Matthew Perry, the beloved actor known for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom Friends, recently appeared on a podcast to discuss his life, career, and struggles with addiction. In the interview, Perry opened up about his journey to sobriety and the challenges he faced along the way.

matthew perry podcast interview

During the podcast, Perry spoke candidly about his addiction and how it affected his personal and professional life. He shared his experiences with near-death overdoses and the moment he realized he needed to seek help. Perry also discussed the importance of mental health and how he continues to prioritize his well-being.

Fans of Perry and Friends will not want to miss this insightful and revealing interview. It offers a unique perspective on the actor's life and struggles and provides valuable insights into the challenges of addiction and recovery. Tune in to the podcast to hear Perry's story in his own words.

Early Life and Rise to Fame

matthew perry podcast interview

Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to Suzanne Marie Morrison and John Bennett Perry. His father was an actor and model, while his mother was a Canadian journalist and press agent. Perry's parents divorced when he was only one year old, and he was raised by his mother in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Perry's interest in acting developed at a young age, and he started performing in local theater productions. He dropped out of high school at the age of 15 to pursue his acting career in Los Angeles. He landed his first TV role in 1987 in the series "Second Chance" and later appeared in several other TV shows and movies.

However, Perry's big break came in 1994 when he was cast as Chandler Bing in the hit TV series "Friends." The show ran for ten seasons, and Perry's performance as Chandler earned him critical acclaim and a large fan following. He also received several award nominations for his work on the show.

After "Friends" ended in 2004, Perry continued to act in TV shows and movies, but he struggled with addiction and alcoholism. He opened up about his struggles in his memoir, "The Second Chance," which was released in 2022. Despite his personal struggles, Perry remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and continued to be a sought-after actor.

Overall, Perry's early life and rise to fame were marked by his talent and passion for acting, as well as his ability to connect with audiences through his performances on television and in movies.

Role as Chandler Bing

matthew perry podcast interview

Matthew Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing in the hit TV show Friends is one of the most iconic roles in television history. Chandler Bing was known for his sarcastic wit, which Perry delivered flawlessly. Perry's performance as Chandler Bing earned him critical acclaim and a legion of fans.

Perry's chemistry with his co-stars, particularly Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow, was one of the highlights of the show. The three actors had a natural rapport that translated perfectly on screen. Perry's scenes with Aniston's character, Rachel Green, were particularly memorable and helped to establish Chandler Bing as one of the show's most beloved characters.

Perry's performance as Chandler Bing was also notable for its physical comedy. Perry was able to use his lanky frame to great effect, often contorting his body in hilarious ways to get a laugh. His physical comedy was a perfect complement to his sharp wit, making Chandler Bing a multi-dimensional character that audiences could not get enough of.

Overall, Matthew Perry's role as Chandler Bing in Friends was a defining moment in television history. His performance helped to make the show a cultural phenomenon and cemented his place as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

Struggles with Addiction

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Matthew Perry has been open about his struggles with addiction, specifically with alcohol and drugs. In a podcast interview, he shared that he began drinking heavily at the age of 13 and started using drugs in his 20s. Perry admitted that his addiction to Vicodin, a prescription painkiller, became so severe that he would take up to 30 pills a day.

Perry's addiction had a significant impact on his personal and professional life. He revealed that he couldn't remember three years of filming Friends due to his substance abuse. Perry also shared that he had several near-death experiences, including an incident where he overdosed on opiates and was rushed to the hospital.

Despite multiple attempts at rehab, Perry struggled to maintain sobriety. He admitted to stealing pills from open houses and even faking a prescription to obtain medication. However, Perry eventually sought help and has been sober since 2011.

Perry's story highlights the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help. It also sheds light on the prevalence of addiction in Hollywood and the entertainment industry.

Public Acknowledgement and Recovery

matthew perry podcast interview

Matthew Perry has been open about his struggles with addiction and has used his platform to raise awareness about the importance of seeking help. In a podcast interview with Diane Sawyer, Perry discussed his journey to recovery and the challenges he faced along the way.

Perry acknowledged that he had tried to hide his addiction for a long time, but eventually realized that he needed to seek help. He entered rehab several times and also became involved with Alcoholics Anonymous, which he credits with helping him maintain his sobriety.

During the interview, Perry spoke candidly about the difficulties of recovery and the importance of having a support system. He emphasized that addiction is a disease and that it requires ongoing treatment and support.

Perry's public acknowledgement of his struggles with addiction has helped to reduce the stigma surrounding the issue and has encouraged others to seek help. He has also been an advocate for increased access to treatment and has worked to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those in recovery.

Overall, Perry's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a crucial step towards healing. His willingness to share his experiences has helped to inspire others and has contributed to a greater understanding of addiction and recovery.

Memoir Release

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In October 2022, Matthew Perry released his memoir, titled "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing." The book delves into Perry's addiction struggles and near-death experiences. In an interview with The New York Times, Perry explained that he wrote the book to help others who may be struggling with addiction.

The release of the memoir was highly anticipated, and Perry did several interviews to promote the book. In a cover story interview with PEOPLE, Perry spoke in detail about his addiction and the writing process of the memoir. He also discussed his hopes for the impact the book would have on readers.

