Matthew Perry's Close Friendship with Jennifer Aniston Helped Him Battle Addiction

Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing in the sitcom "Friends," has always had a close connection with his co-star Jennifer Aniston. Despite his well-documented battles with alcohol and drugs, Perry revealed that Aniston remained a lifelong friend and constant source of support. During an interview last year, Perry expressed his gratitude to Aniston, stating that she was the one who reached out the most and he appreciated her for it.

Perry disclosed that it was Aniston who first confronted him about his addictions while filming "Friends." Aniston recognized the signs and told him directly, highlighting the genuine concern she had for her co-star. Reflecting on that revealing moment, Perry acknowledged how terrifying it was but also mentioned the impact it had on him, as it marked the beginning of his eventual journey to recovery.

In open conversations about his substance abuse, Perry shared that at the height of his addiction, he was consuming as many as 55 Vicodin pills a day. His weight had plummeted to a mere 128 pounds, and he felt trapped in a cycle that seemed impossible to break. Perry admitted that he initially believed he was successful at concealing his issues from his co-stars, but they eventually became aware of his struggles and showed tremendous understanding and patience.

The "Friends" cast became a support system, similar to penguins in nature that surround and prop up an injured member until they can stand on their own. Perry thought his humor would serve as a shield, but he soon realized that comedic relief alone couldn't fix everything. Although he managed to overcome his addiction in 2001, Perry admitted to experiencing multiple relapses over the years. He opened up about his journey, including stints in rehabilitation centers and severe health complications, such as a life-threatening hospitalization in 2018.

Motivated by the impact Aniston had on his life, Perry published a memoir, "Friends, Lovers, And The Big Terrible Thing," sharing his personal struggles as a means of offering support to others facing similar challenges. However, the recent news of Perry's untimely death has shocked his fans and the entertainment industry. Law enforcement sources reported that Perry was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home. Despite efforts to revive him, he tragically passed away at the age of 54.