October 2024 marks the first anniversary of Matthew Perry’s death. Before his passing, Perry was open about his struggles with alcohol addiction, sharing what he hoped to be remembered for when he died.
Matthew Perry, one of the stars of “Friends,” passed away on October 28, 2023. He was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004. The late actor also starred in other productions, including “17 Again,” “Fools Rush In,” and “Serving Sara.”
Matthew Perry on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” on May 18, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Perry was found dead in the jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home, with his death reported as an apparent drowning. No drugs were found at the scene, and foul play was ruled out.
Sources said the star returned home in the morning after playing nearly two hours of pickleball. He sent his assistant on an errand, but when the assistant returned two hours later, he found Perry unresponsive and called 911.
Law enforcement indicated that the late actor appeared to have drowned. It was later revealed that Perry suffered a fatal ketamine overdose before his death. In 2024, two people were arrested in connection with his death: a drug dealer from San Fernando Valley and a licensed physician.
In the years leading up to his death, the actor openly discussed his struggles with addiction. Perry admitted that he decided to get sober because he feared dying each day.
Perry’s Near-Death Experiences
The actor revealed that he battled alcohol addiction throughout most of the “Friends” seasons, except for season nine, when he remained sober. Although the celebrity experienced periods of sobriety, he admitted that if he couldn’t stop drinking, he wouldn’t be surprised if he died.
Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing on the set of “Friends” on May 29, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
The late star explained that he wrote his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” to inspire others on their sobriety journeys. He hoped his story would give ordinary people hope, as he was a celebrity who reportedly managed to overcome addiction.
Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing on the set of “Friends” on November 14, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Perry also shared how alcoholism had nearly taken his life many times. During one treatment, he was rushed to the emergency room when his colon burst. He was placed on an ECMO machine and spent 14 days in a coma. An ECMO machine supports the heart and lungs of critically ill patients.
That night, there were five other patients on ECMO machines, but Perry was the only one who survived. He took his sole survival as a sign to share his story and help others struggling with alcoholism to fight the disease.
Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing on the set of “Friends” on May 29, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
In 2019, the “Three to Tango” actor faced another life-threatening situation when his heart stopped for five minutes while undergoing treatment for stomach pain. At the time, hospital doctors were conducting a procedure on him due to pain in his stomach.
Matthew Perry at the TCA Summer press tour – NBC photo call – Day 1 in Beverly Hills, California on July 24, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
During the procedure, he was given propofol, which caused his heart to stop for five minutes. A man saved Perry’s life by performing CPR, though he broke eight of his ribs in the process.
Although the actor’s journey on Earth has now come to an end, he shared before how he wished to be remembered. He also revealed the impact he hoped to leave after his role on “Friends” and his fight against alcoholism.
How Perry Would Love to Be Remembered
Perry took pride in his progress in overcoming alcohol addiction and substance abuse. In November 2022, less than a year before his death, he revealed that the best thing about him was that if someone struggling with alcoholism approached him, he knew he could help.
Matthew Perry at the “Six Degrees of Separation” opening night celebration in New York City on April 25, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Explaining that this was his legacy, he added, “When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want that to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.”
The cast of “Friends,” David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani pictured in New York City on October 22, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Matthew Perry dedicated the final years of his life to battling alcoholism and helping others overcome the same struggle. He wanted his legacy to be one of a life lived well and with love.
Floral tributes are left for Matthew Perry outside the apartment building that was used as the exterior shot in the TV show “Friends” in New York on October 29, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Ultimately, Matthew Perry wanted to be remembered as someone who aspired to help others who, like him, face the dangers of alcoholism. His memoir and the stories he shared about his sobriety journey will continue to offer hope and motivation for current and future generations.
