Matthew Perry’s Pickleball Coach Describes Their Friendship and Final Moments Together (Exclusive)

Celebrity pickleball coach, Matt Manasse, tells ET's Kevin Frazier about his friendship with Matthew Perry, how the 'Friends' actor was becoming 'obsessed' with the game and their final moments together. Matthew Perry died at the age of 54. The star reportedly drowned on Saturday at a home in Los Angeles.

[@julieb7785]

What a thoughtful, discrete, intelligent coach.

[@debravan1167]

*discreet

[@bigbrowneyes4u]

This one hurts so much. His humor has helped so many of us during the darkest of times, over many years. What he did for other men getting sober is just so admirable!! He was too young to leave us, though. RIP Matty 💔

[@LillyC-j5o]

Are you for real?

[@RayannaNorwood.5250]

Yeah... me tooo. His humour was a big distraction for me to get thru a very hurtful breakup😢. I liked this guy with his sarcastic dark humour

[@RayannaNorwood.5250]

Yeah... me tooo. His humour was a big distraction for me to get thru a very hurtful breakup😢. I liked this guy with his sarcastic dark humour

[@michelleroberts6597]

wow, hurtful for sure 💔 may he rest forever in peace 🙏

[@LennyDavis-tv7kh]

I binged friends yesterday lol

[@misvee5455]

"thanks for being a very good friend" ugh my heart.

[@BrokenSoulConfession]

Darn, this makes me cry again. 🥺 But hearing Matthew's coach's story at least assured that his final days were full of joy and not struggles. Matthew can now play pickleball to his heart's content in the eternal court of the afterlife. 🙏🏻

[@CatsInaCradle]

He was such a kind man. I'm so sorry for his friends and family. He was loved by many and will be missed tremendously.

[@LillyC-j5o]

Kind how? what did h e ever do?

[@michelleroberts6597]

wow, nice.

[@lesleyhughes3174]

​@@LillyC-j5o🙄🤐🤨

[@Pinkyboo12]

You didn’t Even know him lol

[@lesleyhughes3174]

@@Pinkyboo12 so it's hilarious is it that another human lost their life?

[@purplepuddlenut]

Aw man, this coach crying at the end. You can tell he loved him.

[@kristinewood7030]

I'm Still in complete and utter shock that he's gone. He was one of my favorite friends guys

[@crystalinabacteria3430]

Having had an addiction myself. I have to say I have nothing but admiration for Matthew Perry for his honesty & courage to continue facing so many struggles & hurdles often alone. Although an addict is surrounded by people you are on your own in your head. The places you go to are scary & dark. The guilt you have for hiding stuff from people you know, is a task in itself. It breaks my heart to learn that while he was serving us with laughter he was dealing with so much alone. I would say that Matthews humour kept him alive a lot longer. I Thank Matthew for his support helping others & being so kind. Now he is at peace now & can rest easily. Simply heartbroken 💔😢

[@AnnaD25]

❤

[@GMatiga1]

All the best to you. Hope you are coping well.

[@angelisa368]

Condolences to all who knew and loved him personally. I feel like I’ve lost a friend in real life. Can’t really imagine how much worse this feels for those who really were friends with him. 💔😢

[@georginashanti4605]

A very respectful and thoughtful interview. Rest in peace Matthew. I'm glad you had lots of fun, focus and enjoyment with pickle ball. I understand how having a social outlet like that can help a person. What an impact you made! 💖💛💖

[@ttpayd]

These were good questions, I appreciate the respect given in this interview. Thank you for helping so many people during your life, Matty. You'll be more than missed. ❤

[@lisah.07]

I was always hoping to meet Matthew Perry. He just seems like a down to earth sweet person. Thank you for sharing about him ... just what I imagined. This hurts. Prayers for his family and friends. May you be in totally Peace, Matthew Perry/ Chandler Bing. Thanks for Loving us through your giving heart! a Friends Fan 🙏❤

[@ChrisMullen-j3s]

I read his book. May He Rest In Piece. He had a horrible struggle thru his short life

[@staycool163]

Peace

[@sabavemk]

Thanks for this heartfelt video, ET, and your emotional openness, Matt Manasse ❤

[@Rebwell]

Thank you for sharing these precious stories with us. I can tell you had a genuine friendship of mutual respect and caring. I think it helps the world to know things were on the upswing for him, that he was enjoying life and spending time being active and with friends. Sorry for the loss of your friend.

