Matthew Perry opens up about hard-fought battle with addiction: Part 1

The famed actor tells Diane Sawyer he is sharing his story with the message that people facing addiction should seek support and keep reaching out for help.
Stream the full ABC News special ‘Matthew Perry: The Diane Sawyer Interview’ on hulu: abcn.ws/3hjm5YZ

[@JamieNixx]

I am so glad he wrote this book before he passed. He can still help people from beyond the grave which is what he wanted. RIP Matty ❤

[@QueenofNewmania]

Rest in peace, Matthew.😞 You brought much joy to millions of fans.❤️

[@kanvarawal]

Addiction kills

[@makayliashakespeare3699]

​@@kanvarawal he drowned there was no drugs on scene

[@Former_Pastor]

​@@makayliashakespeare3699 It was reported as cardiac arrest. Probably due to decades of drug abuse which does kill

[@marchenriksson]

Billions* 🥲

[@junopierre2988]

He was not the same person here. He looks physically and spiritually exhausted. Poor guy. Rest in peace. You brought so much happiness to peoples lives

[@jariukkonen4465]

"same person"? You do realize he's older here, and what you saw earlier is called acting.

[@berniecasey7592]

Agreed, but drugs & drink mess with your appearance terribly even beautiful people get not so beautiful faster than normal.

[@junopierre2988]

@@jariukkonen4465 he is but his speech is slurred and the light is gone from his eyes. That’s what I’m talking about

[@mikehunt7360]

@@jariukkonen4465that’s not what they mean at all 🙄

[@fastica]

@@jariukkonen4465The other guys from Friends are around his same age and they look much better.

[@CombativeLlama]

That "and I should be dead" line gets me every time. Glad we had him while we did, and that he had the impact he did in the lives of so many. I still haven't gotten over his passing, and I doubt I will for a long time to come. Glad you're in a better place now, Matthew.

[@deannaroberson1451]

It’s ok that you haven’t got over his passing. I feel the same way. Even though I have never met him and didn’t even know him personally, he just seemed like a sweet, hearted, affectionate human being. I have noticed how affectionate and loving he was toward his cast mates while watching Friends every day and night. I know h wanted to become a father. He would have been an excellent father. He had that love and warmth. He also had a calm relaxing voice. I would picture him having a little girl that ho looked like him and was his mini twin. She would have been a cute little girl.🌸I know she really would have loved him.

[@YvieT81]

I listened to his audiobook, which he narrated himself, over past few weeks, and indeed the “I should be dead” line was just chilling to hear knowing he had passed several months ago.

[@amyb347]

Listen to his book on audio. A lot of things he says, in his voice, completely break your heart

[@glorialovesChrist]

I never got to meet Matty . Although i attended many of the same Recovery Meeting he did. Beyond his amazing talent ..He dedicated his life to help others in Recovery. I go to both secular aa meetings and celebrate recovery meetings. I thank God every day for my sobriety. i thank God for Matthew. RIP Matthew.

[@NolaChick82]

Matthew, I hope that you find the peace in the next life that you were never able to find in this one. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

[@lyniereese1150]

Matthew, you are an icon. You had the kindest smile. Bit by bit, layer by layer the stigma behind mental health and addiction is changing and we have people like Matthew to thank for this. Please be kind to everyone struggling with depression, anxiety and addiction; I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. RIP Mr. Perry. You were loved...RIP.

[@jameskeohane7778]

Even if you weren’t the biggest Friends fan, the terribly sad passing of Matthew Perry is a reminder that those who try and make you laugh the hardest often hardly laugh when they are with themselves. It’s probably good to check on them as regularly as we do others

[@Diametricallyopposed00]

Matthew Perry, my heart is broken a little 💔 you struggled a lot and came out on top. RIP.

[@daverain1967]

My dad recovered (40+ years) he passed in 2016. Matthew's book is amazing and painfully painfully painfully HONEST. Absolutely worth the read.

[@tamekawalker7226]

RIP Matthew Perry 🕊️♥️ You brought the world so Much joy!

