**‘Shoot me up with a big one’: A Timeline of the Last Days of Matthew Perry**
NBC Los Angeles recently published an article detailing the final days of beloved actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic television show *Friends*. While the original content was not fully accessible, we can delve into the life and career of Matthew Perry, exploring the events leading up to his untimely death.
### Matthew Perry: A Brief Biography
– **Full Name:** Matthew Langford Perry
– **Date of Birth:** August 19, 1969
– **Place of Birth:** Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
– **Parents:** Suzanne Marie Morrison (Canadian journalist and former press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau) and John Bennett Perry (American actor and former model)
– **Notable Role:** Chandler Bing on *Friends* (1994-2004)
Matthew Perry was born into a family with strong ties to both the entertainment industry and politics. His mother, Suzanne Morrison, was a prominent figure in Canadian journalism, while his father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor. Matthew grew up in Ottawa, Canada, and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
### Rise to Stardom
Perry’s big break came in 1994 when he was cast as Chandler Bing on *Friends*, a role that would define his career. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Perry’s portrayal of the sarcastic, yet lovable Chandler made him a household name. Over the course of ten seasons, *Friends* became one of the most successful sitcoms in television history, and Perry’s performance earned him critical acclaim.
### Struggles with Addiction
Despite his success, Perry battled addiction throughout much of his life. He has been open about his struggles with alcohol and prescription drugs, which began during his time on *Friends*. Perry often spoke candidly about his efforts to overcome addiction, including multiple stints in rehab.
– **1997:** Perry completed a 28-day program for Vicodin addiction.
– **2001:** He entered rehab again for addiction to opioids, amphetamines, and alcohol.
– **2011:** Perry voluntarily checked into rehab as a proactive measure to maintain his sobriety.
### The Final Days
In the days leading up to his death, Perry was reportedly focused on his health and well-being. He had been working on various projects, including a memoir titled *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*, in which he detailed his struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery.
However, despite his efforts to stay clean, Perry’s health had been a cause for concern among those close to him. On the day of his death, Perry was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home. The exact cause of death has not been confirmed, but it is suspected that his long-term battle with addiction may have played a role.
### Legacy
Matthew Perry’s legacy extends far beyond his role on *Friends*. He was an advocate for addiction recovery and used his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse. Perry’s openness about his struggles helped to destigmatize addiction and inspired many to seek help.
**Key Points to Remember:**
– Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing on *Friends* made him a cultural icon.
– He battled addiction for much of his life, seeking treatment multiple times.
– Perry used his platform to advocate for addiction recovery and mental health awareness.
– His memoir, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*, offers a candid look at his life and struggles.
### Conclusion
Matthew Perry’s death is a tragic loss for the entertainment industry and for the millions of fans who adored him. His contributions to television and his advocacy for addiction recovery will not be forgotten. As we reflect on his life, we remember not only the laughter he brought to our screens but also the courage he showed in facing his personal demons.