Millions of fans across the globe are still in shock about the sudden passing of gifted Hollywood actor Matthew Perry.
It will take a while for fans to adjust to Perry’s passing and even if you didn’t “know” him personally, you felt like you did through his iconic and memorable character Chandler Bing on the world famous show Friends.
Millions of fans would literally plan their life around the show making sure they never missed a single episode of the six time Emmy winning show which ran from 1994 to 2004 on NBC. Perry, along with his co-stars, received a million dollar per episode at the height of the show’s popularity.
As we know by now, Perry, 54, suddenly died on October 28 while sitting in his hot tube at his home in Los Angeles. A recently released death certificate shows that an autopsy was done but the cause of death has been deferred for now per death certificant.
It’s no secret Perry was an addict. For decades, people close to the actor knew that the award-winning actor was trying to overcome his decades long struggle with addiction while trying to move forward in life. Perry had spent millions of dollars on rehab in trying stay clean and sober during his remarkable career in Hollywood.
In his 2022 New York Times best selling memoir, Matthew Perry: Friends, Lovers & The Big Terrible Thing, Perry details his addiction, personal struggles and the price he paid for worldwide fame. It’s a terrific book and I highly recommend it.
Although the hit TV series was filmed on location in Hollywood, there were often exterior shots of the 90 Bedford Street, West Village apartment which, has become somewhat of a shrine in the past few weeks for fans to leave notes, flowers and pay their respects.
Although Friends did put Perry on the road to fame and fortune, he is also known for several popular films including noteworthy ones such as When Fools Rush In (1997) with the stunning Selma Hayak, Three To Tongo (1999) and Numb (1997). But the one that I personally found to bring Perry’s true acting talents was the 2006 movie The Ron Clark Story, in which Perry portrays the role of Ron Clark, an educator who leaves his comfortable small town teaching job to join the ranks of the the inner-city teaching environment to make a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. It’s a must see for everyone.
After the iconic sitcom came to an end, Perry starred in another relatively short-lived series called The Odd Couple, a remake of the original 1970 series staring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman. It was another great show but unfortunately cancelled after three seasons.
I had the privilege of meeting Perry in New York years ago at a press event and I will say, that not only was he smart and respectful to the press, but also had a deep sense of connection for people along with a sense of kindness which is pretty rare for any Hollywood star these days. It was at that moment that I understood why the actor was so well-loved and respected by his peers and fans around the world.
Perry came from a large family. He was raised by his parents, dad John Perry and mom Suzanne Perry as well as step dad, award-winning news journalist and Dateline correspondent, Keith Morrison.
A private funeral was held with close Friends cast members and family on November 3 in Los Angeles. Perry was laid to rest in a secluded and private mausoleum called the Sanctuary of Treasured Love where other icons including actress Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher and Ronnie James Dio are placed.
The journey continues but for actor, comedian and author Matthew Perry, another one into eternity has begun. RIP Matthew. You will always remain our “friend”.
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