Perry was working on both ‘Friends’ and the film ‘Serving Sara’ when he said a girlfriend told him that he was “disappearing.” Stream the full ABC News special ‘Matthew Perry: The Diane Sawyer Interview’ on hulu: abcn.ws/3hjm5YZ
I started with pills after a skateboarding injury at 18 after a few years I moved on to heroin and then fentanyl. Everything he says is so relatable! I did things I thought I'd never do... stealing pills from people, money, manipulation. Luckily after 4 overdoses I got away from it... I've been sober 6 years now! Thanks for sharing this mathew maybe it will help people to reach out.
Hell yeah, man. I used on and off for 10 years then got into shooting up and with all the fentantyl being around it wasn't long before I overdosed. Thankfully I got treatment and went on suboxone and I'm now 11 months clean. I feel so bad for this new generation of opiate users as it doesn't take much to die these days.. literal 15 year old kids dying from the fake oxy s that are being pressed.
Even if you weren’t the biggest Friends fan, the terribly sad passing of Matthew Perry is a reminder that those who try and make you laugh the hardest often hardly laugh when they are with themselves. It’s probably good to check on them as regularly as we do others
Matthew Perry made wholesome deeds by opening up in his memoire, interviews to help people with addiction. This will go a long way even after his passing. He has a good and big heart. RIP Chandler/Matthew.
He will be known forever as someone who was not only just a gifted comedic actor who starred on a hit show. But also as a man who never gave up, fought his disease until he expelled his last breath, and left behind a book that will help people fight their addictions. I’m not one for idolatry, especially of Hollywood types. But Mathew Perry earned my complete and total respect as a man. God Bless RIP
He was so open and brave to share his darkest days, most people will not speak of that. He was an incredible human and his legacy will help so many people..
This is heartbreaking. Friends got me through so much in life. His humour has made me laugh in bad times. Hope he knows that and we as fans are grateful ❤
I know right he was a good man, but we all got to go , none of us are here to stay. This is only our home for a temporary time until God calls us. We are all leaving.
I'm so moved that he is so vulnerable and courageous being world famous and sharing his darkest moments. So glad he is healing and coming back. I know he is hoping to help others. Here he is this incredibly successful person at the height of fame and wealth in his industry and he's saying, how much that doesn't matter. Much LOVE Matthew. You're a good person and that matters the most.
Yeah, and he's doing this for years now. he's very fierce in charing some heavy stories. He even did that while accepting an award at the white house. It's to get people out of the isolation and help them to talk. He's brave.
The fact that all through those struggles he was able to pull off acting in Friends and keeping us laughing and none the wiser to the turmoil within him…that truly is worth an Oscar!!!
Mental and physical health is worth much more than any award. He needs peace and quiet much more than a golden calf that's the epitome of Hollywood's rat race.
This was just one of the most raw, intimate, beautiful pieces of journalism and storytelling I’ve seen in a long time. Congratulations to you Matthew and thank you for your bravery, openness and vulnerability. Well done Diane, for holding him and highlighting him throughout this. Editing was spot on
@@DevinSheaProductions when you can go to the depths of your mistakes and then have something helpful to say on the other side of it - then, please, feel free to share
It takes a heck of allot of courage and authenticity for someone to bare their soul like this, in order to help others that are suffering. Sending love and loads of respect for you Matthew xxx
May God bless you and keep you healthy and well. He didn't let you die, because you had a testimony to give...All the best to you ...from Brazil a big fan of yours...now even more. It takes guts to go out there and tell your story. Congratulations.
As a recovered alcoholic I really appreciate people opening up about this. Unfortunately this is very much a normal thing in society today. Addicts need reprieve. They don't need persecution. Give love and safety. I never wanted to die in the depths of my addiction, but I also didn't mind if my addiction took me. Love to all that struggle.
