‘When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned:’ Matthew Perry

Ottawa-raised actor Matthew Perry, known as Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead in his hot tub over the weekend. He was 54. An investigation into how he died is ongoing, and it may take weeks before his cause of death is determined.
In a CBC Q interview from November 2022, Perry talked about his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, which details his long journey with addiction, fame and recovery.
He told Q host Tom Power why he didn’t want to be remembered only for Friends, but his work to help people with addiction.
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[@Migmaw]

Sadly he didn't get his wish because everyone and every headline has said friends actor or friends star or he starred as or mathew perry of friends or mathew perry after all his struggles with addiction. But he knew thats howd it be and why he said what he did. RIP Mathew your life brought joy to millions

[@janetpenny349]

Read his book

[@Migmaw]

@@janetpenny349 I have and listen to the audio version as well. I pre-ordered it for my wife, it's sad and funny but a lot sad imo. Stay blessed

[@nicolahogan8519]

I hope there is or will be a foundation set up in his name to help people with drug and alcohol addiction! I loved Matthew Perry, it still doesn't feel right that he's gone 🥺

[@Migmaw]

@@nicolahogan8519 Actually Matt himself set up his own rehab foundation a few years ago, After he finally beat back the demons of addiction his focus was helping others like him, sadly not many people know he dedicated himself to helping others soon after getting sober. Stay blessed

[@johnjeffreys6440]

This just goes to show us that someone knew something about his near passing

[@snehapraveen9542]

He probably thought that friends was just a show and he wanted to help so many in real life. But, what he didn’t know was that friends saved so many lives too. Making someone laugh is a tough job and he did over and over again. Watching friends is like therapy!! Hope you know that you did help and save lives ❤

[@janesalko4395]

Hell ya he did !!! ❤❤❤

[@torialexis19]

I felt that. That 70’s Show saved mine. Just having a show be part of your joy when everything else is going horrible. I was so scared to finish the last episode I saved it for a long time.

[@camillemarie3]

So very true.

[@johnjeffreys6440]

why would anyone ask someone his age a question like this Because, it was planned

[@emilyellerbe5363]

@@johnjeffreys6440i wonder the same

[@janetspell1396]

So sorry he died still fighting addiction. He didn’t hurt anyone but himself and gave joy to many. RIP,.. you’re in a better place.🙏

[@hangeishot7919]

May you always be remembered. Rest in peace, my friend.

[@thrupthith5722]

He helped so many people through friends. I am victim of depression and everytime I feel I'm drowning i watch friends. So yeah he did help

[@malcolmferguson2771]

You did great buddy You are loved You are missed Rest in peace

[@Oregun44]

My mom was balling when she called me to let me know he had passed. We didn't have much growing up and she owned the complete series of Friends on DVD. When my parents were getting a divorce and we were couch surfing (I was 14) we would watch Friends over and over on this little 12 inch TV. My parents also battled addiction and were getting clean around the same time as him. R.I.P.

[@dr.doppeldecker3832]

He obviously hasn't gotten clean

[@jeffreyfiggins4573]

Bawling*

[@Machinu5]

Awesome, so cool. Must be fun at parties. ​@@jeffreyfiggins4573

[@sratus]

​@@jeffreyfiggins4573Indeed. That first sentence means something very different with the current spelling.

[@khalida02]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Arculus192]

I 'll remember you as a man who helped others first

[@EbNorth]

But that would be a lie. He was a man that prayed to God that God would make him famous.

[@tawan5753]

How did he help others if he was giving them bad advice that wasn’t even useful to help himself in the end? If others follow his advice of blaming their addiction on some uncontrollable mental illness then they would never be able to overcome their own weakness and ultimately end up like the one who gave the advice. It’s like a drowning person giving others advice on how to swim and telling the world he wants to be remembered as an olympic swimmer. Absolutely delusional.

[@BobRiedel]

He didn't help anyone.

[@remigiusztroc5956]

Matthew, U gave so many joy and happiness ! U always be in mind and heart so many good people... U are a Legend FOREVER

[@carinalindberg7377]

He is remembered as someone who was kind, caring and made people laugh and feel better, wherever it was through Friends or in another capacity. There's no hierarchy to it. I didn't see how many people's hearts he touched and how many he saved through Friends, how deeply he affected so many of us. His legacy goes far beyond Friends, because who he was, but it's also because of Friends it does. He's resting in peace now ❤️🙏

[@wendywehner2320]

That is what I will always remember you for! 🎯♥️💯 I'll NEVER forget you saying that you opened your home to help people/addicts to help them in 2015! You were always my favorite & I loved you even more when I heard you say that!

