to 2015 Perry moved out of his Malibu home and converted it into the Perry House – a sober living facility that strived to help men that battled with addictions and help them to find their way to sobriety. Matthew Perry’s commitment to helping those in need was an essential part of who he was and his legacy.
The passing of Matthew Perry is a loss that will be felt deeply by his family, friends, fans, and the entire entertainment industry. His spirit and humour will continue to live on in our hearts, and his memory will be a constant reminder of the importance of reaching out to those in need and the absolute power of laughter. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to bring smiles to the faces of generations to come.