Matthew Perry Talks About Going To Rehab | Letterman

The "Friends" star comes clean about his alcohol rehabilitation.
(From "Late Show," air date: 8/19/02)
#matthewperry #friends #letterman
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[@adrianacardoso1918]

Came here to watch after reading the book and finding out he was struggling so bad that day and was living in rehab . Funny how you can never tell what kind of struggle people are going through 😢

[@chayo78]

Same here. I read his book. One never knows what’s going on with people.

[@dibsdibs3495]

And he was still able to be so funny, crazy

[@drhatchard]

Talented…those that are hurting are sometimes the best actors. Happy that has survived …keep it up!

[@drhatchard]

I need to read his book. Scale of 1to 10? How was the book ?

[@chayo78]

@@drhatchard I say 8

[@pchansan]

What a likable person. Rest in peace 😢🕊️🙏

[@Ilahaa89]

🕊️🕊️🤍🤍🤍🙏🙏

[@Ilahaa89]

He’s a legend ❤ Rest in Peace DEAR FRIEND 😢😢😢🕊️🤍🕊️🤍🕊️🤍

[@sarahrodanilla5613]

The fact that he was able to finish up to 10 seasons of Friends and made the whole world laugh and be full of joy.

[@GMatiga1]

We were laughing in all the episodes, I always fo his and Monica’s Part becUse itnis the best story line, helping and inspiring each other, and supporting . We never thought what he went through. What we read in the tabloid we are all rubbish. Rest in peace Sweetie!! We will forever miss you. Always in my prayers that God give you peace, the peace the world cannot give

[@kathykaveh1471]

You can tell he's fully sober and happy here. RIP Matthew. You fought a horrific fight and no matter what your cause of death, you managed to stay clean for almost 2 years, which is not easy with the monster of addiction. We will always love you.

[@kathymajr4778]

He is helping people after his passing as well. I am reading his book right now and it is inspiring me in ways I would never believe. He has said things I felt but hid in my ..wherever thinking no one else understood. However he explains them so clearly. RIP Matthew , Matty, however you knew him. . I believe he is finally not “a unattended “ anything. Plus he his doing the thing he questioned “why am I still here” and that is saving other addicts.

[@davidayer2168]

Agree except that he's not happy here. He'd say anything

[@katietheoret3512]

He definitely wasn’t sober here. He was just very good at covering up his addiction. Sadly.

[@lydiarodgers]

@@katietheoret3512he wrote that he was sober throughout the entire filming of season 9, which was the only season he managed that. so it’s likely

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

Matthew was such a witty, charming, and likeable guy. So sad that he went through all the addiction problems and that we have now lost him. He was making such a difference with the book he wrote and helping others overcome addictions. RIP

[@Farmgoth]

Witty?! His whole schtick was just sarcasm, aka the lowest form of wit.

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

@@Farmgoth but the highest form of intelligence. That's the quote lol

[@Farmgoth]

@@GameTime-yj6qv You think sarcasm is the highest form of intelligence?

[@GameTime-yj6qv]

@@Farmgoth was finishing the quote "sarcasm is the lowest form of wit but the highest form of intelligence." And no I don't believe either part of that quote.

[@Farmgoth]

@@GameTime-yj6qv Could you BE any more asinine?! 🙄

[@UniversalExports23]

God, we'll miss you Matthew. You finally overcame your years long struggles and physical pain, only to pass so young and tragically, with so much comedic talent that so few actors could ever match. Really gonna' miss the guy -- feeling so gutted by the news tonight. 😢. Sleep well my Friend.

[@debralevine2869]

Rest in Peace Matthew

[@cynthiahusband106]

Here to see his beautiful face again , it’s oct 29 2023 he’s gone. Fought as hard as he could , these horrific demons this beautiful young man had , so talented , charming , handsome , bright -he will be missed for sure sleep well sweet prince , your resting now and for eternity no horrific struggles will ever come your way , your resting in the arms of the Lord love you matty always RIP🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

[@sammyandoliver7522]

So sad. Rest in Peace Matthew Perry. Thanks for the laughs.

[@Bluezkat1]

Just finished his book, it was amazing! He was a troubled soul, I feel for his friends and family. He will definitely be missed - seemed like a really good guy, and funny as hell. RIP Matty

[@lilly5157]

I'm hoping he was still clean. I'm wondering if the clot shot made him "die suddenly"😢

[@AA-qb7ni]

He made us laugh even when he was struggling with his own issues 💔 RIP Matthew

[@hawsrulebegin7768]

I’m always saddened how his movie career never went sky high. He’s so talented and watchable. Just a very funny guy.

