Behind the laughter and witty one-liners lies a Hollywood story filled with more twists and tragedy; we’re talking about our beloved Matthew Perry. From shocking addictions to eyebrow-raising controversies, Here are moments that turned the spotlight on the man behind the iconic Chandler Bing.
A Wild Jet Ski Ride Gone Wrong (1997)
Back in ’97, a seemingly innocent jet ski joyride took a wild turn for Matthew Perry. Next thing you know, he’s hooked on Vicodin and drowning in booze. Even Friends fame couldn’t shield him from the dark side of addiction. “I was in the white-hot flame of fame,” Perry reflected. “It was actually a very lonely time for me because I was suffering from alcoholism.”
Rehab Became His Middle Name (1997)
Not just once, but twice, Perry checked himself into rehab. His first stint in ’97 at some Minnesota center left him shaken. “That was the scariest thing ever,” he spilled. The network kept quiet on any show impacts, but Perry’s recovery was no secret.
Pancreatitis and a Porsche Fiasco (2000)
Alcoholism and bad living led Perry to spend two weeks battling pancreatitis. He lost 20 pounds during that rough patch. After learning his lesson, he still crashed his Porsche into an empty house. Blaming his lifestyle, he confessed, “I was living hard and drinking heavily.” Can you believe the irony?” he groaned.
Calling for Help (2001)
Perry finally decided to reach for help after Serving Sara’s shoot neared its finale in 2001. “Suddenly, everything was crystal clear,” he recalled. Perry hit the brakes and paused production for two months, determined to turn his life around. Reflecting on the moment, he shared, “I realized I’ve got to go save myself. I got on the phone and called the people willing to help me.”
Rehab Round Three (2011)
2011 saw Perry checking back into rehab for the third time. Despite denying any relapse, Perry took a proactive step, telling TMZ, “I’m making plans to go away for a month to focus on my soberness and to continue my life in recovery.” This public battle with addiction became a defining chapter in his life, leading him to become a passionate advocate for drug courts and recovery programs.
Three Lost Friends Years (2013)
The iconic show Friends played a pivotal role in Matthew Perry’s life, but his addiction led to a hazy recollection of three years of the series. Perry confessed in a candid BBC interview, “I think the answer is, I don’t remember three years of it. So none of those … somewhere between season 3 and 6.” Despite struggling to hide his battles, he affirmed that he was never high on set, although his struggles eventually became known to everyone on set.
Perry’s House as a Rehab Center (2013)
In 2013, Perry transformed his Malibu home into a rehab sanctuary, accommodating men needing a 12-step program. Collaborating with addiction specialist Earl Hightower, his efforts gathered praise. “Matthew is an ambassador of possibility for a vast group of people,” stated Hightower, reflecting Perry’s impactful dedication to the cause.
Financial Woes (2015)
Despite two years of success, financial constraints led Perry to sell off Perry’s House in 2015, bidding farewell to the 5,500-square-foot Malibu property in 2015 for a hefty $10.65 million. However, Perry expressed his determination to relocate and resume operations. With his eye on potential locations in Santa Monica and Studio City, Perry emphasized, “I’m keeping the business going because I like it; it’s a good way to go help alcoholics.”
White House Fame (2015)
Matthew Perry received the Champion of Recovery Award from the Obama Administration for his advocacy in drug control. The acknowledgment left him speechless. In 2015, he was honored with the Phoenix Rising Award from Phoenix House, a renowned rehab facility. Reflecting on his journey, Perry humorously remarked, “I’m an award-winning alcoholic,” and felt the award should have gone to Phoenix House instead.
Adult Star Accused Matthew Perry of Pill Request (2017)
In 2017, an adult star, Maddy O’Reilly, accused Matthew Perry of asking her for strong pills. Perry didn’t respond publicly, maybe because the whole thing started from an unverified Instagram account. O’Reilly also claimed Perry invited her to dinner but canceled at the last minute before asking for the pills.
Odd Couple Drama (2017)
Perry’s tweet about “The Odd Couple” being canceled suggested he was caught off guard in 2017. However, his co-star Thomas Lennon’s comments about the show’s declining numbers indicated otherwise. CBS’s decision not to order more episodes for the third season suggested that the show’s future was uncertain, potentially eluding Perry at the time.
Perry’s Controversial Comment on Keanu Reeves (2022)
In his 2022 memoir, Matthew Perry sparked controversy by questioning why actors like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger met untimely deaths while Keanu Reeves remained. Some saw this as a slight toward Reeves, suggesting he lacked the talent of his peers. Perry later clarified, claiming it was a dark joke and that he admired Reeves.
Near Death Experience with Colon Burst (2022)
Matthew Perry, ahead of his memoir release, shared a life-threatening experience when his colon burst due to opioid misuse. Doctors gave him a 2 percent chance to live and used an ECMO machine for his recovery. His 14 stomach surgeries’ scars reminded him to stay sober, with his therapist emphasizing the consequences of Oxycontin use.
Drowning Accidental Death (2023)
Matthew Perry’s sudden passing at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023, has caused a wave of grief in the entertainment world and his global fanbase. While investigations continue, initial reports hint at a potential drowning accident as the cause of his tragic demise.
Child Stars Who Died Tragically Young
In the glittering world of showbiz, some child stars shine brightly but gone far too soon. Their youthful talent captivated audiences, but a darker side often lurked behind the fame and fortune. Here we explore the haunting stories of child stars who tragically met untimely ends. From the heart-wrenching struggles with addiction to devastating accidents and mysterious circumstances, their lives serve as a poignant reminder of the high price of fame at a tender age.
15 Child Stars Who Died Tragically Young
Stars You Probably Didn’t Know Had Passed Away
Throughout the entertainment industry’s history, many celebrities have passed away, leaving behind legacies that continue to inspire and influence people today. However, some stars who have contributed significantly to the industry may not have received as much attention or recognition upon their passing. Here are a few stars you probably didn’t know had passed away.
Stars You Probably Didn’t Know Had Passed Away
Actors Who Died Before the Release of Their Final Movie
Here, we will take a heartfelt journey down memory lane to remember some of the greatest actors who left an indelible mark on the film industry but, sadly, passed away before their final movie hit the big screen. Their talent, charisma, and dedication continue to inspire us, and though they are no longer with us, their performances will live on forever.
15 Actors Who Died Before the Release of Their Final Movie