So true. I was there and still kind of am. I will always be an alcoholic but I'm also lying about my drinking. I do not drink every day like I used to however I will drink a few times a month. And always regret that morning feeling. The cycle is so hard to break.
@@zjow4755 not really. I mean, some could say I substituted one addiction with another. I’m not obsessed but I love going to the gym for my outlet to let go of stress. I love bike rides, hikes and walking my dogs. I just don’t use liquor or alcohol as my mental and emotional escape. I went to a rehab for 1year, did massive work and it was all worth it. We only drink to escape something within ourselves and we fear confronting it. Once we digest and process whatever it is (not easy, very scary, at least for me) we’re able to move on. If we lie to ourselves and those around us then we will forever remain stuck.
@@JinxMarie1985 I still have one or two beers when I want to, but I don’t like feeling buzzed in the slightest. I also only drink those one or two beers as long as I know it won’t take away from my next day or morning. I appreciate the taste of beer and appreciate it with a lunch or dinner here and there on the weekends. But I do not let it take away from my joy and ability to do whatever it is I want to do. I have two kids, if they want to play sports together or go hiking I will always be ready to do so. I use the gym, getting sunlight and being in nature to find peace and harmony… I don’t lie to myself with thinking that’s what drinking will do for me… I was always left with shame, guilt, self hate when I got buzzed and drank all the time.
@@zjow4755 I’m no professional in the field but over the year I was in treatment myself I did see many situations where symptoms occurred. For such long term use, no matter how much or how little, that timeframe surely caused your system to count on it every day. When you take something that consistent from your body, your body will wonder where it’s gone and now your system needs to react and act differently due to its absence. I wouldn’t be fearful to begin, I would just baby step away from it.
I never watched the show unless I happened to see a few minutes at a friend's house and we remember discussing that he was addicted to something. It wasn't a huge secret back then either. It was in tabloids and I think that a lot of people were in denial because they thought that he had a life so many would want to live. I wonder when addiction will be treated as a health issue and not a moral failing or automatically seen as a criminal? Prohibition has obviously been a waste of money and not much has changed.
This sadness and loneliness is so consuming for him. Painful to see Matthew tell his story but what bravery and strength to come forward and put it out there and be accountable - that will help pave the way for better days.. Prayers for you Matthew for sobriety, strength and happiness. God Bless you. You are loved.
It's such a tragedy that a man so gifted, so funny and so full of potential unleashed cannot look back on his most productive period in the profession without being haunted by regrets and demons from that past. Get well, Matt. Stay well. You're worth it. More than you know.
SURAH AL MULK In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent - [He] who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving - [And] who created seven heavens in layers. You do not see in the creation of the Most Merciful any inconsistency. So return [your] vision [to the sky]; do you see any breaks? Then return [your] vision twice again. [Your] vision will return to you humbled while it is fatigued. And We have certainly beautified the nearest heaven with stars and have made [from] them what is thrown at the devils and have prepared for them the punishment of the Blaze. And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination. When they are thrown into it, they hear from it a [dreadful] inhaling while it boils up. It almost bursts with rage. Every time a company is thrown into it, its keepers ask them, “Did there not come to you a warner?” They will say,” Yes, a warner had come to us, but we denied and said, ‘Allah has not sent down anything. You are not but in great error.'” And they will say, “If only we had been listening or reasoning, we would not be among the companions of the Blaze.” And they will admit their sin, so [it is] alienation for the companions of the Blaze. Indeed, those who fear their Lord unseen will have forgiveness and great reward. And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts. Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted? It is He who made the earth tame for you - so walk among its slopes and eat of His provision - and to Him is the resurrection. Do you feel secure that He who [holds authority] in the heaven would not cause the earth to swallow you and suddenly it would sway? Or do you feel secure that He who [holds authority] in the heaven would not send against you a storm of stones? Then you would know how [severe] was My warning. And already had those before them denied, and how [terrible] was My reproach. Do they not see the birds above them with wings outspread and [sometimes] folded in? None holds them [aloft] except the Most Merciful. Indeed He is, of all things, Seeing. Or who is it that could be an army for you to aid you other than the Most Merciful? The disbelievers are not but in delusion. Or who is it that could provide for you if He withheld His provision? But they have persisted in insolence and aversion. Then is one who walks fallen on his face better guided or one who walks erect on a straight path? Say, “It is He who has produced you and made for you hearing and vision and hearts; little are you grateful.” Say, “It is He who has multiplied you throughout the earth, and to Him you will be gathered.” And they say, “When is this promise, if you should be truthful?” Say, “The knowledge is only with Allah, and I am only a clear warner.” But when they see it approaching, the faces of those who disbelieve will be distressed, and it will be said, “This is that for which you used to call.” Say, [O Muhammad], “Have you considered: whether Allah should cause my death and those with me or have mercy upon us, who can protect the disbelievers from a painful punishment?” Say, “He is the Most Merciful; we have believed in Him, and upon Him we have relied. And you will [come to] know who it is that is in clear error.” Say, “Have you considered: if your water was to become sunken [into the earth], then who could bring you flowing water?”