[@zachshaw951]

He's a very physical actor in a time of other physical actors. Jim Carrey, Chris Kattan, Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell come to mind.

[@luisguillen7005]

Fools Rush In.

[@burdenernie6050]

His only good movie was the Whole Nine Yards

[@olaraay]

lets just thank God that hes alive today

[@actownsend7288]

@Bønzëaux Błëuxgrēn TV pays a lot too!!!

[@kathleenl.7125]

Now that I've read his book I'm amazed by Perry's acting on Friends while he was suffering so badly. Compulsively poisoning yourself is a horrible, horrible way to live and he still showed up.

[@pressedolives4686]

This comment

[@jillhaas2144]

Addiction is a life shortening disease that makes ones life miserable.

[@Cwgrlup]

He had a disease.

[@ChrisJohnsonChannel]

I need to read it

[@temp850]

Most of us are poisoning ourselves be it alcohol or sugar (one of the great addictions) or junk food. A huge epidemic of obesity and diabetes etc. 🙏✌️

[@cibertronx]

He was so incredibly attractive and charismatic. I cry every time I watch an interview. The ideal laid-back guy. Sooo good looking and cute. And funny and sweet, intelligent....ohhh what a loss. 😢

[@susannatuttapanna2010]

he looks incredible here, it's really sad to hear about all the struggles he's had with addiction and to see the toll it's taken on him over the years.

[@angelgaitan693]

He was sober during that year

[@mr.elastomeric1787]

Season 09 so this 20 years ago?

[@GOLDENFLYWARRIOR]

Sadly lots of issues with addiction. It weighs on ones physical health along with mental health. Sadly he recently died. No cause of death YET being still "deferred" until toxicology report.

[@Ilahaa89]

Rest in Peace, rest easy dear Matthew Perry🕊️🕊️🤍🤍🤍🕊️😢

[@brandyminton4597]

He looks GREAT here, he was beautiful and you can tell he’s sober. ❤

[@siobhan28483]

Poor sweetheart. I so wish he got his happy ending. It really breaks my heart. I pray that his spirit is at peace now. Love you Matty, always. ❤

[@sightseeingspotfacts]

I am watching this after his death, and I am a huge fan of him and the friends TV show. I can see in his answers that he is trying so hard to fight this, and hide this . I just feel so sorry for him that he was not able to overcome this. The cause of his death are still unknown as of my writing, but surely it must have contributed to it health wise. Anyway, he brought joy and happiness to millions of people, and will continue to do so. Thought his life was short , his impact was huge. RIP Matthew Perry, you will be forever loved and remembered.

[@alicesears68]

Toxicology results came back recently: Fentanyl was found in his system. He probably fell asleep and drowned in the tub is my guess. He was a funny guy. Best to remember him that way.

[@DennisfromBoston021]

Sad but not surprising,

[@joanieclark1766]

Fentynol was not found in his system!​@@alicesears68

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Man Matthew was so likable and had amazing comedic timing. It's heartbreaking to hear him talk about his struggles with addiction but i hope his story has helped others. RIP Matthew Perry, you are truly missed. ❤

[@aujax1]

i was always surprised that matt was the guy out of all the cast members to have an addiction issue. he always struck me as the most together one. addiction will surprise you.

[@joannsmith3589]

he was the best actor for sure... he could act as if he was actually happy and everything was normal... 😥

[@sheltershow]

Addiction isn’t about “not being together.” It is an illness in the brain.

[@rachelt2010]

I'm just amazed he was so open about talking about it. To the whole world. That's strength.

[@debidehm9129]

But was he? Do you know how many actors with addictions say they “kicked” their addictions and didn’t. I truly don’t think he has kicked his addiction at this point as he himself stated he was using the whole time he was on Friends.

[@lauradufresne6628]

​@debidehm9129 At this point in time he was sober. He said that in his book that season 9 was the only season he was sober. But obviously he relapsed until 2021 when he got clean.

[@007therealjamesbond]

I never knew him, obviously, but I read about him after he passed and he was a nice and good man. I’m sure he’s in Heaven. Rest in peace, Matthew.

[@amcorazon698]

Such a beautiful soul. I am sure he is so much happier now. RIP dear Matt!

[@AudreyMealiff]

Gosh, he looked so well. It's terribly sad what was going on with him. I really hope he is happier now and can leave a peaceful life.

[@sophiebufton9505]

He's dead now 😢

[@AudreyMealiff]

@@sophiebufton9505 It's just so sad to hear he passed away.