[@britexas361]

Condolences to his family and his friends cast mates 💐🕊️

[@m.n.d5949]

Matthew Perry made kindness cool. The best part is that Chandler IS Matthew Perry ,and it wasnt until friends came that being kind and considerate was seen in a positive way on TV ,and Perry especially demonstrated that, through his role the impact of being kind to others. His genuine warmth radiated through his smile and we would feel it through the screen like a warm hug to our tired souls. The 6 of them came together to create something larger than themself and lent the world ( billions of us at this point across generations) comfort and connection when we felt it was lacking in certain if not all areas in our life. Knowing he was suffering with his subconcious mind harassing him the whole time , made our feelings for him bittersweet as he made us happy but was suffering alone and despite it all he showed up and gave the best of him for us. Maybe he didnt know it at the time but his generousity of spirit and big heart made all the difference ,as friends wouldnt be friends without Chandler ,and he could have walked of in any season but he chose to stay ,as he knew the value it had to us all and how much we needed it. Friends will live on in a time capsule to access better memories and warm feelings that transcends time as its available to us at any time , and Perry's invaluable contribution to it while it was so very difficult for him to show up ,but he still continued to do so , is the resiliance and determination of his soul for us all. Not just that , but eventually overcoming his struggle with addiction and choosing to relive it mentally by writing his book to share with those in the same spot was beyond selfless of him. This was important to him and he overcame and we celebrate him. He probably thought he was weak but paradoxically he was stronger than ever. He did what he set out to do and he succeeded. Whatever our beleifs may be about the afterlife it is generally accepted that there is no more suffering or sorrow as we get to merge with the divine , and in so many ways i think Matthew wanted so badly to feel good inside and in my heart i feel today he is as he is finally with the divine . Thehuman condition is bitter sweet, The rose with the thorns. But we can learn to cherish the Good moments in life and with Matthew I think the whole world can agree that theres a lot of good moments, as he touched our hearts in a personal way through sharing the best of himself as Chandler. All I can say is thank you Matthew Perry. I know this place was hard for you as it is with all of us to varying degrees, and you did your very best and you were resiliant and we love you and appreciate you always. We sincerely hope that you are happy now. Your service and generosity to us and transparency has been more than plenty and thank you most of all for showing us how to be a good friend by being one to us all. From all your friends on the other side of the screen. We love you.💖🎉

[@buckybass2409]

He was not kind

[@PolianicesdaPolly]

😭😭😭 he was so humble and a good friend. He made all the world laugh. I think I’ve lost a friend too. I’ve been studying English since 2005 because of FRIENDS. I can’t believe that he’s gone yet 😩

[@monikasimmonsrealestate]

This was so much needed with all the news stories posted. It is refreshing to hear someone share good memories and how much he enjoyed his last days here. May his family find comfort and peace during this difficult time.

[@muncangel5993]

I am so happy for Matthew having had such a sweet coach as a friend, big hug from germany Matt M.💞

[@mayloo2137]

He played good enough tennis in his youth to be nationally ranked in Canada. Makes sense he transferred his skills to pickleball.

[@sdhscrosscountry]

What a wonderful interview

[@rboyle5148]

Great interview - you asked all the right questions at first to make the guy feel at ease & smile; then to end it with such heartfelt emotions. We are all sad & feel like we lost a ‘friend’, my heart hurts for those who were actually a friend of Matthew.