@@rashibhatnagar8you know Canada has much less addicted people with pills? Sure there are some alcoholics and drug addicts but not as many as in the US. It’s this American pharmaceutical companies and doctors who are corrupt AF prescribe pills for money. I mean what can you expect when your healthcare system is based on for profit. America is the only country that it’s healthcare is for profit among all developed nations. None of others is except corrupt capitalistic America. Why? It allows corruptions that’s why. But America is for profit healthcare which is the source for failure.
It's touching to see him being compassionate for his younger self. I wish him all the best and everyone in a similar situation. It's so important we learn how to love ourselves and be generous with ourselves.
Fortunate for him to have survived the depths of what he describes his addiction being. Prayers to those going through their own struggles for the strength to find health and peace.
Tremendously brave to speak out about addiction. A terrible illness that ruins lives. It’s hopeful to see him in recovery, and long may his recovery continue.
I can’t believe he’s gone 2 months already today. As a huge friend’s fan this truly hurts my heart. I hope you have finally found the peace that you couldn’t find on earth. May you forever rest in Gods arms. Thanks for the laughs Marty ❤
As an avid friends viewer and have always watched it when I myself have felt down this was heartbreaking to watch. That scene with Rachel's hat had always made me laugh but what Matthew said about not recognising himself and how skinny he was I just started crying for him. Crazy when I don't personally know him. I thank him and the rest of the cast for years of laughter. I pray he gets well 🙏 ❤️
Heartbreaking to hear what he has been through. His character has given me so much laughter and joy over the years and it’s so horrible to hear how addiction has affected him. I truly hope he can stay on the path of healing for the rest of his life.
I worked with Matthew on the film Serving Sara. He would say a few lines, then go to his trailer. Over & over, all day & night. Initially I thought he was just a $1M per episode diva who didn't want to be in the room with the peons for long. Then production shut down so he could enter rehab. I'm glad he has survived this - I think discussing it so publicly will help the healing process.
Matthew if you read this by any chance, through all your pain and struggles you made a difference in the world. I was late teens early 20s through friends. I came from a troubled home. Mom was a bad addict. Chandler was my favorite. He still makes me laugh out loud. Thank you for bringing joy to me during a very dark time in my life.
The way he is speaking and his physical appearance shows the toll his struggles took on his body. Sometimes when we abuse our bodies it doesnt show up when we are young. It shows as we age.
@@barbarad3869 Hen ever claimed to be sober. He specifically says that he doesn't count days he's sober because that never worked for him. He is trying his best, that's all he or anyone else can do
My deepest condolences to his family. What a great actor we enjoy for so long. Rip no more suffering in life!!! Doctors destroyed lots of people's lives by prescribing medication without telling them about the repercussions.