[@TheFlukesSLAMLL]

I pray for anyone who struggles with addiction of any type, such a cruel demon to battle. Healing and peace to anyone out there who needs it.

[@ComicKish]

How u know it's real and not a ploy to bring this guy back in the fold

[@beautymariely]

@@ComicKish --- He does not need anyone to "bring him back" as you mention, he has never left the spotlight. You are such a jerk and an a** hole!!!!

[@TheFlukesSLAMLL]

@@ComicKish I'm not sure I understand your question but my answer is to pray for anyone who needs strength in their struggle does not require me to be all knowing of the details.

[@berniecasey7592]

Prayers cause it can be a bad ending, no matter how bad it gets please Love yourself.

[@yvonneschneider4]

He didn't deserve this ... such a smart, funny and handsome man❤ the book is absolutely fantastic

[@maymaypooch]

Amazing story! I’m a recovering addict who’s almost 4 years clean n sober. We must help others in order to make it. I am going to show this video to the girls at my job. I am blessed to be able to work at a treatment facility today. The same one that saved my life. Thanks Matt Perry

[@MrMomo1003]

great you work at a facility that makes money on others suffering. your probably in AA and you think your so much better than all us other addicts. AA is the reason im not sober today because of horrible people like you that pretend to care in treatment when really your just making more money for the insurance companies which YOU get kickbacks on

[@daverain1967]

congrats :-)

[@educate2cre8]

Keep going❤❤❤

[@capndallas4918]

Can I come work for you? I can edit and push the message of jesus.

[@Kellatrina]

God I wonder if he knows how much everyone is grieving. You helped me so much ….thank you Matty

[@miranda23ize]

Wow. I wish I could have met him. What an amazing man. RIP Matthew

[@beckibrown8833]

I hope his life story will help someone else struggling with addiction. That is the legacy he truly wanted to leave behind. We thank you for all the laughs you brought into our lives. Rest easy, friend.

[@Leigh3420]

He’s so gifted, talented, genuine, honest and very humbled. 236 episodes of pure JOY you brought into families homes on Thursday nights! You’ll be so missed handsome Matthew RIP!

[@alysha2mcp]

I remember when I first saw this interview...profound, yet so sad. After everything he overcame i'm heartbroken to hear he passed. He will be greatly remembered and greatly missed.

[@Mark_R_Tho]

Love him so much and wishing him continued strength in his recovery ♥️♥️♥️

[@Hugecannonballs]

That’s nice of you, but this loser does not care about you. He is desperately trying to sell his book in this interview/advertisement

[@emilygruenberg5794]

You are such a joy, Matthew! Thank you for making us all laugh for so many years. ❤️ We love you. RIP 🕊️

[@lizspringer8070]

I loved reading this book. I cried for him and I rejoiced for him. Love to see the reward he gets for helping others

[@Former_Pastor]

He died

[@GrannySkeksis]

He had such a beautiful smile. RIP friend

[@Commercialape]

Ive listened to the audiobook twice now, very good, very sad. Its almost unimaginable that he almost didnt get a chance to write it. Rip.

[@user-Catwatcher7]

Matthew was intensely adored and loved...by many....I feel privileged to have heard his story...It touched me....I was sorry to hear of his passing...but think of the many gifts he shared with the world. RIP...

[@LMCSM]

This was a phenomenal interview. Diane held the right amount of compassion, understanding and empathy towards Matthew's struggles and battles with addiction. She was very tactful and respectful in the questions she asked. Spent all night awake watching Matthew's interviews and videos. Just an awesome guy who I have always loved dearly. Rest now Matt, your battle is over 🩵

[@sewsed]

Wish she had done the same for Britney Spears!

[@mztscrazytown1463]

God bless his family and friends who mourn him and celebrate a life of laughter and struggles he shared with us.

[@marciamm69]

I learned so much in that hour. He's right, his story will help others. And I forgot how much I love Diane Sawyer.