The memoir was well-received by critics and readers alike. The Hollywood Reporter praised the book, saying that it "offers a candid, often harrowing account of Perry's struggles with addiction, as well as his journey to sobriety." The Washington Post also gave the book a positive review, calling it "a raw, honest, and often painful account of one man's journey through addiction and recovery."

The release of the memoir came just a few months before Perry's tragic death in October 2023. The book remains a powerful testament to Perry's struggle with addiction and his determination to overcome it.

Impact of Personal Experiences

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In a recent podcast interview, Matthew Perry opened up about his personal experiences with addiction and how they have impacted his life. He discussed how his struggles with addiction have helped him to become a better person and how he now wants to use his platform to help others who may be going through similar experiences.

Perry spoke about how he has been sober for several years now and how he has been able to turn his life around. He talked about how he has been able to use his experiences to help others and how he wants to continue to do so in the future.

One of the ways that Perry has been helping others is by sharing his story. He has been open and honest about his struggles with addiction and how he was able to overcome them. He has also been working to raise awareness about addiction and the importance of seeking help.

Perry's success in overcoming his addiction has inspired many people. He has become a role model for others who are struggling with addiction and has shown that it is possible to overcome even the most difficult challenges.

Overall, Perry's personal experiences have had a significant impact on his life and have helped him to become a better person. He is now using his platform to help others and is committed to making a difference in the world.

Current Projects and Future Plans

matthew perry podcast interview

During his podcast interview, Matthew Perry discussed his current projects and future plans. He revealed that he is currently working on a new television show, but did not provide any further details about the project.

In addition to his television work, Perry also mentioned that he is interested in pursuing more opportunities in film. He expressed a desire to work with talented directors and writers, and to take on roles that challenge him as an actor.

Perry also discussed his plans to continue raising awareness about addiction and recovery. He recently released a memoir titled "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing" in which he opens up about his decades-long struggle with addiction. The book is available in audiobook format, as well as in print and digital versions.

When asked about the possibility of returning to the world of Friends, Perry remained coy, stating that he is focused on his current projects and has not been approached about a reunion. However, he did express gratitude for the show and the impact it had on his life and career.

Listeners can stay up-to-date on Perry's current projects and future plans by following him on social media and subscribing to his podcast on their preferred platform, whether it be a podcast app, web browser, or other means.

Public Perception and Influence

matthew perry podcast interview

Matthew Perry's recent podcast interview has generated a lot of buzz among his fans and the general public. As a well-known celebrity, Perry's words and actions have a significant impact on public perception and influence.

Perry's candid discussion about his struggles with addiction and mental health has been praised by many for its honesty and vulnerability. His willingness to share his personal story has the potential to inspire others who may be going through similar challenges.

On the other hand, some critics have questioned Perry's motives for sharing such personal information. Some have suggested that he may be trying to rehabilitate his public image or gain sympathy from his fans.

Despite the mixed reactions, it is clear that Perry's influence as a celebrity extends beyond his personal life. His portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends has made him a beloved figure in popular culture, and his work as an actor and producer continues to shape the entertainment industry.

Perry's influence can also be seen in his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Phoenix House Foundation, which provides substance abuse treatment and prevention services.

Overall, Matthew Perry's podcast interview has shed light on both his personal struggles and his impact on the public. Whether his words will have a positive or negative influence remains to be seen, but there is no denying that he remains a prominent figure in the world of celebrity and entertainment.

Personal Life

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Matthew Perry was a beloved actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends. However, his personal life was not without its challenges. Perry struggled with addiction throughout his life, and he was open about his battles with drugs and alcohol.

In his podcast interview with Tom Power, Perry spoke candidly about his struggles with addiction and how he managed to overcome them. He also discussed his family and how they have been a source of support for him over the years.

Unfortunately, Perry's personal life was also marked by tragedy. In 2023, he passed away at the age of 54. His death was a shock to his fans and loved ones, who mourned the loss of a talented actor and kind-hearted person.

Perry's struggles with anxiety and addiction were well-documented, and he was open about his experiences with mental health issues. He once revealed that he kept his medicine cabinets empty to avoid the temptation of drugs.

In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," Perry also revealed that he had a near-death experience when his colon burst from opioid abuse. He was put on an ECMO machine, which helped him recover.

Despite the challenges he faced, Perry remained a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond. He will be remembered for his talent, his kindness, and his bravery in the face of adversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

matthew perry podcast interview

What are some of Matthew Perry's most popular movies and TV shows?

Matthew Perry is best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004. He has also appeared in numerous films, including The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, and Fools Rush In.

Where can I watch the Matthew Perry documentary?

Matthew Perry has not released a documentary. However, he has recently released a memoir called "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir," which details his struggles with addiction and his time on Friends.

Who is Matthew Perry's wife?

Matthew Perry is not currently married. He was previously engaged to Molly Hurwitz, but the couple ended their engagement in 2020.

What was the Matthew Perry accident?

Matthew Perry was involved in a jet ski accident in 1997, which caused him to lose part of his middle finger on his right hand. He has since joked about the incident, saying that he is now "typing with nine-and-a-half fingers."

What is the net worth of Matthew Perry?

As of 2023, Matthew Perry's net worth is estimated to be around $120 million. He has earned his wealth through his successful acting career and various business ventures.

Does Matthew Perry have any children?

Matthew Perry does not have any children.