@matthew perry Matthew, i watched friends as a young adult and it really was funny but also had so many life lessons. Thank u for showing us that we all face hurdles in life and we can overcome them. Am watching from Nairobi, Kenya 🇰🇪 ❤️
Im happy to see that Matt is doing good and choose to write that book. This dude went at it hard, for years. That colon exploding surgery is no joke, he was almost a goner. He said so much truth about addiction (when you think you dont need anybody, and think you can do this alone and how the disease is just waiting, doing push ups getting stronger as you are in recovery) I remember many years ago i saw an interview of Seymour Hoffman and in it they were talking about addiction (which i had no idea he ever struggled with, he said he got cleaned when he was like 22 23 years old) anyways he said "good thing i got clean back then because i wouldn't have survived with the money/fame that i have now, i know it". Flash foward a few years later i heard that he relapse and got out of the treatment center early, i think he lasted a week and i just knew something bad was going to happen to him. I think it was less than a year later he died. After 23 years clean....yeah addiction is a bitch, always stay vigilant.
Nice to see more and more celebrities opening up about their addictions. It really help’s humanize addicts to some people who think addicts are trash. It can happen to anyone. But if you truly want to get better you can.
Beautiful but tormented soul. Mathew, you have inspired generations to come, I grew up watching you, one of the greatest 😢 always dreamt of meeting you one day, never thinking you would disappear. I hope you have found peace! It’s very hard to write this, it’s always the best people who’s the most tormented. 😓
Bless your heart. I was in the movie Serving Sara as an extra. When you were almost hit by monster truck while filming. You can do it. I'm proud of you for doing all you can to get help. This happened to me at age 17. I refuse pain medication as long as humanily possible. Hugs from me to you, Matthew. You are an amazing person, don't ever forget that. Reach out if you ever need to talk, I'll listen. No catch. Just human to human. 🙏✌️❤️
As a 10 year coke addict I did my last rehab in 2002. The guys who were heroin and prescription pull addicts had the very worst withdrawals. Many of them relapsed after, took former quantities and are now dead. Anyone who gets and stays clean are personal heroes of mine and they all say, it was the hardest and the best thing they’ve ever done in life.
Matthew Perry. You are a legend. I'm sorry for your pain and difficult journey. Your brave to speak out and help others. I'm so happy that your doing good and deserve to live a wonderful life. Addiction isn't a choice but a disease. Lots of love xxx
What an idiot you are! Imagine calling a self-entitled drug addict from Hollywood a legend. Lol! Drugs and alcohol are NOT diseases they are addictions. Before they are addictions though they are poor lifestyle choices. Only losers such as yourself would call being a drug addict a disease because it takes the responsibility off you for the poor decisions you make. Take responsibility and stop pointing the finger away from yourself!! At the end of the day you are the only one to blame for your stupid choices.
The saddest moment is when he says "I didn't understand what was going on." That heartbreaking confusion when you are suffering so much. I can relate to this when I was battling severe depression and anxiety. It is unfair. We shouldn't suffer on that level in life. But he kept going, and I kept going. For me, a big part of it was a chemical imbalance that the right medication helped repair and put my life back on track. Our society stigmatizes addiction but it's just our mind and body's attempt to "heal" something, to self-medicate. Therapy has been huge for me. And a loving community of friends. I truly hope Matthew has a great therapist on his side. But the hard work, the really hard work, we have to do ourselves. But thing is, we are capable of SO much. We just have to take the first step, and then another, and another.
This made me cry. He didn't deserve that desease. Matthiew was going through hell while playing Chandler from season to season. It breaks my heart that he was suffering so much. Rest in peace Matthew ❤
8:28 I almost cried 😢 We can terribly feel how hard it was for him… We can understand how difficult it is for him to see this young boy pretending everything’s fine while he was lost and scared… We’re so proud of you Matthew ❤
Everyone has a story to tell. Thank you, Matthew, for telling yours. You've gotten through that phase, and are continuing to move through your story. It will inspire and help many. God bless.
