October 28, 2023, was no ordinary day. For many across the globe, it was a day of heartbreak. When the news of Matthew Perry’s death broke, we all felt a part of us dying, our hearts aching in disbelief. Such was the power of Matthew’s charm as one of our most beloved characters, Chandler Bing, on the iconic sitcom Friends.
For millions like you and me, Friends was more than a sitcom; it was a way of life growing up. Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Joey, Ross, and Phoebe defined how friendships and relationships turn out to be. Especially in South Asian households, their dynamics inspired a generation of people with dreams of living independently in new cities, far away from families.
It has been over a year since authorities found Matthew Perry unconscious in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades residence. What was initially thought of as an accidental drowning turned out to be a drug overdose. An autopsy revealed a high concentration of ketamine in his blood that led to heart failure and untimely death.
Matthew’s struggle with substance abuse was well known. He was very vocal about his story, hoping to inspire others battling their inner demons. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he advocated seeking help as the first step to beating addiction of any kind. “Addiction, the big terrible thing, is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down,” Matthew wrote.
What is ironic is that the people — doctors and close acquaintances Matthew so advocated for as the help we need, became the harbingers of his death. After the autopsy, the law enforcement authorities treated his death as a possible murder. Investigations revealed that two doctors and his assistant were involved in regularly arranging drugs for him, further pushing his addiction. In October 2024, Dr. Mark Chavez pled guilty to supplying Matthew with drugs that ultimately took his life.
Matthew Perry was loved by everyone, from his costars to his fans. His Friends costars paid heartfelt tributes to him. One statement read, “We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment — not just to his work but in life as well.” In addition to his role in Friends, Matthew’s other iconic roles were in The West Wing, arguably the best political drama, and The Ron Clark Story, for which he received two Primetime Emmy award nominations. In the days after his death, social media became a virtual memorial, with fans posting clips of his iconic scenes and dialogues.
Looking back at Matthew Perry’s legacy, one can argue that it is not just the love and admiration he garnered from his fans and costars but also his ability to help even after his death. That is why the Matthew Perry Foundation, launched by his family and friends, will continue the work to help people battling addiction and substance abuse.
Addiction and depression are silent killers. Matthew’s death reminds us of Robin Williams, who quietly battled depression and took his own life. If there is any lesson to learn from these actors, it’s that happy faces can sometimes bear so much pain, and the only way to help each other is by showing compassion, support, and empathy.
