“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my life and a lot of wonderful accolades, but the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic comes up to me and says, ‘Will you help me stop drinking?’ I will say, ‘Yes. I know how to do that.’”

Matthew Perry

I have so many fond memories of growing up watching friends and to this day if I see an episode it is both familiar and comforting to harken back to simpler time in life for me.

Matthew Perry was for me an actor who never got to fulfil his true potential but we all know why that was. His years of addiction to Alcohol and drugs are no secret, in fact he is a figure that for the last years of his life was dedicated to recovery and offering hope to addicts who suffer.

I woke up this morning to the news of his passing and I have been unpacking it all day, as when most celebrities pass the multitudes make their feelings of sadness be known with favourite clips or a picture. Obviously for someone who has been a hugely adored character in a show that hasn’t really let up in popularity, most of the outpouring has related to the beloved character Chandler Bing.

I found this and couldn’t help but relate to the feelings of looking at phases in one’s life through pictures and knowing the struggle at play beneath the surface appearance.

I downloaded his book when it came out on audible and it’s a no holds barred sharing of what things were like for him. As I continue to listen I can’t help but feel his story will continue to steer addicts to abstinence based recovery. Matthew Perry was said to have attended over 6000 AA meetings and was an advocate for speaking more to remove stigma and misconceptions.

The many moments of joy in Friends will be a legacy for sure but the legacy of carrying Experience, Strength and Hope will also remain as a roadmap and a rallying cry to service.

To Chandler I say…..Good game! Good game! Good game! 😭

And to Matt – thanks for sharing and carrying the message of hope. 🙏

Rest in Power Mattman.