Matthew Perry’s recent reappearance in January this year raised concerns among his fans. The actor had been on a significant promotional tour for his new memoir late last year but had since disappeared from public view. Given his well-documented struggles with substance abuse, this disappearance worried many fans, and their concerns were not alleviated by his disheveled and disheveled appearance.
According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, paparazzi captured images of Perry looking bloated and red-faced. Page Six also reported that he appeared exhausted when he ventured out of his Hidden Hills home in Los Angeles for a trip to Starbucks. Perry, originally from Massachusetts, was photographed wearing a gray Henley shirt and jeans, sporting a scruffy beard. These images marked his first public appearance in many weeks.
Perry had made headlines worldwide with the release of his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” in November 2022, largely due to the candid revelations and controversial opinions expressed within its pages. In the book, he recounted a life-threatening incident where his colon burst due to opioid overuse, and his family was informed that he had only a two-percent chance of survival. He spent two weeks in a coma and five months in the hospital during his recovery.
In October, Perry shared with People, saying, “I’m in pretty good health right now. I don’t want to overdo it at the gym, as I don’t want to limit myself to just playing superheroes. But overall, I’m feeling quite healthy.”
He went on to emphasize the importance of sobriety, stating, “Maintaining sobriety is crucial. If you slip, it doesn’t erase all the progress and knowledge you’ve gained. Your sober date may change, but that’s the only thing that changes. You retain all the wisdom you had before, as long as you can find your way back without succumbing, and that’s a valuable lesson.”
Perry’s memoir also stirred controversy due to comments he made about Keanu Reeves. In the book, he wrote, “Why is it that original thinkers like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger are gone, but Keanu Reeves is still with us?”
When discussing the passing of Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley, Perry wrote, “I was so upset that I punched a hole through Jennifer Aniston’s dressing room wall. Keanu Reeves, on the other hand, continues to be a part of our world.”
Perry faced subsequent criticism for his remarks and issued a formal apology. The actor clarified that he was, in fact, a devoted fan of Keanu Reeves and had merely chosen a random name for comedic effect. He admitted his error, saying, “My apologies. I should have used my own name instead.”
Tragically, Matthew Perry was discovered deceased at his Los Angeles residence on a Saturday, as reported by law enforcement. He was 54 years old, and sources revealed that no drugs were discovered at the scene. Perry’s mother, Suzanne, and her husband, broadcaster Keith Morrison, arrived at the location but refrained from making any comments at that time.
Our hearts go out to those mourning the actor. Please share this news to remember and honor their memory.