Jennifer Aniston Reflects on Matthew Perry’s Struggles Before His Death

Jennifer Aniston has opened up about the emotional toll of witnessing her friend and co-star, Matthew Perry, struggle with substance abuse long before his passing on October 23, 2023. Perry, who gained fame for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, died from the acute effects of ketamine, an anesthetic he had been using in treatment for depression and anxiety. His death has prompted ongoing investigations, with five individuals facing charges related to the distribution of the drug.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Aniston described how she and the other cast members—Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer—had been “mourning” Perry for years. “We did everything we could when we could,” Aniston reflected, expressing the deep concern they felt for Perry throughout his struggles. “It almost felt like we’d been mourning Matthew for a long time because his battle with that disease was a really hard one for him to fight.”

Perry’s death at the age of 54 has left a significant impact on his friends and fans alike. Aniston paid tribute to him in a heartfelt social media post, sharing her profound sense of loss. “Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I’ve never experienced before,” she wrote. In her message, she emphasized the importance of embracing grief, stating, “Being able to really SIT in this grief allows you to feel the moments of joy and gratitude for having loved someone that deep. And we loved him deeply.”

Aniston reminisced about their close-knit bond, declaring that the cast of Friends formed a “chosen family” that reshaped their lives. She recalled Perry’s passion for making people laugh, noting, “For Matty, he KNEW he loved to make people laugh.” She shared a touching message from Perry, where he expressed how making her laugh brightened his day.

The circumstances surrounding Perry’s death have raised serious concerns about the use of ketamine for mental health treatment. According to USA Today, he had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy, a treatment that has become more common in addressing mental health issues. Following Perry’s death, authorities charged five individuals, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to ketamine distribution. Others involved include Perry’s personal assistant and a doctor, both of whom are cooperating with prosecutors.

Perry himself had been candid about his struggles with addiction. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he discussed his experiences with ketamine and its effects on his mental state. He described the allure of the drug, stating, “Taking K is like being hit in the head with a giant happy shovel.” Yet, he also acknowledged the painful consequences and the toll it took on his life.

In a recent conversation with her co-star Reese Witherspoon for Variety, Aniston shared that Perry appeared to be in a good place shortly before his death. “He was happy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape,” she recalled, adding, “He was not in pain. He wasn’t struggling. He was happy.”

As the entertainment world continues to process Perry’s passing, Aniston’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of friendship, mental health, and the enduring impact of those we love. Perry’s legacy as a beloved actor and friend will undoubtedly resonate with many, as fans and colleagues honor his memory and the joy he brought to their lives.