By Jillian Miano
Matthew Perry was an American Canadian actor. He was born August 19th, 1969, and passed away October 28th, 2023. He was 54 years old. You may remember him as the sarcastic, but sweet Chandler Bing from the hit 90’s sitcom Friends. For his role as Chandler, he earned Emmy nominations. Perry was also in several movies such as, Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, and some many others.
Although he had a successful career in acting, Perry suffered from a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol. He became addicted to the drug Vicodin after a jet-ski accident in 1997. The addiction to Vicodin led into more drugs such as, methadone, amphetamines, and alcohol.
The American- Canadian actor was a Philanthropist as well as an advocate When he went through his recovery process, he became an advocate for rehabilitation. Also, he became a spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. In 2013, he was awarded the Champion of Recovery award from the White House. The reasoning for
receiving that award was because he opened a rehab center called Perry House, which was in his former mansion in Malibu. During Covid-19 he launched a clothing line inspired by his sitcom Friends. The proceeds went to the World Health Organization’s Covid relief fund.
October 28th, 2023, the 54-year-old actor was found dead in his hot tub. He was home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. The cause of death may not be known for a while, but there is no foul play suspected. October 30th, 2023, his Friends costars issued a statement saying “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just casemates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In
time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
In Perry’s words this is how he wanted to be remembered: “When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want [helping people] to be the first thing that’s mentioned, and I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.”
“This piece was written without the aid of studio-provided materials while SAG-AFTRA is on strike. These unions represent our writers, actors, and artists across TV and movies in their fight for a fair and equitable contract. SAG-AFTRA asks those who cover shows and films to refrain from promoting stricken content at this time.”
