Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman recently spoke about her conversation with Matthew Perry just two weeks before his untimely death. During a joint virtual interview with co-creator David Crane on the Today show, Kauffman shared that Perry seemed happy and in a good place during their chat.
“It was great,” Kauffman said of their conversation. “He was happy and chipper. He didn’t seem weighed down by anything. He was in a really good place, which is why this seems so unfair.”
Kauffman expressed her utter shock upon hearing the news of Perry’s passing. She revealed that her first instinct was to text him, and she felt deep sadness when she realized he was no longer with them. She struggled to comprehend how quickly someone’s life could change, stating, “One minute he’s here and happy and then poof. And doing good in the world. Really doing good in the world.”
During their conversation, Kauffman noted that Perry seemed better than she had seen him in a while. She was thrilled to witness his emotional well-being and physical appearance. Perry had recently quit smoking and had been sober, which made Kauffman genuinely happy for him. She also mentioned that he had found purpose in helping other addicts, and this newfound mission gave him a sense of fulfillment.
Tragically, Perry passed away at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The cause of his death is still under investigation, and authorities are awaiting the toxicology results.
Matthew Perry skyrocketed to superstardom through his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004. He later starred in various movies and TV shows, including the Whole Nine Yards franchise, Fools Rush In, The West Wing, The Good Wife, Go On, and The Odd Couple.
In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry opened up about his decades-long battle with substance abuse, even during his time on Friends. Crane acknowledged that they were aware of Perry’s journey and were prepared for such news due to the challenges he faced. However, it is still difficult to believe that he is gone because of his vibrant personality.
Kauffman revealed that over the years, she had been aware of Perry’s struggles. She had discussed them with him, especially after the Friends reunion in 2021. Although Perry was open about his addiction journey after seeking treatment, Kauffman admitted that she was concerned about him during the reunion due to the potential impact of pain medication on his recovery.
Reflecting on Perry’s passing, Kauffman expressed the loss of a friend in multiple ways. She also highlighted the incredible support and outpouring of love from fans who feel like they have lost a friend as well. She hopes that wherever Perry is, he feels the immense love and appreciation from those he touched.
In a joint statement, Perry’s Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer expressed their devastation over his loss. They emphasized that they were more than just castmates; they were a family. They asked for time to grieve and process the unimaginable loss before sharing more details. Their thoughts and love are with Perry’s family, friends, and fans around the world.
Kauffman, Crane, and Friends executive producer Kevin Bright also released a statement expressing their immense sorrow. They considered themselves blessed to have had Perry as part of their lives. They acknowledged his brilliance as an actor and his ability to make the role of Chandler Bing his own. They cherished the joy, light, and intelligence he brought to every moment, both in his work and personal life. They sent their love to his family and friends, acknowledging that their hearts were broken.
Friends, the beloved sitcom, followed the lives of six friends living in New York City as they navigated various challenges and supported one another through thick and thin. Perry’s family shared their heartbreak over the loss, emphasizing his role as a source of joy to the world and appreciating the overwhelming love and support they have received.
Matthew Perry’s passing has left an indelible mark on his colleagues, friends, and fans worldwide. He will be remembered for his incredible talent, his generosity of heart, and the laughter he brought to countless lives through his iconic role on Friends.