This is a heartbreaking story. I was under the impression Perry had been clean and sober for many years, so I was shocked to learn of his most recent relapse and serious set-back from recovery (which has severely impacted his health). I'm no expert, but opiates and meth seem to be extremely dangerous, powerful narcotics that alter a person's brain and body chemistry - making it excessively difficult to remain clean and sober. In contrast, many people will typically tire of the insidious, insane nature of cocaine, and quit the drug after several years. This does not seem to be the case with opiates (whether pills or heroin), as well as meth - as people who desperately want to quit seem incapable of doing so. My heart and prayers go out to Perry and all of those families suffering from this horrible affliction.
To think we were watching him on Friends and in films. The whole time we are sat there laughing, we had no idea he was struggling so badly. He was deteriorating right in front of us and we didnt have a clue. And now he's GONE. Matthew I'm so sorry you couldn't fully recover. I hope youre at peace x
As just a random face out here from the generation that was here for the whole thing, from the first Friends episode to the movies and right up to now, you are and always will be a part of our lives, an extended member of our family, and you'll always be somewhere in the memories I personally have of a time in my life that was truly magical and will be forever untouched and undimmed by the creeping cynicism that can come with the mediocrity of day to day life. I think a lot of us experimented and dealt with things the same way you did and I'm glad to know you've made it through because not all of us did. I'm proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. If it means anything, whenever I see you, you're still a part of that time when coffee houses were converted houses with old couches, unmatched bookshelves, and random donated books (there was no Starbucks), and we were all just old enough to be completely in control of our out of control decisions and just young enough to have no idea what we were doing and be completely confident. It was wonderful and we loved it. Take care, see you around.
A couple of years ago, I suffered a really bad and painful ear infection. It was the weekend and my primary doctors office was closed. So I went to the ER. They prescribed me Vicodin. I knew it was strong so I only took half of the dose. I got violently ill. Vomited continuously, collapsed to the floor. My housemate drove me back to the ER. I continued to vomit white foam until I was admitted. Needless to say I stay far away from the stuff. Miracle this man is still alive. God bless him, and the millions of others, on their battle to recovery.
As someone who is in the same age as all of these actors, thinking back on my 30’s also means thinking back on this sitcom. I wish him all the best in his sobriety.
You know we've always heard about stars like charlie sheen, johnny depp or downey jr having drug problems but you cant help but have a profound respect for someone who is going through or went through something so real and suffering so much in silence with such a soul destroying addiction. Im an addict have been for 12 years trust me every addict watching this around the world gets what he means.
It was sad to see his coworker crying and saying they didn't see it. People want to help, and always feel like failures when they THINK they miss the cues.
im a chiropractor specifically working in detox and have seen so so many people that are there due to pill abuse. Most never knew what their pain meant and their "medical doctors" treated them like medical doctors do, with pills. Its no knock on them. Theres a time a place for pills but its the bedrock on which medical doctors operate. Once we talk and im able to educate them on what their pain means and give them the knowledge of how to treat it without pills its incredible to watch their eyes light up. Once the first adjustment occurs , a lot of times, the tears flow because they couldn't imagine a world in which a simple 5 minute adjustment can take their pain from a 9 to a 1 out of 10 and do, in those minutes, what medicine couldn't in many years. I have watched matthew for the past 12 plus years and always said there was something. I was able to recognize it and the seizure he had. It was always covered up as "dental procedures" etc but i knew. Im glad hes gotten past the first hump. I only wish i had the opportunity to help him many years ago and try, just try to make a small positive impact on him
The best thing about Mathew Perry was his desire to help others instead of drowning in self pity. He was a hard core drug addict. He is so honest about his addictions.
