Which Matthew Perry movies and TV shows could win a posthumous Oscar?
Have you ever wondered what makes a star unforgettable? Tonight, VH1 unveils Matthew Perry: Life and Legacy, a special tribute to the late actor, offering fans a unique glimpse into his life, both on and off the screen. As celebrities around the world remember his movies and TV shows, we ourselves invite you to dive into the memories alongside us.
Stardom and Struggles
Matthew Perry, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends, left an indelible mark on Hollywood and its audience. His sudden passing on October 28, at the age of 54, sent shockwaves through the entertainment community.
This special, a collaboration between VH1 and Entertainment Tonight, promises to delve into Perry’s multifaceted life, featuring rare footage and interviews that highlight his career highs and personal battles.
Perry’s struggle with addiction was no secret, as he openly discussed it in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. His candidness about his challenges brought a humanizing light to the issues of addiction, making him a beacon of hope for many.
In a poignant moment on the Q with Tom Power podcast in 2022, Perry expressed his desire to be remembered more for helping others than just his role on Friends. This special aims to honor that wish.
New Insights
Set to air on November 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET on VH1, with an encore on November 11, Matthew Perry: Life and Legacy is not just a walk down memory lane. It’s an exploration of Perry’s career, including his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing, and his off-screen role as an advocate for those struggling with addiction.
The special will feature interviews with Perry and insights from friends and colleagues, though it remains unclear if these will include new conversations with the Friends cast.
The circumstances of Perry’s death were as unexpected as they were tragic. Found in his Los Angeles home following an apparent drowning in his jacuzzi, the incident occurred after Perry had spent the morning playing pickleball. No drugs were found at the scene, and no foul play is suspected, as confirmed by law enforcement sources to TMZ.
This tragic end came just days after Perry shared a seemingly light-hearted photo in a pool, captioned, “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman.”
A Life Lived in the Spotlight
Matthew Perry’s journey in the limelight began in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and led him to Los Angeles as a teenager.
His breakthrough role on Friends was just the start of a career that spanned various TV shows and movies like Growing Pains, Beverly Hills, 90210, and The Whole Nine Yards. Despite his on-screen success, Perry’s personal life was a tumultuous battle with addiction, a struggle he never shied away from discussing publicly.
Perry’s openness about his addiction and recovery journey was a testament to his character. He once shared about attending thousands of AA meetings, multiple rehab stints, and numerous detoxes. His legacy will live on as a leading light for all walks of life.