[@mollymole7]

We all love you Matthew. For what you did in Friends and especially for opening up like this and give everybody the chance to not feel alone if struggling with mental illnesse. ❤❤❤

[@benjiarehart2878]

I know all too well about addiction. It's not fun, it's a living nightmare. Very glad Matthew is doing well.

[@Xane_Dragon]

He died 🪦

[@m.e.d.7997]

I wanted to cry when he greeted Diane Sawyer as Mom

[@onaseriousnote4183]

I will never think anything other than that Matthew Perry was wonderful. We loved him. Strength to his family and to the cast of friends. We are all thinking of you.

[@53Merdamert]

I hope now you will rest in peace... You made our world a better place. I will always remember you and praise you 😢

[@glowbelle1662]

An incredibly down to earth, humane & honest man with such effortless talent & charisma. Its hard to believe what facts we unsee behind those fiction. Cant believe he's gone..and too soon. May God make u amongst the mercied & grant u peace in afterlife.

[@59anitha]

Rest in Peace, thank you for the energy you generated through the series Friends beyond all your fears.

[@JacintaGib]

To me you are not Chandler Bing. You are Matthew Perry, a warrior fighting addiction. A man who was meant to survive to share his story so he can help others. That is your legacy and I will remember you for that. Thank you and rest in the upmost peace.

[@tiffanypiparo2708]

What a raw truthful interview. I am celebrating my first year tonight and it is just as hard a year later as it was the first day I decided I didn’t want to live like that anymore. I’m so grateful that your speaking out and having the resources to bc it’s nice for us little people to see and feel that we aren’t alone out hear. I pray that you all have a safe and happy new year. Here’s to 1 day at a time 🎉

[@smartmind5422]

So relatable, thank you Matthew Perry for doing this for fellow sufferers. Ss an addict, I feel judged and condemned as filth but when people like Matthew Perry speak out in support of this monumental struggle of addiction, it seems to take some of the shame away. Bless you and thank you thank you thank you !!

[@capndallas4918]

You don't need mp you need jesus

[@dobermansnp]

Thx Matthew, for all the joy, for all the happy moments. Im in tears right now, we will miss you so much.

[@LMCSM]

Same, I can't stop crying. He was always 1 person that I feared we'd lose early, I always worried about him 😔 watching friends will never be the same now 💔

[@brianshickey]

Really looking forward to reading this. Every once in a while you come across a memoir that is truly transparent, raw, honest and more so has a lesson. From what I’ve heard and read so far, it sounds like this checks all of the boxes. It is especially important during the addiction epidemic we’ve been facing for years and has only become stronger. I’m really proud of you Matthew.

[@efeklau6502]

Can u recommend other memoirs?

[@brianshickey]

@@efeklau6502 I sure can. Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) is great. Filled with crazy stories as a rock star and battles with addiction. Wishful Thinking by Carrie Fisher (Princess Leah) is another amazing memoir about her battles with addiction amidst stardom Monster: The Autobiography of an LA Gang Banger by Sanyika Shakur is another fantastic read. One of the best memoirs I’ve read period Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is perhaps the best book I’ve ever read. It’s the story of the 1996 Mt Everest expedition that went horribly wrong. Not specifically a memoir but a true story. Any of these would be a great pick.

[@efeklau6502]

@@brianshickey Thank you so much!!! I was not expecting such an insightful response but this is everything! :) I’ll get right to it, thanks again Brian!

[@brianshickey]

@@efeklau6502 It’s my pleasure Efe! I love sharing great books and I’m certain you’ll love any of the titles I recommended.

