Matthew Perry, known for his beloved portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends, was remembered by his loved ones as more than just his iconic character.
Actress Christine Birchfield, a close friend of Perry’s, described him as having a kind heart and a wonderful personality that differed from the characters he played on television.
Birchfield praised Perry’s kindness, relatability, and unparalleled sense of humor, declaring him to be truly one-of-a-kind.
Perry, who was open about his struggles with addiction in an effort to help others, was always eager to lend his support to his friend’s career as a screenwriter. He assisted Birchfield with her film school journey and generously shared his knowledge of the industry. Birchfield emphasized Perry’s compassion, generosity, and selflessness, revealing that he always put others before himself.
As the world mourns the loss of Perry, Birchfield stressed the importance of honoring him for his off-screen contributions. She urged people to remember him not just as an actor, but for the incredible heart he possessed. Perry had been in the process of establishing a foundation to aid those battling substance abuse prior to his untimely death.
Reflecting on his own journey in a previous interview with PEOPLE, Perry spoke about his resilience in overcoming his demons and highlighted his sobriety, care for others, and unwavering determination to help people as his favorite aspects about himself. He believed that creativity was a powerful tool to combat discomfort and anxiety.
In a podcast interview, Perry expressed his desire to be remembered for his philanthropic efforts rather than his involvement with Friends. He vowed to spend the rest of his life proving his dedication to helping others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.