It feels like we had Matthew Perry as a friend. We spend hours watching him and laughing with him that it felt like we knew him personally or at least had a Chandler in our lives. Knowing that he struggled with addiction throughout the run of the show, it doesn’t make it any easier to see such a talented person go through what he did.
Matthew was very open about his struggles with addiction, and he hoped that it would encourage and inspire others to get help and to have hope. Even if one person was inspired by him would have meant a lot to him.
Matthew wanted to be remembered for not only FRIENDS, but for someone who wanted to help others who were struggling. He wanted to be the person that you could reach out to and be open and honest with. He wanted to be known for helping people.
Addiction sucks. Some people are able to conquer that demon and never go back, others fight for the rest of their lives. Matthew spend decades trying to beat the monster and sometimes it worked and other times, it showed that he wasn’t strong enough.
By the time his book came out last year, he was in a good place and he wanted to use that to be able to reach out to others and encourage and inspire them to get help because you aren't alone in your struggle.
His goal in life was to be able to show others that they aren’t the only ones going through it. He wanted to let people know that there are resources and support systems that are willing to help you fight and no matter how many times you fall, you can get right back up.
Matthew wanted to have a family, but he never felt he was good enough or worthy enough for such love. It makes me sad that the one thing he wanted in life never came true for him. I wish he was able to find his happily ever after.
Thank you Matthew for being so open about your struggle with addiction. I hope that with your honesty, there is one person who is inspired to get the help they need. You will forever be missed and loved by the whole world. You worked so hard, and I couldn’t be any prouder. I wish you got the happy ending you deserved.
Matthew, I love you.