[@MrFoolD]

I just finished the book from Matthew and it’s amazing

[@krisrobb7709]

Oh man, he's always been my fave. What a talented, heartfelt man. I will always wish him every good thing! 😍🙏

[@liliad.7448]

Can’t wait to read this book .. I think him opening up about this is soo brave

[@carolineconroy4942]

You will be sorely missed Matthew, wonderful person. Rest in peace ❤

[@soyburglar77]

I think so many people feel the need to ask the question “Why?” when faced with stories told by people like Matt. They simply cannot understand how someone who has “so much going for them” could flush it all down the toilet. But what those people don’t understand, and will probably never understand, is that to the addict, the question we’re always asking ourselves is “Why the hell not?”. Especially so when you have the means, the opportunity, and the collective compulsion of the hoards of other addicts with whom you’ve systematically, yet probably unintentionally, surrounded yourself. Addiction is so powerful and so successful because it is one of the only semi-terminal diseases/conditions that, for the longest period of time, presents itself as a good thing, as a beneficial thing, as an answer to so many of the user’s difficulties in life. That is, until it isn’t. And not only does it suddenly and apparently become ineffective at treating the symptoms for which it was originally intended, but it very quickly becomes the polar opposite…which is an extremely trippy and confusing realization to have.

[@charlotteharriet8656]

R.I.P. Matthew Perry, exactly one year later, to the day 😢

[@tinylittlefilms3043]

Thank you Matthew for writing your book!

[@tiak1018]

We love you Matthew so much , I hope you know how much you mean to your fans

[@kimnapier8387]

I love Chandler, but, truly fell in love with Matthew Perry 💔,as a beautiful person 💓. I pray he is resting in heaven. I'm heartbroken for him being gone 😭

[@deannaroberson1451]

I hope he is in heaven. I’m sad he isn’t with us anymore as well.

[@jeffpeterson2012]

I feel into the hell of addiction at 40 after achieving so much prior to that. I am so scared and feel I can't get out. Hearing Matthew has given me hope. It's all consuming and I pray for strength, Matthew is an inspiration. Thank you

[@veronicawashington.]

I pray you get over your addiction

[@kaitlynmoore329]

I wish you the best of luck on your journey. Keep your head up!

[@adampanek6315]

You can do it. You're a lot stronger than you may think. I believe in you.

[@zelottine]

I hope you have help and love 💪🫂❤️

[@amoolyanarayan2148]

Hey I want to talk to you some more if youd like to. I have been through addiction myself. It may be nice to chat.

[@ItsMsSue2U7154]

The fact he seemed to doubt himself the whole time he was on set was heartbreaking to hear at their reunion. What is it about the lovely souls that beat themselves up? I hope he is happy. He deserves it.

[@ritasnow8319]

Because 3/4 of people who seek fame are seeking validation. Because they had personally traumatic experiences, particularly in their formative years. Look it up--Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, they all had issues from childhood. Secure people don't need validation from strangers. That includes social media.

[@ashleyveronica5405]

I heard that he played pickle ball the day he died before going in his jacuzzi and I hope that he did everything else that day that made it a « dream day » for his last day with us. Rest in peace 🙏🏻♥️ you were an amazing soul and you did help a lot of people. His legacy will live on!

[@deannaroberson1451]

I wish someone had been there with him as he was having his cardiac arrest. That someone could have saved him.

[@MademoiselleReveuse]

He was such a nice guy, an incredible actor, and I'm sure, a wonderful person. His book is raw, real, and devastating to read, but I'm so glad he got to finish and publish it before his death. That takes an enormous amount of courage. Matthew was amazingly brave to open himself up to us like this. May he rest in peace.

[@alguientienequehacerlo7086]

Love this man!!!! I hope he fully recovers, and that he will soon return to the screens to do what he does best, bring joy and happiness to the people who admire him.

[@lorrainemcqueeney6009]

It's so nice to see him looking well. He is quite fortunate to have the back drop of that home, since it's easier to conquer addiction when you don't have worries about the roof over your head. I absolutely adore Mr. Perry's stepfather, the delightful Keith Morrison of Dateline NBC. I hope that Matthew has a great deal of support in the background, regardless of whether or not such support is made public. Stay well, Matthew. God bless.

[@ameliepoulain8947]

It’s sometimes the bright and funny that struggle the most. Be kind to everyone you meet. There is always a reason for every action. So happy for Matthew to get better but it’s probably a life long battle not to fall into that hole again 💙

[@Nazaba09]

30 seconds in and I already burst into tears.

