George Clooney discloses that Matthew Perry ‘wasn’t pleased’ during his time on Friends

 

Perry, who passed away at the age of 54 in October due to the ‘acute effects of ketamine’, was renowned for his portrayal of the witty Chandler Bing in the sitcom from 1994 to 2004.

Before landing the role in the much-loved comedy depicting the lives of 20-somethings in New York City, George, aged 62, recalled Perry’s aspiration to be cast in a sitcom.

However, despite securing the part alongside actors like Jennifer Aniston and Matt LeBlanc, the Ocean’s Eleven actor revealed that Perry ‘wasn’t content’ because he believed that success and wealth ‘don’t automatically guarantee happiness’.

When reminiscing about his bond with Perry, The Flash star reminisced, ‘He was just a young lad and all he’d express to us, me, Richard Kind, and Grant Heslov, was, “I just want a regular sitcom, you know. That’s all I need to be the happiest person alive.” And he landed himself on one of the greatest ones ever. But he wasn’t content. It didn’t bring him the happiness or peace he sought.’

George, who worked at the same studios during the filming of ER at Warner Brothers, mentioned that it was challenging to witness Perry’s behaviour as they were unaware of his inner struggles.

Speaking to Deadline, he stated, ‘We were only aware that he was not content, and I was unaware that he was consuming around 12 Vicodin a day, among other things that he later discussed—heartbreaking revelations.’

‘It also highlights that success, wealth, and such things don’t automatically guarantee happiness. True happiness stems from being content with oneself and one’s life.’

On October 28, Perry was discovered ‘unresponsive in the pool at his residence’ in LA before being declared deceased.

A post-mortem examination determined that Perry succumbed to the ‘acute effects of ketamine,’ with contributing factors including ‘drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine.’

Buprenorphine is defined as an ‘opioid-like drug employed in the management of opioid addiction, as well as acute and chronic pain.’

The summary of the report stated that Perry had been undergoing ‘ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety’, with his most recent treatment occurring one-and-a-half weeks before his death.

The medical examiner concluded that ‘the ketamine detected in his system at the time of death could not have originated from the infusion therapy’. However, the examiner couldn’t determine the ‘precise method of consumption’ in Perry’s case.

The report implies that Perry had been ‘purportedly drug-free for 19 months’.

Throughout his life, Perry openly addressed his struggle with substance abuse and addiction. He also established a sober living facility catering to men facing similar challenges.

After his passing, a foundation was established in his honour to aid individuals grappling with addiction. Among those advocating for support of the foundation was Jennifer, his co-star from ‘Friends’ where she portrayed Rachel Green.

The cause of Perry’s demise emerged shortly after Jennifer disclosed she had been in communication with him on the morning of his passing, noting his apparent happiness and good health.

‘I want people to understand that he was genuinely healthy and striving towards better health. He was committed to it. He worked tirelessly. The hand he was dealt was undeniably tough,’ she shared with Variety.

‘Friends’ is currently available for streaming on Netflix.