Culture
Matthew Perry Found Dead: ‘The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken’
On October 28th, 2023, Matthew Perry – one of the legends of comedic acting and an advocate for addiction prevention – was found dead in his apartment.
Perry, known iconically for his role as Chandler in the hit sit-com Friends, was struggling with addiction for a lot of his adult life, but was on a long sober road. However, there is nothing currently conclusive to suggest that any substances – subscription or not – were in his system when he passed. Nonetheless, the autopsy is still ongoing. Today we’re going to take a look at this truly legendary person’s life, and mourn a man that was taken far too early at the age of 54. As the co-writers of Friends, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, said in a statement recently: this is the ‘one where our hearts are broken’.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, a name that resonates with millions around the world, is not just an actor but a cultural icon whose work has left an undoubtable mark on the landscape of television, film and the world of addiction. Best known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the immensely popular sitcom Friends, Perry’s career extends far beyond the confines of Central Perk and those 5 other loveable mate’s of his.
Early Life
Matthew Langford Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Perry’s childhood was marked by the influence of his father, John Bennett Perry, an actor, and his mother, Suzanne Morrison, a Canadian journalist. Despite his parents’ divorce when he was very young, Perry maintained a close relationship with both. At a young age, Perry developed an interest in tennis, even reaching a competitive level. However, a serious injury forced him to pivot, leading him to discover his passion for acting. Perry moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, and his early years in the industry were marked by a series of television appearances, including roles in shows like ‘Silver Spoons’ and ‘Growing Pains’. If you’ve ever watched an episode of either of these, you’ll see that Matthew had a knack for comedy at a very young age.
Breakthrough with Friends
Perry’s career reached new heights in 1994, at the age of 24, when he landed the role of Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom Friends. The show, created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, followed the lives of six friends living in New York City and became a cultural phenomenon. Perry’s portrayal of the sarcastic and lovable Chandler, known for his witty one-liners and distinct humour, contributed significantly to the show’s success. In fact, he even won an Emmy in 2004 for the role. People Magazine quotes Perry’s words in is 2022 memoir:
“It was as if someone had followed me around for a year, stealing my jokes, copying my mannerisms, photocopying my world-weary yet witty view of life…it wasn’t that I thought I could play ‘Chandler’; I was Chandler.”
The comedy romance between Matthew Perry and the role of Chandler was absolutely perfect. They knew each other inside and out. Friends ran for ten seasons, 236 episodes, and Perry’s performance earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. The ensemble cast, which included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, became synonymous with 90s pop culture, and the show remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.
Post Friends
Like all great things, Friends came to an end in 2004. By that point, the cast were so famous and successful, that they were earning around 1 million dollars each per episode. Following the conclusion of this beloved show, Matthew Perry ventured into various acting projects, both in television and film. However, he faced the challenge of breaking away from the iconic character of Chandler Bing. While some of his projects achieved moderate success, including the critically acclaimed drama The West Wing, none reached the same level of cultural impact as Friends. Perry also explored the world of film, taking on roles in movies such as The Whole Nine Yards.
Despite his efforts to diversify his career, Perry faced the inherent challenge that many actors from massively successful TV shows encounter when attempting to transition to different roles. He also involved himself in the theatre world, writing and performing in his own play, The End of Longing, that was performed in London’s West End. But the deep truth, underneath his success, was that Matthew Perry was struggling with addiction.
Struggles with Addiction
Behind the scenes of fame and success, Matthew Perry faced personal battles with addiction. Throughout his time on Friends, Perry struggled with substance abuse issues, particularly with alcohol and prescription medications. The demanding schedule of the show and the pressures of fame took a toll on his well-being. Perry said at the Friends Reunion in 2021:
“I felt like I was going to die if the live audience didn’t laugh…And it’s not healthy for sure, but I could sometimes say a line and they wouldn’t laugh, and I would sweat and just go into convulsions. If I didn’t get the laugh I was supposed to get, I would freak out. I felt that every single night. This pressure left me in a bad place.”
Matthew Perry has admitted in the past to being so ‘out of it’ during the filming of Friends, that he actually doesn’t remember 3 whole seasons of Friends. He also mentions in his recent book – Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing – that you can tell how he’s doing with his addiction based on his extreme weight fluctuation season by season. According to Perry, when he seemed overweight, it was the alcohol, and when he seemed underweight, it was the prescriptive drugs. Matthew admitted to taking around 55 vicodin, xanax, methadone, and a quarter of vodka daily. It was around this point that the cast of Friends spoke to him and suggested he find help. In 1997, Perry entered rehab for the first time. He continued to work on the show during this period, showcasing a remarkable level of professionalism amid his personal struggles. Over his life, Matthew had 15 trips to rehab, 6000 AA meetings and spent around 9 million dollars on addiction prevention.
