Matthew Perry spoke about how he’d like to be remembered following his death, in an episode of the podcast ‘Q with Tom Power’ in 2022 while promoting his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Perry was talking about his motivation to complete his memoir: to help others facing similar battles with addiction, and the many times he’s helped others in real life.
“The best thing about me, bar none, is if somebody comes up to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking, can you help me?’ I can say yes and follow up and do it,” Perry said. “That’s the best thing.”
READ MORE: Matthew Perry’s family speak out after actor’s death
“And, I’ve said this for a long time, when I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned,” he continued.
“I want that to be the first thing that’s mentioned, and I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.”
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Perry’s memoir became an instant bestseller upon it’s release in November 2022.
In the book the actor chronicled his childhood, rise to fame and harrowing battle with addiction which saw him enter treatment several times.
Perry was reported to have been found dead at a Los Angeles home by his assistant on October 28.
Found at his home was prescription medication, including anti-depressant medication, anti-anxiety medication and one used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema.
Perry was a long-time smoker, having failed to kick the habit along with alcohol, opiates and cocaine, as he chronicled in his book.
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On the podcast, Perry also spoke about the early onset of addiction when he was 14 years old and started drinking.
He said while his friends would drink, feel “woozy” and go home, drinking made him feel like everything made sense.
”And I didn’t know what was happening to me,” he explained.
“I just knew I had some issue with this thing and it’s a progressive disease so it gets worse and worse as you get older.”
Perry said it wasn’t until he was 18 that his drinking “really started to kick in” and it became “this rollercoaster ride that I didn’t understand.”
The actor’s heartbroken family have spoken about their “tragic loss” following news of his death, issuing a statement via People.
It reads: “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. “Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend.
“You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
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.