7:05 it’s hard for everyone to watch you in hindsight what we now can clearly see how much obvious pain you were in. I can only imagine not feeling like you belonged anywhere, perhaps even wondering how / if / could be worthy of even just a simple average human let alone this huge icon that guys would have given up anything to be and girls crushing on you. Mathew you must stay strong for not only yourself and your loved ones but for your fans , the industry that chews people up and spits them out when their relevancy turns pasé and for all people who hurt , who struggle with mental illness , who are battling addiction. Your torch has the ability to not only illuminate the path to a salvation that so many seek but thru your accomplishments this amazing glow emits signaling that hope is real. This is what it’s all about , this is why people like you are a humongous blessing to us, thank you for showing us what a true star looks like… ❤
I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it's not the answer. Jim Carrey Love you, Chandler
I feel this shows the strength he has and commitment to life. To endure all he did and keep plugging along. And to have fought through his hospitalization- he really seems to have a very very strong Will to live. Blessings to you Matthew. You are courageous
This man and his on screen colleagues built my life. They were amazing and made my life a little better in a hard time. The fact he could go through such pain and suffering and all of them could have to bare these things, they still delivered me 10 years of entertainment I'll never be able to be grateful enough for. I hope Mathew is doing well and really hope he stays the path, because he's a treasure to me and millions other and to the acting community. All the best mate. All the very best.
He slurs the sentence " I was slurring my words". He doesn't sound sober to me. I have seen addiction and he definitely under the influence of something. He may be sober but he not- chemical free. There is a difference
Like man, when I’m an alcoholic myself, and him telling his story is like what you hear at every AA meeting in America at 7 PM every night of the week. My alcoholic brain heard he was only drinking a quart of vodka a day and I was like “that’s it?” It’s just a trip into the mind of a disease that affects so many people. We all know an alcoholic or addict, all of us. It’s miserable. And when he said “detox is hell. There is a hell, I can sense tangible features, I can describe it.” I felt that. I’m only 28 and it’s freaking miserable man. Withdrawal is some sort of animal we aren’t taught to deal with. But he had a good support system around him and that’s probably what got him through to share his story and help people. Cheers Chandler.
No sympathy for this guy, waisting his life away making millions , doing drugs & alcohol while others struggle to make ends meet totally homeless desperate hungry souls, no excuses you made a choice Mathew no excuse!!
I just wanna jump through the screen and give him the best hug I could give him. I’m currently in the process of getting my MSW and in an addictions class now, I preordered the book and hopefully can get better insight for my profession
I didn’t really watch Friends like millions of people but I hope he is doing better! Everyone can easily get addicted to substances especially celebrities. High stress & fast times. Glad he fought his way out.
I listened to his book. I learned a lot from it. This book will save a lot of lives. I think Matthew Perry's reason to be was/is to support and save those who are experiencing this disease. From what I learned about his addiction, it is a disease. Chapter 10 really got me, just by saying three vital words about himself with conviction. Three words that we all come to learn and say to ourselves in our lifetime. I really look forward to what he does next. It will above and beyond Chandler. God bless Matthew Perry.
There are different ways to be an addict...Food is my drug of choice, Specifically sugar, and carbs, .which break down into simple sugars... Believe it or not, this interview has shown me to never give up and to continue to battle my addiction. Sugar addiction is real and who knows maybe alcoholism can be related to sugar addiction as well., or vice versa...Sugar does bad things to our brains, Thanks, Matthew... for your honesty! Keep walking your sobriety walk one day at a time. XX
One shouldn't have to join anything to watch the full and long interview he gave freely. Matthew did interviews to HELP anybody he could. But somehow, Diane Sawyers and CBS decide to make his message difficult to hear. That is dishonoring the late Matthew Perry in a big way. Especially as he said he wanted to be remembered, first and foremost, for his message to anyone who struggles.
We respect you Matthew! You are doing your best and we hope you go back to your feet and shine the way you like! You are so vulnerable and courageous but also so brave, we are proud of you and we love you❤
