Jada Pinkett Smith posted this photo for Matthew Perry fans on Instagram.
Matthew Perry’s memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” offers a candid look at his life, including his rise to fame, personal relationships, and struggles with addiction. Here are some of the biggest revelations from his book:
Substance Abuse During ‘Friends’: Perry writes about his addiction struggles during the filming of “Friends.” At his worst, he would take 55 painkillers a day. He could be seen gaining weight from alcohol and losing it from pill use, and he once mentioned stealing pills from open houses.
Jennifer Aniston’s Confrontation: Jennifer Aniston, his co-star from “Friends,” confronted him about his drinking. He recalled being devastated by her noticing his addiction.
Near-Death Experiences: Perry shared harrowing details of his health scares, including his colon rupturing due to OxyContin abuse, resulting in a two-week coma. He also recounted an incident where his heart stopped for five minutes during surgery.
Role in ‘Don’t Look Up’ and Other Career Misses: Perry revealed he had to pull out of the film “Don’t Look Up” after a medical crisis. His addiction and health issues interfered with several career opportunities.
Relationship with Julia Roberts: Perry discussed his relationship with Julia Roberts, detailing their interactions and his reasons for ending the relationship due to feeling inadequate.
Comments on Keanu Reeves: Perry made controversial remarks about Keanu Reeves in his book, questioning why Reeves survives while other actors have died. He later apologized, stating he was a fan and should have used his own name instead.
His Kiss with Valerie Bertinelli: Perry shared an incident where he and Valerie Bertinelli, then married to Eddie Van Halen, had a make-out session while Van Halen was passed out nearby.
Addiction’s Impact on His Life: Perry’s book details his extensive battles with addiction, including multiple rehab stints and the effect it had on his personal and professional life.
These revelations paint a picture of a talented actor grappling with serious personal challenges while trying to maintain a successful career.