[@turnerification123]

I thank this gentleman for a wonderful kind story about Matthew this is how we will remember him.

[@trixie6793]

My favorite first memory of Matt was when he was on family ties. I thought back in the early 1980's that Matt was Canadian so when I seen him with Micheal I was so proyd, 2 Canadian Boys, one from Edmonton, Alberta, and the other from Montreal, Quebec. It was only as an adult I found out he was American-CANADIAN . He'll always be Canadian to me. It's a sad day in Canada. Peace to Matthew'so Family and many friends .

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

He was American.

[@GMatiga1]

@@Ausgar-yc1ylMatthew Perry himself Said he has a dual Citizenship - American Canadian

[@sd560]

Canada has lost a true icon 😢 I just rewatched the story of Ron Clark on KZbin.... Matthew was phenomenal playing that role! It's a true story of teacher Ron Clark who changed the lives of students in a NYC school. Everyone should watch this! RIP Matthew 😭💔💔💔 Thanks for the memories, my friend 😭

[@gengland8601]

What a wonderful coach You can tell he seemed really shocked. He spoke so highly of Matthew. God bless him Sorry u lost your dear pickle ball friend

[@ljke]

This one breaks my heart. He fought so hard through his addiction then ends up drowning. 😢

[@staycool163]

I'm still in shock. He was way to young. I still watch reruns of "Friends" and will never get tired of it. So so sad! 😢

[@Adaisy45]

This whole story is so very heartbreaking. It sounds like he had really turned the corner and was having true joy in his life. What a difficult difficult life he had for most of his life. So amazing he was so giving in spite of it all. 😢

[@savhga65]

MATTHEW WILL BE GREATLY MISS. R.I.P

[@liamn.3876]

I was 8 years old when Friends came out. My parents were really into it and watched it all the time. Matthew Perry aka Chandler was instantly my favorite character. Him and Joey were the funniest together. RIP Matthew....you are surely missed😥

[@sukuntee]

Watching this, honestly encouraged me. I know he didn’t marry or have kids, his Friends cast have relocated to their own lives, but he still had his surrounding friends and community to spend time with. To love and be loved by. I was afraid he was utterly alone. I’m thankful that he did have other ppl

[@tinadutta5628]

Totally heartbroken .. this was feels so personal

[@Cons2911]

I know I’m just a random fan from the other side of the world..but than you sir Matthew Perry, and to the entire cast of friends.. the show helped me a lot more than people know

[@greggy9786]

His body has finally rested from all the problems he try to give up but his soul will continue to make the angels laugh their souls off. RIP Mr. Perry.

[@jackieellenbarnes1268]

So Sad. Such a Sweet and Humble Man. 😢

[@sandrar5118]

I’ve always liked Matthew. I could see how charismatic and genuine he was. RIP…this one hurts so badly

[@Cons2911]

The show helped me also, just like how some of the comments have said. Years ago, having the show on the background is like listening to music for me, helped me relax

[@justreal-2023]

RIP Matty... God bless and sincerest condolences to the family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him and being in his life and world!! I saddens my heart.... I grew up watching friends and felt like you knew him, even though I didn't. What a special human being... :( Prayers to all!!

[@EllieM_Travels]

Absolutely heartbreaking 💔

[@Mark-xl3ns]

He was loved by every one he'll be missed by every one 😭

[@zachjohnson5799]

When he started to cry I started to cry too

[@user-dianejcml]

Me too 😢

[@BklynFlgirl]

Me three. 😢

[@annakermode6646]

Me four 😢

[@phyld6491]

Me too

[@phyld6491]

My condolences to you coach for losing a good friend.