[@TheIceyeddy]

Why?

[@yowatchie]

Calm down

[@yankeegirl3380]

I completely understand. His story is one of heartbreak and redemption. God bless. 🙏❤️🙏

[@anitahardesty2163]

What a strong amazing man! How hard is it for him to talk about his addiction! Bless you Maddy. I wish you continued success and happiness! 💖

[@MN-ds5vc]

From the bottom of my heart, you'll always be "The One Who I Like The Most" on Friends. I can't remember how sad I felt for the loss of an actor before. Thank you for so much joy, for so many laughs. 234 episodes were not so many like some people might think. It was a pleasure, a bless. I wish you were here for many more years to make all of us laugh so hard we cry. Now the tears are for another reason. You will be missed! Rest in peace! I love you, Matty!❤

[@allyestrada4438]

I cried so much during this interview. I love Friends and remember watching it when I was 7, and then all throughout high school. I grew up with them, found comfort in this show and characters. I’m so happy he is healthy, healing, and doing good for others. We are with you, Matty!! Our Chandler ❤❤❤

[@trailblazer77]

You might wanna talk to someone if you cried about some famous person addiction

[@akat3628]

@@trailblazer77 There's nothing wrong with having empathy for another person's suffering. That's very human. I'm sorry if you can't relate to feeling empathy for others. That's really your loss.

[@MacJamesG]

I'm glad he did this before the end... we'll miss you forever, Matthew❤

[@aliviasfunnydogvideos3515]

All us addicts can relate to his story, the things we used to do to feed our addiction, I love his honesty, 😍 beautiful

[@lizmorganjake]

I so want him to be healthy and happy. Best wishes Matthew!

[@tiak1018]

Same here , I wish he will be spending the rest of his life in his best shape and happy !

[@lizmorganjake]

And now I'm devastated he won't get that 😢💔

[@mariannepatrie5260]

God Loves You, Matthew Perry You Are Loved.

[@alanvallazza9781]

Rest in peace. I enjoyed his acting.

[@letidelossantos7244]

Omg I want to cry … this is so beautiful

[@amberlouise86]

Devastated. Sobbed this morning. You didn't deserve this. Rest in eternal paradise x

[@SheRegalado99]

Nothing but love to you, Matty! I will include you in my daily prayers.

[@6.1chewhuynhlynncelynna15]

Oh i love him so much. Just by every second looking at him smiling makes me heartbreaking tho

[@sheg1969]

My sister died two weeks ago of cardiac arrest...a byproduct of years of substance abuse. I am glad he's making it through. He seems like a guy my sister might have listened to, or is that wishful thinking?

[@deedee9312]

I think it would have been a great meeting of the minds and truly she would have listened : so sorry for your loss ! Addiction is so evil!

[@sheg1969]

@@deedee9312 thank you.

[@deedee9312]

@@sheg1969 gods speed.. you tube friend..

[@QWERTY-ov9tm]

So sorry for your loss.

[@sheg1969]

@@QWERTY-ov9tm thank you

[@danielrbsutton]

Thank you, Matthew Perry, for making me smile as I watched you in Friends, and also for sharing your personal story of struggle and helping to destigmatize addiction. Your light shines brightly and I will keep you alive through my memories

[@EveHoward631]

Matthew a precious sincere young man (too soon gone)❣️

[@sandras7488]

God bless him and I hope he remains sober for the rest of his life and lives a happy healthy life.❤

[@geissellopez6308]

He IS a big heart ❤

[@asiam1528]

Diane sawyer does the best interviews

[@colinmontgomery1956]

Please tell me you're kidding.

[@phebefaith8311]

Diane was terrible to young Brittany. Remember how she made her cry. Go back and watch how cruel Diane was to her.

[@sinambishal7298]

because we love him no matter what

[@rnapol3266]

RIP my guy. I’ll meet you there soon.