[@ShenState]

Last 20 years tore him up. He wasn't doing really great here.

[@joannadechenne6368]

Matthew Perry - as quick as Robin Williams - and even more tormented. May he soar with the angels.

[@chriswray2772]

Hmm, love Matthew Perry, but he’s no Robin Williams.

[@momo-gc7ii]

I just read the book and it's so hard to imagine what he's been through. I wish him well.

[@ClickChase]

His comic timing is fantastic 😂😂😂😂

[@janetclaireSays]

He looked so good here, better than ever. It's so sad that he relapsed.

[@Zzzsleepzzz]

He looks so good and healthy right here.

[@fitfogey]

“Reality is an acquired taste.” - Matthew Perry

[@TeKillaShot]

's therapist

[@giuliam2531]

❤️

[@Gem-Ex]

When you’re working for the devil yes

[@Oceans11.11]

How could he have never won an Emmy?? He so deserved it! 💔

[@lynnie6120]

He’s adorable! I’m happy he’s still with us!

[@--Adam]

😢

[@cmlewan]

🥺

[@katiel1979]

😢😢😢 can’t believe this was 20yrs ago 😢

[@andreapena9390]

💔😭

[@901591148kiki]

😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@johnhutch5678]

Life is hard no matter who you are or your background, I hope he now knows peace and is at ease beyond the stars, Rip X

[@steliosc.4686]

05:50 heartbreaking. That expression says it all. RIP.

[@Stacyr4567]

Such a talent, so witty, charming, handsome, and so funny. He really deserved a bigger film career. Very sad he was taken so soon. RIP Matthew.

[@Saga-qp7ib]

He was so funny. The most talented of the cast by far. RIP 😥

[@thelettermanpodcast]

Dave segued into the rehab talk so well. And the vulnerability Matt showed was brave. Talking about romantic extraterrestrial activities is never easy.

[@mariaatucd]

When he says he went into acting 🎭 for the attention- and after reading his book you realize he’s only half joking. 😞

[@markdonaldson7934]

Best of all luck to Mathew Perry. Proof that money does not buy happiness. What matters is your health & wellness.

[@ShenState]

Not even sure fame destroyed him as he was drinking at 14, but it didn't help matters. 55 vicodin a day is hard when you're not a celeb.

[@annieanonymous1624]

Both of these supreme talents, in top form. 08/19/02. Beautiful evening then - so comforting to see right now. RIP Matthew Perry. Gone too soon.

[@drama2u]

This was one of the best talk show interviews. Matthew is a natural comedian. He made Dave and the audience laughed so much. And his goal of talking about his addiction issue to help others. He’s an angel and now is in heaven.

[@jameshaynes6992]

Why do you think he’s in Heaven? One must be a Christian to go to Heaven (Acts 2:36-41). I just listened to his book; it did not say he was. He was a drunk, drug user, womanizer, criminal, etc.

[@user-pp4gi9iu5q]

@@jameshaynes6992because someone is a drug user doesn’t make them a bad person. He didnt choose to be a drug addict.

[@barrygaynor1025]

I admire his honesty and humility.

[@zoepacket8956]

What a nice guy！ You‘ll be missed ! R.I.P🙏🏻

[@Anna_Kovacs]

He's such a lovable person, hope he knew that ❤

[@michaelj7069]

Well here we are folks. Sad days. RIP 😥

[@angelisa368]

Wow - he’s really hot here! In his later interview with his book, he said that the 9th season is the only season he was sober the whole way through. So sad that he struggled so badly. So sad to lose him so soon. Love to you, Matthew!❤

[@jeannienickel7]

Patience and understanding…something I wish more addicts received from family and friends.

[@Wishpool]

Having recently dated an alcoholic for 2 yrs (and others in the past), and having an alcoholic roommate for 5 yrs, it's incredibly difficult to be on the other end of addiction. I'm a very caring, nurturing, understanding person... but addicts seem to view us as easy targets & punching bags for their self-loathing anger. It's a really tough spot to be in, especially when you love someone.

[@Gem-Ex]

@@Wishpool Or maybe you where just using them.

[@Wishpool]

@@Gem-Ex absolutely not.

[@jbyesterday3959]

✨Rest in Peace Matthew Perry ✨

[@avishasogani]

i see pain in his eyes. He was trying too hard to hide it. I wish someone was there with him! Gone too soon! 🥺

[@kimberleydownunder]

Yeh I really think he didn’t want the fame thing and thought celebrities status all just a bunch of bs.

