The following article includes references to addiction.
WhenMatthew Perry diedon October 28, 2023, fans around the world were crushed.
And, for many television viewers, losing Perry felt like losing a friend of their own.
Naturally, however, Perry’s real-life transformation was much more complex than that of his beloved character.
Perry’s complicated childhood eventually gave way to tumultuous teenage years, which saw him barely graduate high school.
Of course, Perry was ultimately catapulted into fame.
However, even as he enjoyed a great deal of money and popularity, the actor struggled with addiction.
As he toldPeoplein 2022, he would have given up all the limelight if it had meant achieving sobriety.
“The fact that I would trade it all to not have this disease is true.”
Thus, Perry grappled with feeling simultaneously proud of his achievements and dispirited due to his disease.
Both Morrison and John would eventually go on to establish stable careers.
Meanwhile, Morrison didn’t know what to do.
Is everybody crazy?"
He explained, “I was f***ing terrified.
Despite the occasional visit to Los Angeles, Perry rarely got to see his father.
After all, Morrison was a single mother who had to work long hours to provide for her son.
At the end of the day, this led the young Perry to struggle with intense feelings of loneliness.
It just meant I spent a great deal of time alone.
(I would tell people I was alonelychild, having misheard the phrase ‘only child.')”
Perhaps, as a result of these complicated emotions, Perry’s teenage years saw him acting out.
He disrupted class, got into fights, and even started drinking.
On one occasion, he even beat up the future Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.
In many ways, this change was great for the young Perry.
And, it did not take long for him to fall in love with the craft.
The experience was wonderful for the teenage Perry, who was desperately in need of a sense of direction.
As he would later write in his autobiography, “Acting was another one of my drugs.
And it didn’t do the damage that alcohol was already starting to do.”
Soon, Perry had a part in “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon.”
Sadly, though, the young actor had a really difficult time establishing a healthy romantic life.
According to Perry, this ballroom episode had a significant impact on his romantic life.
As he put it, “They were available, so I had to need for them.”
Over time, Perry’s drinking began to take its toll on his career.
I was tailing out as an actor.
As he remembered, “I got laughs where no one else had.”
He got the part.
I don’t know what would have happened to me had the call gone the other way.
I couldn’t f**k that up …
When you’re earning $1 million a week, you might’t afford to have the 17th drink."
As talented of an actor as he was, he had a disease.
And, this disease made sobriety a constant struggle for him.
After the fact, John went on a walk, decided to quit drinking, and was immediately successful.
The facility with which the older man kicked alcohol to the curb left Matthew in a state of shock.
Reflecting on this fact in his book, the actor exclaimed, “Excuse me?
You went for a walk and quit drinking?”
I have been to 6,000 AA meetings.
(Not an exaggeration, more an educated guess.)
I’ve been to rehab 15 times.
And you went on a f***ing walk?"
Of course, even after “Friends” ended in 2004, Perry was given some great gigs.
That being said, the actor also lost some major jobs because of his misuse of drugs and alcohol.
Perry wrote, “This would be the biggest movie I’d gotten ever …
I was to play a Republican journalist and was supposed to have three scenes with Meryl Streep.
Yes, that’s right.
Sadly, though, Perry was cut from the film after an incident that took place in Switzerland.
While in rehab, Perry was misusing drugs.
He then underwent a surgery that caused his heart to stop for five minutes.
Although his life was saved through CPR, the compressions broke eight of his ribs.
The actor also hoped to continue to advocate for other people struggling with addiction.
“When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