[@jenniferhodgson4165]

What an incredible story. So charmastic on Friends. So youthful and funny. Very brave of Matthew. Still charmastic still has the spark.

[@lovetodaylisa3967]

Note to self: if i write a book about myself not to start it with "I should be dead" Pen to paper is powerful. Sad your gone my favorite friend

[@Mia7189]

Blessings to you, Matt. You've got this. ♥♥♥

[@peteypizzillo1142]

Secrets do kill he's absolutely right I've been struggling my whole life since 14

[@rjz9785]

I hope you get well soon, Petey. ❤️ You've got it in you

[@regannem]

Love ya, Petey! Stay strong.

[@danieljacobs5810]

I would call myself the biggest friends fan of all time, but if it’s possible, I think now I love it more.

[@archananagarajan4540]

Atleast he didnt end up being messed up, he realized it and ensured that he brings up other people also facing similar situation and was leading life peacefully.

[@munci6474]

praying for him every day, so glad he is on a good way now again

[@kimmanning2913]

"That's why this tan is real and not fake." I love him.

[@LeScandal]

✊🏽 Matthew, you don’t know me, but I’m rooting for you!

[@sparkysmom7149]

Love you Matty. So very proud of you sweet man

[@BrittanyCH]

Bless you, Matthew.

[@SugaStarr]

He was so tired. I pray his soul is finally at rest.

[@OatmealPancake-ej8ky]

It’s eerie to see the jacuzzi/pool area where he drowned :/ fly high Matthew, you’re at peace now ❤

[@theGT5]

I like his book and I respect his battle, I'm also trying to battle coke addiction for some years now while trying to avoid becoming an alcoholic as well... but it's still kinda an addiction fairytale, doing all this with unlimited money supply, always the highest quality places to stay, always having the best doctors, having the family behind your back, etc... very different battle than for the ones who are living on the streets left alone with absolutely zero hope and financial background... I know he made his money himself and I respect his hustle too though but still very different ways to experience the type of hell

[@montanaminck8423]

I hope you find peace, one foot at a time my friend

[@justavideodiary]

Thank you!! Damn, so many people buy into his bs. I hope you are doing well!

[@theGT5]

thanks a lot, I kinda started improving my self control ability for a while instead demonizing substances then falling into the same hypocrisy again and again... 😂 I'm far from being as fucked up as Matthew so don't worry, also opiates are a thing I'll never touch in my life, I did 15 years of mind expanding with high qualtiy psychedelics and weed, my coke addiction only hit 3 years ago, I had a lot of progress in my spiritual self development before I met more serious challenges, thank God for showing me the way before sending me on my hellwalk, at least I know the way back haha... 🙂

[@AmandaBurger-wd4lw]

He hid it well my opion,but i was kid when this show came out.i struggled with addiction and drinking myself,drugs and drinking.i am now clean and sober of drinking and drugs. So much respect to this man and wanting to help others. I tell my storys to young kids abd others to helps others and hoping my storyline will help others.tell ur story's to help others it may be light they need or them to know u not alone and everyone struggles and there is light at end of tunnel.

[@BBQ3313]

Rest peacefully Matt.

[@patricksullivan8416]

All the best for Matthew - the book is difficult to read based on how much he has suffered but the last chapter (on Gratitude) is so lovely and hopeful.

[@TravisBond-y3c]

I have read this book and this is truly an eye-opener thank you Mathew Perry for all the laughs and the truth

[@skol_RL]

Rest in peace Matt.

[@TheStoneWhisperer]

God that must be tough. Just his voice tells you so much, it has taken such a toll on his voice and demeanor. He actually sounds either drunk in the interview or someone who's had a stroke. Very sad. I wish him well, but we see this time and time again with people who are presented with such huge amounts of fame and fortune.

[@angelaloof852]

We love you Matthew!

[@moviesforever8805]

RIP Matthew Perry 😢😢😢😢

[@ballymahonst]

So sad , Rest in Peace 🙏❤️🙏

[@barumbadum]

He was great actor. Rip and thank you!