[@user-lg5gs9oy8r]

you will be remembered exactly like that, Matthew! also as the man who taught me how to get through life with laughter!! thank you Sooo much, sir! RIP❤️❤️

[@RobinSullivan-gk2rg]

Thank you for your book and for your acting. I believe your truthfulness and your talent will help many.

[@jdflhr]

Drug addiction ruined this talented person's life sadly!

[@RobRuffMusic]

It didn't just ruin it, it took it. Sad

[@tobyslifetime976]

Rip Mathew Perry you made people laugh and cry and that’s why you will always be remembered 😞

[@tina_memou]

He has a wonderful soul! We never forget you our Mat!👏👏👏😢😢😢

[@RangithaBalasuriya]

For me, I only know you through FRIENDS. Those episodes have helped me to laugh, overcome stress and learn about life, especially in difficult times. Thank you. You are amazing and will be remembered forever. May you rest in peace 🙏

[@lovelyrita64]

💔Rest in absolute peace, Angel🙏🏽

[@janesalko4395]

Love you so much and love how much laughter you brought to bazillions of people. A comedic genius with too much heart and too many brains, for his own good! ❤❤❤❤ God bless him. May he rest in absolute peace. ❤☮️

[@cmalta897]

This is how I will remember Matthew R.I.P

[@Buffalobilly8]

Friends helped me and continues to help me. Chandler Bing calms me. He reminds me it is ok to simply be…me. Thank you Matthew. I don’t think he fuly understood how much good he did in Friends.

[@wisemonk3992]

He is such a saint. Always helping no matter what at any cost be it himself and revealing his secrets to be mocked. Takes courage. I learnt a lot from you so thanks. Too bad he went away so early.

[@nickmintz3914]

You will be missed R.I.P Matthew Perry

[@MegaNaggor]

He just died wym rip?

[@celestehogan5907]

Yes Matt …a lot of us mentioned your sobriety and getting others on that path. You’re not only a “Friend” .. you are a sponsor in helping others tell the truth about their addictions. Ch

[@Iuwl]

Maybe he wouldn't be remembered the way he wished, but many still will remember him for the smiles and laughs he gave us. Rest well and goodnight, Mat.

[@kikidevine694]

He really didn't get what he wanted. Bless him

[@happyapple4269]

he got everything he wanted and more and squandered it, spunked it up the wall.

[@TM-ud1ij]

You were a good one! May god have you in his warm hands ! 🙏🫡 Love from Germany

[@meloshnikolic4304]

You died a King.. You died a Legend and Hero for Millions

[@arethawalker1724]

So sorry Mat!😢 You were loved❤🕊

[@Whynotcreate]

Thanks for helping so many people. Rip

[@jamesanthony5681]

Yeah, Keanu Reaves says thanks.

[@maureenmcdonald2084]

Thank you Matthew Perry. I know you are gone from this place now. Being a member of AA, Im so happy you were around to help people and to help people who wants to stop drinking.

[@MariaVOrtiz-ss6qp]

Such a great human being, who battled so many demons in his life and wanted to help others

[@shadowcivilian9942]

Sad 😢 but he helped more people than he’ll ever truly know! RIP brother!

[@nanseaclendenen1568]

What is tough about seeing this is knowing, even at that moment, that he was NOT clean & sober. HENCE, he died 2 1/5 years after that interview. He only proved to the world that while his intensions may have been real and pure, he was still an active addict. Sorry Matty but I prefer to remember you as Chandler Bing ❤

[@evelynbonner3908]

Such an awesome person with a guge loving heart.❤❤❤RIP, Matthew.

[@Editor_Hound]

You were more than enough, and more than worthy, Matty! Fly high, Mattman! Thank you!

[@isaacburdiss]

Matthew was a good man. I will remember him for that.

[@all3ykat79]

I'm quitting meth, and last week clicked on a debate he was having with someone about whether addiction is a disease. His words of all or nothing are how I see it too. I didn't realise he'd passed away till yesterday. His wayward path began after a tennis injury. Mine was after a back injury. I know my life has damaged my heart too. I wish he could know that I made his wish true... That his words help... As a bonus I didn't even THINK about the show... Just his words... And his victory in having the resolve not to have that first one, for so many years.

