Matthew Perry shared how he wants to be remembered a year before his death
More than his quick-witted character Chandler Bing in Friends, Matthew Perry wanted to leave behind a legacy that goes beyond the small screen and into people's well-being.
The late actor made the revelation a year before his death, in an interview with the podcast Q with Tom Power to promote his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Speaking to host Tom Power, Matthew said, "I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker."
"And his paramount thing is that he wants to help people,” he added. "That's what I want."
Matthew said that he wanted to be of help to people who, like him, were addicted to alcohol and drugs. According to The New York Post, the late star's addiction began at the age of 18, four years after his first drink at 14.
In February 2001, Matthew entered rehab for his addiction to alcohol as well as drugs, specifically Vicodin, methadone, and amphetamines.
The actor wrote in his memoir, published in November 2022, that he went to rehab 15 times and has been in detox 65 times. He also estimated spending around $9 million (P512 million) to treat his addiction.
"The best thing about me, bar none, is that if an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, 'Will you help me?' I can say yes and follow up and do it," he said in his interview with Power.
He stressed that this is how he ultimately wants to be remembered more than just being a part of the hit '90s sitcom Friends.
"When I die, I don't want Friends to be the first thing that's mentioned. I want that to be the first thing that's mentioned, and I'm going to live the rest of my life proving that," Perry underscored.
News about Perrry's untimely death circulated after TMZ reported that the late actor was found dead in a jacuzzi in his Los Angeles home last Sunday, Oct. 29. Sources told TMZ that there was no foul play involved and that no drugs were found at the scene.
Matthew is best known for portraying the sarcastic Chandler in Friends from 1994 to 2004. He also starred in films like Fools Rush In and The Whole Nine Yards.
He is survived by his father, actor John Bennett Perry, his mother, journalist Suzanne Morrison, his stepfather, Keith Morrison, and five siblings: Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, Madeline Morrison, and Maria Perry.