[@Mazanthes]

I do hope he realised just how loved he was and how many frowns he flipped upside down. Sleep well Mattman, we love you🦇 🇬🇧❤🦇

[@jackieellenbarnes1268]

Prayers for His Family and Friends 🙏

[@WhisperToTatum]

😅 this hurts so much like a pain in my heart I knew all of his downfalls and all what he went through this is not okay I am saddened and I don't think I'll ever get over this 💔💔 to Matthew Perry in my heart forever ❤️❤️

[@Oklahoma-Dreaming]

Everyone who’s known “Matty” and even people who said, “Hi!” to him on the street will now come forward with their Matthew Perry stories. Hell, I read his book so I guess that’s my story. But even after reading his book, and even after mostly liking it, I’m not convinced I really knew much about him really. He seemed like a decent guy with a severe drug problem, a problem that evidently he finally kicked. But in reality if he truly was able to give up those vices that was surely the greatest thing he ever did. It must’ve been a Herculean effort to do it. In comparison getting an acting job on “Friends” was quite minor compared to that. Anyways, RIP Matt. And I did like your book, and your sense of humor.

[@annaluna6023]

I still can’t believe everyone’s chandelier bing is gone !! He was like our friend too, I never met the actor but he just seemed like he was the sweetest. Matt made us all laugh, I’m sure we all have a favorite chandelier bing moment, he was the funniest!! There will never be another, I personally thought his humor made that show, but my heart went out to him struggling any addiction is terrifying. And what’s even sadder when he was in his darkest days he still kept us smiling. Matthew perry you will be missed by us all… ❤

[@emilyvickery8081]

This ones hard.. want to give Jen, David, Courteney, Matt and Lisa a comforting hug. Can't imagine how hard this is for them.

[@jackieellenbarnes1268]

He was My FAVORITE FRIEND 😢

[@geri515]

Love you Matthew, may you make people laugh in HEAVEN 🌈 love 💕 you always. ♾️♥️🙏👼

[@SenorS01]

Thank you Matthew perry I dont know what to say but thank you and that I hope life after death is tremendous and I can hear all about it. ❤

[@pampietro8980]

My heart is shattered. My favorite friend gone. Matthew got me through some not so good times. I will forever love and miss him. God bless hi❤

[@vanessaswift9132]

It's always the funny ones that go too young he was a beautiful soul and will be sadly missed terribly by millions of people which goes to show what an amazing human being he was may you be happy with the Angels Mathew 😄 Thank you for all the laughs you gave me

[@aimeeamigone2717]

Great interview

[@cherylb2008]

Mathew helped a lot of other people

[@vannaty7]

Feels like a kick in the gut! It really feels like I lost a friend 💔

[@sharonsolana]

My condolences to his good friend Matt. I never knew Matthew Perry personally, but I am very sad too.

[@michellewasthere]

Devastating loss. 🧡🙏🧡

[@emfraridades7261]

Surviving colon perfuration, coma, overdose, panchreatitis and more and than dying after a pickleball match and hot water. Life is cruel.

[@leticiavasquez8566]

My husband survived cancer and died of a heart attack after an outdior european martial arts session .... turns out though he was sober for a while...at 59...passed addiction had taken a toll on his actual arteries which like Mathews was generous and big. Im so sorry if this is what happened to him also but glad he had been doing something he loved .

[@ANKH-c4m]

❤Matthew Langford Perry #MatthewPerry #Legend #Icon #WeWillAlwaysRememberYouWithLoveMatthewPerry & Hugs To : Matt Manasse

[@yiandrea84]

I’m sorry he passed away young. Just shows how short life is….

[@cristina709]

His passing reminds me a little bit of how Mr. Big in Just Like That, passed. This news was so sad. May he rest in peace.

[@edz619]

Heartbroken, he's been in my living room every day for many many years! I feel like I've lost a close friend even though I never even met him!!! So Sad!

[@tonyrodriguez2943]

Matthew plays good in Pickleball 🎾.

