40. Matthew Perry
When most people hear the name Matthew Perry, they immediately think of Chandler Bing from the iconic TV show, 'Friends.' But for me, Matthew Perry's name takes me on a different journey. Tragically, on Saturday, October 28th, the 54-year-old actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the beloved US sitcom 'Friends,' was found dead at his Los Angeles home, reportedly having drowned in his hot tub. Matthew Perry was a prolific actor who faced his share of personal demons, most notably his battle with drug addiction.
Matthew Perry's journey through addiction began in his early adulthood. Despite his fame and success, he grappled with the pressures of celebrity life and found solace in substances like alcohol, prescription medication, and opiates. Like so many others battling addiction, the intensity of it eventually took a toll on his personal and professional life.
Perry's path to recovery was marked by pivotal moments, with his multiple stints in rehab being among the most significant. These experiences changed his mindset and helped play a crucial role in his determination to achieve sobriety. Matthew Perry's recovery journey has been characterized by remarkable personal and professional achievements. He became an outspoken advocate for sobriety and used his own experiences to support others facing addiction. His brave openness about his struggles has helped reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and has encouraged countless struggling individuals to seek help. In 2013, Perry co-founded Phoenix House, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing addiction treatment, prevention, and support services. His involvement in this initiative has been instrumental in offering resources to those in need, contributing significantly to the cause. In interviews and his NY Times best-selling memoir, Perry emphasized the personal growth he experienced in recovery. Maintaining sobriety allowed him to rebuild relationships with his family and within the entertainment industry.
In my opinion, Matthew Perry's impact extends far beyond his professional accomplishments. His role as an advocate and his involvement in organizations like Phoenix House significantly raised awareness about addiction, treatment, and recovery. His high-profile status helped break down the stigma surrounding addiction, inspiring others to seek help without fear of judgment.
Matthew Perry's journey through addiction and recovery serves as an inspiring example of resilience and transformation. His story is a testament to the fact that even in the darkest times, it is possible to overcome addiction and rebuild one's life. Furthermore, Perry's contributions to the field of addiction treatment and awareness have had a lasting and positive impact on countless lives, solidifying his role as a beacon of hope for those battling addiction.
I'd like to conclude with a recent statement from Perry:
“I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life. I'm still working through it personally, but the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, “Will you help me?” I will always say, “Yes, I know how to do that.” I will do that for you, even if I can't always do it for myself.” So I do that, whenever I can. In groups, or one on one. And I created the Perry House in Malibu, a sober-living facility for men. I also wrote my play 'The End of Longing,' which is a personal message to the world, an exaggerated form of me as a drunk. I had something important to say to people like me, and to people who love people like me. When I die, I know people will talk about 'Friends, Friends, Friends.' And I'm glad of that, happy I've done some solid work as an actor, as well as given people multiple chances to make fun of my struggles on the world wide web... but when I die, as far as my so-called accomplishments go, it would be nice if 'Friends' were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people. I know it won't happen, but it would be nice.”
– Matthew Perry (August 19, 1969 - October 28, 2023)
Just as he wished, I will honor and remember Matthew Perry in this way.
And remember, if you’re struggling, or know someone who is struggling, please don’t lose hope. If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to spread awareness today.