[@ShannonMeriwether]

"Now that I think about it... I'm not sure how great Matt LeBlanc really is. I mean he's really just playing himself" OMG, I was laughing so hard!! And that's what people sometimes say about Matthew, so it was I wink at that as well. So cute & clever. I just love him! And even more so after having read his book. He was mostly sober from 2001 on but sure had more hardships ahead of this.

[@reshmas6566]

Very very very hard to believe he is gone 😢

[@user-bu4rx9hw6b]

Mathew was and will always be an amazing human being that has impacted so many lives for the better. So incredibly sad with his passing. RIP @mathewperry

[@lynetterobinson4308]

He's just so likeable! ❤

[@YeahNah100]

His audiobook is Amazing. 💔

[@bretthogan333]

he looks so happy and healthy here. can only imagine what he would have achieved if he stayed like this.

[@andreapena9390]

He was actually living in rehab during this time- he was struggling he mentioned this moment on his book

[@nacdoris]

this guy was amazing, I'm so sorry his story ended that way =/ but i'm pretty sure he was sober, it was just the consequences of his youth.. his book is amazing too, so talented

[@CasperLD]

Such a lovely soul. RIP friend.

[@deedee9312]

I pray the world hears Matty! and I hope that he sends his message and is reached by many! His greater is coming!! Gods Speed on your recovery!!

[@SheRegalado99]

Nothing but LOVE to Matty 🥰

[@robmarino314]

Watching this now, you realize Matt was struggling with substance abuse for most of his life. RIP MP

[@paperprincess1050]

He was such a personable young man

[@jeanneratterman]

The Demon ‘addiction’ is hard to shake especially in a job where enablers are a constant, and some actors might buy into the overwhelming flattery and schmoozing of master manipulators. 20 years later, Matthew Perry’s continues his personal war now in 2022. He’s won some battles and lost some battles. He deserves to be commended for still fighting his addictions. I hope he wins the war.

[@richienolan4327]

He looks so well and handsome here bless him

[@heidiklessard8440]

Regarding the addiction piece - Eloquently initiated and discussed by both, Much respect.

[@jt3ldp1]

So young to die at 54 😢 rip matthew perry

[@amyvella4138]

I’m here after reading his book. It’s sad to think that Matthew always wanted to put a smile on other people’s faces, but the reality was he couldn’t put a smile on his own face

[@jessicajones1875]

Matthew deserved so much more..

[@Jupiterbotz]

Sober after years of abuse and I have never been happier in my life.

[@Slowhand871]

Congratulations. It’s so nice to have control over the things you had no control over.

[@kaicygaynor2983]

Congratulations, that couldn’t have been easy but you overcame 👏👏👏

[@benjiarehart2878]

Congratulations. I'm going on 2 months.

[@nancyslider645]

@@benjiarehart2878 I just spoke last night at my group’s birthday meeting (9yrs) and that always makes me reflective: what it was like … suggestions to keep it simple, and one day at a time. Some days one hour at a time. You are Not alone, don’t be afraid to ask for help. And no matter what, don’t pick up. With gratitude as a cornerstone in your firm foundation I pray you do these things each day and the obsession is lifted . ✌️❤️🙏

[@xrrrismickey]

Perry was too.

[@radim9088]

his looks here...definitely the best he has ever looked

[@MilkyWayGalaxyy]

I have a friend who is an alcoholic so I have been watching a lot of perry interviews to learn more about how it works and what to do. Sadly, I keep hearing from recovering alcoholics that the only thing you can do is wait for them to WANT to get help, if that ever happens.

[@fiddah]

Do read the Qur’an 🌹

[@ianfryer8386]

I have a family member who is an alcoholic and I really have no idea what to do. I have been watching Matt Perry's interviews for any form of advice I can glean.

[@MilkyWayGalaxyy]

@ianfryer8386 sadly, the alcoholic friend I used to have ghosted me months ago. I hope she is okay. I was so sweet to her and tried to help but she didn't want to talk to me anymore.

[@ZeroSouthBall]

Sometimes it never happens, my dad has been “struggling” with alcoholism for 30 years and never went to therapy nor rehab. And he has been earning really really well, so he could afford it.

[@kathykaveh1471]

@@MilkyWayGalaxyy Don't take it personally. Addiction/alcoholism is a monster and it changes you. Doesn't make you a bad person, but many addicts/alcoholics don't want to burden anyone with their pain, especially b/c very few people understand it unless they've lived it

[@cherylcelia2409]

Love this interview!