[@DrMark1981]

Good luck to you. I’m currently battling hard with my demons and I honestly don’t think some people realise how hard addiction can be … on the body/mind and spirit of an already fragile person - made fragile by tragic life events. I’m a successful man, a doctor, I was happily married and I’ve always had amazing, beautiful partners, and had a comfortable lifestyle, but addiction to painkillers and alcohol have rendered me a near-wreck of a man. If it was just about knowledge and self control then no one would have these problems, but many do … and it seems to be getting worse. I’m currently too unwell to work and I’m single after my wife just couldn’t take anymore. (I don’t blame her!!) Take my advice, if you can, and jump at any(!) help you can get. ❤ xx

[@GodIsGoodAlways-e6q]

I’m proud of you both!!! It takes courage to love yourself and face the demons and just say NO! You can do this! Sending prayers and love. God can get you THROUGH this! ❤️

[@TheCrazyMoparDude68]

@@DrMark1981it is about self control and self respect. Quit claiming to be a victim, you made your own choices and now you walk that path. Hundreds of millions of people go through terrible stress and have extremely hard lives and they never turn to drugs or alcohol. And the reason it is getting worse is because people can now say they are a victim and not responsible.

[@MaoriMufasa]

You couldn't have made the sobriety comment the title of THIS video... You essentially did exactly what he professed he didn't want to happen, with an undercurrent of trying to call out others who did the same thing. Regardless, I am extremely humbled by what Matthew Perry said, and it does nothing but bolster my motivation in dealing with my own addictions. So far 7 months... Keep on keeping on 👍 Rest in peace dude.

[@Restored-0522]

RIP Matthew Perry. You saved my life from sadness just by your role in friends. May the MOST HIGH hold you in His arms.

[@pokFryRicebich]

Your true fans knew this was coming Mathew. Those who say otherwise are lying. Im sorry this is how it ended for you. Hope you found peace.

[@8randomprettysecret8]

Thank you for your creativity. R.I.P 💐

[@Joycealexander884]

I really miss him. Oh God I hope he is resting well 🙏🏽😢😢I woke up today longing to watch him on friends. Rest in peace Mathew 😥😥😥

[@ishaDN86]

You will be remembered as the one who brought so much joy to so many people

[@teresiawperson8002]

You did!!! And Your Soul is with God! I watched All those Movies and Now I am enjoying The.Ron.Clark movie every day! You are Awesome and Loved❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉

[@jeffschmitt5866]

RIP... A man with a beautiful soul, a kind heart and a legacy that will live on in the hearts of so many... you will be so dearly missed.

[@bethjoiner8899]

Matty, I still miss you. I listen to your book, hearing your voice and celebrating you.

[@scidro1115]

I never touched alcohol but Man!.. FRIENDS.. sure, did help me in all necessary ways to get out of miserable situation.(i was a loner now i m social)

[@leswick2512]

Rip Mr. Perry

[@user-db8uy9ku6u]

I truly am big fan of Mathew Perry sadly missed him RIP ❤😢

[@sarahconnor2072]

This is like Vanilla Ice saying he doesn't want to be known for 'Ice, Ice, Baby.'

[@roscoewalker9741]

My brother in recovery...I'll pick up the mantle and carry on.

[@GENERALWACKASS]

I've been raised by addicts and it's not a great life

[@TankandDimples]

Welp, this didn't age well because that is exactly what is happening. Rest in peace my guy 🕊️🕊️

[@annettedelahuerta9908]

What?

[@hwoods9773]

@@annettedelahuerta9908he means because everyone is remembering him for being on friends which is exactly what he didn’t want

[@SK-qw5lp]

I don’t think he realized that his chandler jokes and the way he delivered so much comedy is what helps a lot of people too, and it’s okay to be remembered for that. Rest Easy Matthew Perry 💗

[@BrendaNeedle]

So so sorry about your dear friends illness. Thank God she has you there to comfort and support her.

[@joannwalton5364]

I love and miss you so much Matt. I hope to see you in heaven when it’s my time. You helped so many and now it’s your time to rest.🙏🙏

[@swolfe9668]

Amazing how he never quit drugs or alcohol

[@Matthew-LAMF]

Well I mean that's why they call it addiction.

[@r.a.c.h6172]

What a huge loss 😢❤

[@helenwilson8872]

Matthew you did help a lot of People that’s true I so wish you could have helped yourself we miss you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jtmann2002]

That’s how he wanted to be remembered, but the public didn’t know anything about his character. He will be remembered for how great he was in Friends and also as a drug addict

[@LeftHoookLuke]

There is nothing wrong with being remembered by mostly for friends. Man turned in one hell of a performance on that show.

[@BS10258]

I remember the day Matthew Perry died because it was the same day i nearly died from a ruptured appendix. When you're famous, the world remembers you for the gifts you provided and not your character. After we pass the truth of who we really are will be shared by those who we were closest to in life (family, friends, spouses etc). Rip Matthew Perry.

[@davidandrade5285]

You will always be Benny, fly high Matthew, you will always be remembered

[@gardeningnewearth3680]

Yes the people close to him will remember him for personal reasons. But to most of us know him as the actor on the popular tv show….& that’s alright 😊

[@JayTX.]

Mathew Perry - I'll be there for you 👏👏👏👏

[@nathanhiggins4163]

We will never forget you Chandler!

