Matthew Perry, one of America’s favorite actors, has passed away. Perry was found in his hot tub unresponsive October 28th by one of his assistants. EMTs had shown up to his home to attempt to save him, only for them to confirm his death. They believe he went into cardiac arrest and drowned. 

Over the course of his life, Perry suffered from various addictions to drugs and alcohol. He went through 15 different rehab facilities and attended 6,000 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings trying to stop. When filming the third season of Friends, it was reported that he would use up to 55 Vicodin a day, otherwise he would get “terribly sick.” Thankfully, in 2002, Perry officially got help and quit his abuse. 

Although Perry was in many movies and TV shows, everyone knew him from his role on the sitcom television show, “Friends,” as Chandler Bing. However, Perry did not want to be known for his acting, he wanted to be known for helping people. “When I die, I don’t want “Friends” to be the first thing that’s mentioned — I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned, and I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that,” said Perry. That is exactly what he did. For a couple of years, Perry opened a facility called “Perry House.” “Perry House” was his old beach home that he used to try to help men live sober lives. He even wrote a book, letting people in on his life and how he has overcome all the bad things to happen to him. 

An anonymous student commented “I knew him from Friends, he was a great actor. It’s so sad to lose someone like him.” Perry influenced millions of people, young and old, helping them quit their drug addiction. He shared his story with the world. He let everyone know that he was human too. 

Thank you, Matthew Perry. Rest in peace.