[@sierramilan4322]

I feel like after a hard work out, he got in the the jacuzzi/ hot tub blood pressure dropped, passed out & he went under🙏🏾

[@andreweggleston4410]

Yeah that definitely makes sense Matthew probably just fell asleep after a hard day and the hot water really soothes you and it can knock you and he fell asleep and his head went under the water and he drowned in his sleep or maybe he suffered a mysterious heart attack as feel asleep in the jacuzzi either way I guess Jacuzzi's can be dangerous.

[@zachjohnson5799]

I'm not crying YOU'RE CRYING!

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Matthew Langford Perry, you will be missed

[@justicewillprevail1106]

It feels like a part of my youth has passed also.

[@louiseharton7844]

I'm broke .. gutted may he be at peace 😢❤

[@pegminarski5253]

Prayers ❤

[@Magazinelady]

My condolences to the coach; he has lost a client/friend.

[@LighthouseLover1989]

How I found out about Matthew Perry's death, was I received a notification on my phone. I felt like I was in an awful daze. Matthew, even though I have a boyfriend, I'm so, so glad that you were a celebrity crush of mine. I love you, Batman. 🥺🦇💔

[@yleniaromoli6848]

I love Matthew ❤

[@princessanjanee]

Sometimes life doesn’t make sense and this is a moment we ask why? 😢

[@evaguo1]

I'm so sad. RIP Matthew. 💔💔

[@randomgameplay9950]

The one where we are all heartbroken 💔

[@mando8000]

This one really hurt omg 😔😭

[@gaila.9852]

I am currently watching ET’s special for Matthew Perry on TV. How did they put it together so quickly?

[@ex8280]

A.i.

[@gaila.9852]

@@ex8280 Really? Wow. It was really well done.

[@SaraAli-pu7vj]

Star quality absolutely!

[@athena7042]

I wish him a safe journey to the afterlife. For years he did not look sober. He did seem to be doing some positive things. Maybe he also found legal ways to get substances? Talk about him being sober struck me as odd because the visuals said otherwise.

[@mmjb53]

Lmao the no cars just sleds killed me 🇨🇦 I actually don’t have a sled, I have to take the local mega sleds everywhere unless I get a ride on my sister’s family sled!

[@shanellescott6777]

R.I.P

[@leticiavasquez8566]

Blessed be x

[@lisaludden8141]

Rest in peace 🙏

[@russellscott5199]

Luke 20:36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

[@gaila.9852]

Why in the world do people do interviews so quickly after their supposed loved ones pass?

[@allieGirl146]

Wish I'd met him.😢 RIP

[@MeMeDaVinci]

I must be thinking of someone else... After knowing for decades that Matthew Perry has been a substance abuser since his teens, the sadness should be with those that couldn't help him when he reached out and needed it. He wanted to help others but you can't help others until you help yourself. I'm just surprised his passing didn't happen sooner. The body can only take so much. I reserve "where I was when..." for others, like when Kennedy was assassinated. I hope all those who feel sad about his death know he lived his life the way he thought best, with every good intention.

[@zahrajangravi3589]

I can’t believe it. 😢😢😢

[@THENEONARCADE21]

What's Pickle ball ? I'm from New Zealand, i haven't heard of it before now.

[@keithaldridge8780]

🙏🙏🙏💙

[@mikethemechanic7395]

Loved the show Friends when it came out. When Ross cheated on Rachel. I was devastated. I have not seen the show since.

[@lesliebiggar8143]

💔💔💔

[@diygamer1396]

😢😢😢

[@Carol-jg4vj]

It was the Canadian in him

[@Ausgar-yc1yl]

But he was American.

[@wk1810]

"He was so unassuming and nice"...yep, Canadian.

[@dc2930]

This is not a circumstance to know exactly where you were like 9-11. he was an addict taking 55 vicadin which means his heart wont last in his 50s like MJ or Elvis. This is expected with probability. Nice guy.

[@joselingcastro8538]

These questions are irritating me. Like he’s trying to get intimate, and, it seems, dark details. Like, “what was his mindset??”

[@lynallison4962]

❤❤❤❤❤❤