[@pmointernet]

I've read his book. He's being very truthful here. I wish I appreciated him when he was here with us.

[@gryteg.2739]

I just cannot believe what M.Perry was going through then.. Watching this video now I see a confident, so handsome and so talented man 😍 knowing what happened beneath the surface is breaking my heart..I am literally in tears. knowing how lonely he actualy felt, while having it all.. How hard and painful was to fight again and again this terrible disease.. it is so so sad 😞And all the publicity was just.. soo not helping! I just wish love and happiness for him..❤🌾

[@myaccount6718]

Love this man...Matthew ❤️

[@trilabradorable]

Matthew is so damn funny! We need him here! Fly Matthew. 😢

[@ar-j2098]

Luv his eyes!!!

[@DW-ut3fx]

Funny talented actor. Can't believe how well he got through filming friends whilst he battled his addictions.

[@liminal6823]

There is a Matthew Perry in everyone's life. A person who is utterly drowning but they hide it so well. Stop. Look at the signs. Time is fleeting.

[@suestephan3255]

Wow, he looks to clear and healthy compared to a few years ago….. but sadly he had 12-13 more rehabs to visit. Not a week after his death he was clean for over two years & wrote a best selling autobiography. He found peace after years of dealing with his past and anxiety. He was a talented actor but always second guessing himself.

[@SusannaGenX]

RIP dear Matthew Perry .

[@Light-tc8xc]

How cute was he

[@yleniaromoli6848]

I love you Matty❤ forever

[@shaunah.creations9233]

He's one of my favorite actors. And loved Chandler Bing 🥰

[@MoisesDuran-ik7kh]

RIP 🙏 😢 Grew up watching Friends was one of the best shows God bless bro

[@YoavRabinovich]

He is a great actor !

[@timgraysontv]

He's so funny, and a likable dude...

[@lexmax08]

Crazy. He is only a few years older than me and like everyone my age he and the cast of Friends had a presence in my 20’s. RIP.

[@dylanawilson7765]

So handsome, so funny, so talented. ❤

[@briansaunders7160]

RIP Matthew Perry

[@pauld205]

Great guest. Masterfully handled by dave

[@matthewa8713]

Rest in peace Mr. Perry!

[@Anna-ju8fs]

Rest in peace and thank you for everything ❤

[@Natedawg38]

Great book. Love me some matty!

[@irregularmom1236]

🙏❤️⚓️thank you Matthew for all❤

[@There_is_No_Spoon_]

During this interview Perry was battling addiction and it's so easy to masquerade your pain especially as an actor. at 5:50 you see that he is going through this horrible addiction still battling those demons and talk shows poke a this and I feel so sorry for him, obviously he was still doing bad

[@Thirty-Thirty]

Exactly 😢

[@danabarger2176]

Yep, I see it too in this interview. Lots of interviews he was struggling

[@stuartwalker16]

Understood thanks 🙏🙏✨️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nicolethompson14]

Handsome ❤

[@HighStakesDanny]

I read his book, moved me. I use it when I want to drink. I can relate a lot to his story, minus the money and the memories.

[@robloxvids2233]

This man invented sarcasm. It's called Mattspeak. He's a genius, he's really good at math.

[@slf5141]

He should have done stand up comedy ... hes quick ! 🙏

[@C.I366]

he was the cutest of all

[@rex-racer]

Interesting his comments about potentially not doing another season on Friends, which of course they did (season 10). Lisa must’ve won that cat fight with Jennifer.

[@thelettermanpodcast]

It must have been a barn burner!

[@4747da]

it's called leverage

[@faabihakhan]

He mentioned in his book, they all kind of wanted to end. But mostly it was Jennifer who wanted to leave as she wanted to do movies. Because they are all a team, they collectively decided to make season 10 their last season.

[@cpsmonroe1]

Despite what he says here, Perry has said his addiction was always close by, doing one armed pushups just waiting and hoping for another opportunity. He would revisit his demons dozens of times after this interview. He puts on a brave face but admits if you watched him in any interviews during the 90’s through 2018 , he was definitely still using, only able to complete brief periods of sobriety.

[@warriorl8207]

This is the story of the cycle of addiction.

[@daniellee1722]

That's one of my favorite quotes in the book the one arm pushups bit

[@ShenState]

Like a state farm.

[@freshfalcon3996]

Man, he was on top of the world there. He had it all.

[@janetclaireSays]

With the glasses on he looks like a young Joe Scarborough. He looks so great here, imagine if he had never relapsed. Such a tragedy.