Matthew Perry experienced the many highs and lows of fame – finding success on screen as the adored Chandler Bing in Friends but battling demons in private.
While Perry had a string of high-profile relationships, including with Julia Roberts and Lizzy Caplan, he never made it down the aisle or started a family on his own before his shock death at the age of 54.
In his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, the actor got candid about his failed relationships and his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, revealing he’d been to rehab 15 times.
READ MORE: Matthew Perry’s family speak out after actor’s ‘tragic’ death
But last year while promoting the book, which became a New York Times Best Seller, the actor seemed optimistic about the future, revealing his dream to become a dad.
Perry said he’d worked through a lot in a bid to overcome his fear of love and was hopeful, saying he “can’t wait” to find a partner and start a family.
“I’m not run by the fear I used to be run by, so everything’s kind of different,” he told People magazine last October, to coincide with the memoir’s release.
“I’m feeling more confident and I’m not afraid of love anymore, so the next girl I go out with better watch out.”
Speaking of how he’d fair as a father, he also had confidence in himself.
“I think I’d be great. I really do,” he said.
“I grew up with a lot of little kids around me, and that’s probably why, but I can’t wait.”
Perry’s parents split a year after he was born in 1969 and each went on to remarry and have more children, giving the actor five younger siblings.
At the time of his death, on October 28, 2023, it’s understood the Hollywood star was single.
However, just a year earlier he was musing about his perfect partner and her qualities during the interview.
The actor also revealed at the time of his memoir’s release that as he examined his past relationships and why they ended, he realised “I’m the common denominator”.
“That was me afraid,” he told the publication.
“That is what I manifest, something that’s wrong with them. And then I break up with them.
“But there can’t be something wrong with everyone. I’m the common denominator. I left first because I thought they were going to annihilate me.”
Perry also revealed he had dated a string of women only to find out they were just with him for the money, which became his biggest relationship deal breaker.
If you or someone you know is in need of support for mental health issues contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Alcohol and Drug Support Line on 1800 198 024.