[@Abhishek-zq6hf]

I was watching friends last year. And it was always thw ending that made me cry. But now every episode with Chandler makes me sad. I just can't watch it anymore.

[@taimermega6447]

Rest easy ,what a great soul

[@laughingoutloud5742]

You helped me, Matthew. Thank you ❤💔❤️

[@dhenderson1810]

Chandler was my favourite character on "Friends". I always looked forward to whatever quip or wisecrack he would make about any situation and was rarely disappointed. I also liked despite his commitment issues and awkwardness, he was a much better partner to Monica than Ross was to Rachel. Despite being a bit needy at times, he treated women better than either Joey or Ross.

[@Rice_34_Teriyaki]

Rest in piece Matthew Perry you were one of my favorite actors

[@surbhisharma_1]

I think we all need to gather the courage and read his autobiography, that might help us to remember him the way je wanted to be remembered

[@DivaDivine88]

You dont pick your purpose, your purpose picks you.. and his purpose was to being koy and laugher to millions.. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED MATT 👏🏾 ❤️🥲💐 RIP

[@kathyyy5512]

Rest In Paradise Matty 🕊🥀🕊🥀

[@cynthiamartin4916]

RIP you were loved❤

[@Gigi.973]

Fruends got me thru some of the hardest times of my childhood. Matthew Perry's role shaped my sense of humor. I dont think I wouldve been the person i am today without his role in Friends so Im grateful for his part

[@owless4]

Agreed. I think his comedic work was brilliant. I will unapologetically remember him for his work.

[@deancole9238]

You will be missed god bless you

[@rebeccabamford5505]

We love you forever Matthew Perry ❤

[@Contessa6363]

Thank you for your help! It just shows that many people can't separate the man from the character! 😮😮😮

[@tracesmith4966]

When good soul's go back to the Earth...they still help. Rest in Peace Dear Matthew.

[@1ironneck]

R.I.P MATT 😢😢

[@quocviet9904]

😢😢 RIP , i just accidently known you passed away !!! Good man !!

[@aquarin3153]

I liked his movie fools rush in with Salma Hayek. One of the best in 90's movies

[@gloriaohara3213]

Actually my first thought was ..how unfair for someone who had struggled his entire life against substances and won....

[@faithdancer100]

I know! But maybe this was what God wanted of him all along. Be on FRIENDS, so he coule have a voice that would reach millions and live to tell the tale to help others out of their own addictions. From a man that is sober and on the other side. He found both his sobriety and his purpose. ❤️

[@ddpwe5269]

Another one taken too young.

[@laurazuelke1718]

He had the same birthday as my grandfather 💔💔💔 I’ll miss him forever

[@judyespinett5347]

😢 R.I.P. ,to your family condolences

[@XenaJacky75]

Bless his heart rip xxxx

[@bonniekarp3715]

Amazing person inside and out RIP!

[@damienmcphillips3596]

Matthew Found Peace and Solace For Sure Resting in Peace 😇 His Spirit lives on

[@mattberrill644]

You will always be remembered as a legend god bless you rest in peace ✌️

[@saracsmile]

Wishing I had the chance to meet you.

[@RobertOtoole-jo5bg]

❤🙏❤ i wont comment on someone iv never met. I just hope he,s at peace 🙏 he made me laugh when i was 11/12/13 watching freinds, he made millios world wide smile so may he rest in peace 🇮🇪 💚☘ ❤ 🙏

[@francescacircelli7858]

Ugh this makes me sad .I'm sitting re reading his book .reading it now seems like all the dots are connecting ❤

[@TommyKing-m3f]

I’m proud of Matt for making it as long as he did. I’m an addict too and I can’t imagine having 100 million dollars. I’d be dead within a few months more than likely.. & that’s with me being sober for 2 years already. (Minus a thc pen) Matt must’ve really loved ketamine though. Idk what he was thinking would happen.. you can’t use anesthesia in a pool. Especially by yourself.

[@InfoArtistJKatTheGoodInfoCafe]

🎶You can't always get what you want🎶 May God rest his soul...

[@ArbanUka]

He was the main character in The Friends and in Les Miserables! This statement of his, that he wants to be remembered as a helper, indicates his desire to be remembered as the Character in the Les Miserables.

[@ArbanUka]

Nobody (including producers) remembers his Muriel middle name (Les Miserables central character). 😊

[@BobRiedel]

You are remembered for: 1) Died of drug overdose 2) Friends. That's a fact.

[@espensund2878]

I’m thinking this relate to a lot of people out there. That we have something we want to be remembered for, but our path in life or way of living doesn’t comply with our true goals…

[@mikedunsmuir9392]

I hate alcohol