Near Death Experience
In 2019, Matthew Perry was taken into hospital due to a burst colon, caused by his overuse of opioids during his life. He was in a coma for two weeks and was hospitalised for 5 whole months. He had to use a colostomy bag. The doctor’s have said that he had around a 2% chance of survival. NBC reports Perry’s own words:
“There were five people put on an ECMO machine that night and the other four died and I survived… So the big question is why? Why was I the one? There has to be some kind of reason.”
It seemed that this near death experience gave Perry a new lease of life, as he realised that this was his chance to help other people suffering from similar situations to him. This became his goal for the last few years before his recent passing. Perry said that when he died, he wanted to be remembered for how he had helped people, not just for his role as Chandler. His 2022 memoir was so truthful, so damning and so beautiful, that there’s no doubt that many out there have sought the book out for much-needed help.
Matthew Perry’s Death
Matthew Perry was found dead in his jacuzzi on October 28th 2023. Supposedly he had gone into cardiac arrest and drowned, but at present there is no definitive cause of death. Some wonder if Perry was intoxicated, others suggest that the hot tub could have been faulty and had heating issues, which could have caused him to pass out from heat exhaustion. Authorities are saying it might take weeks or even months before any of these questions are answered. The true sadness is that, despite his struggles with addiction, Perry was on a road of recovery and redemption. He was helping people, as he had wished he would. The cast of Friends released a statement after Perry’s death:
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew… We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
There is no doubt that Perry will be deeply missed, not only for the million laughs he gave us, but also for his work in helping those with addiction.
RIP: Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry was probably the actor who brought the most joy to my life out of anyone. His ability to turn any line into a comedic one was unmatched. But, as you have seen, Perry’s life spanned beyond Friends and this must be remembered. Whilst he was a comedy genius, he was also someone that struggled with addiction issues. Nonetheless, his deep rooted goodness allowed him to use his struggles to help others. This will always be remembered. Matthew Perry, thank you for everything.
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Part of the cannabis industry supported the new president, betting he was going to move and move quickly on cannabis – the White House finally commented.
The cannabis industry has been a boon for consumers, medical patients, veterans and legal states, but for the thousands of mom and pop businesses is has been a roller coaster. With a huge demand, it would seem to be easy money, but the federal, tax, and banking restrictions have made it difficult to grow and expand. Part of the industry were all for the new administration assuming they would support positive change, but many in the new cabinet and the House Speaker Mike Johnson are foes. Now the White House finally comments on marijuana industry…and it doesn’t show a clear path.
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The administration’s current stance on marijuana reform is marked by inaction, despite campaign promises and earlier signals of support for cannabis-related reforms. A White House official recently confirmed that “no action is being considered at this time” regarding marijuana policy, leaving advocates and industry stakeholders uncertain about the administration’s priorities.
During his campaign, the resident expressed support for rescheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which would move it from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing restrictions on medical use and enabling cannabis businesses to access banking and tax benefits. However, since taking office, no concrete steps have been taken to advance this initiative. A DEA hearing on rescheduling, initially planned for January 2025, was postponed due to procedural appeals and remains unscheduled.
The president has also voiced support for state autonomy in cannabis policy and endorsed state-level legalization initiatives, such as Florida’s failed 2024 ballot measure for recreational marijuana. While this reflects a more favorable stance compared to his first term, his administration has yet to prioritize federal reforms like the SAFE Banking Act, which would facilitate banking services for cannabis businesses. Efforts to include such measures in a government funding bill late last year were unsuccessful.
The delay in federal action has significant implications for the cannabis industry. Rescheduling marijuana could alleviate financial burdens by eliminating restrictions under IRS Code Section 280E and promoting medical research. However, the stalled process leaves businesses navigating regulatory uncertainties and limited financial access.
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While stakeholders continue lobbying for reform, the administration appears focused on other priorities such as immigration and foreign policy. Advocates hope the President will leverage his influence to advance cannabis reform, but for now, the issue remains sidelined. Until then the industry struggles and waits.
Love it or hate it – April Fool’s Day is here to stay…and here is the history behind this unique tradition
From Britain to India, it is a popular day of pranks, laughs and silliness. From Google to Burger King has participated and some people spend endless hours planning the perfect joke. But what is the history behind April Fool’s Day? It is celebrated annually on April 1, is a global tradition marked by pranks and jokes. Despite its widespread popularity, the origins of this playful holiday remain uncertain, with several theories tracing its roots to different historical events and cultural practices.
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Both April Fools’ Day and Día de Los Inocentes mark days when people play practical jokes on one another. April Fools’ Day is primarily celebrated in English-speaking countries, while Día de Los Inocentes is more widely marked in Spanish-speaking countries. A key way Día de Los Inocentes differs from April Fools’ Day is it celebrated on December 28th every year
Some of the most famous April Fool’s pranks include The Swiss Spaghetti Harvest, where the BBC broadcast a segment showing peasants harvesting spaghetti from trees in Switzerland. Another notable prank was when radio station KGB-FM in San Diego announced that the Space Shuttle was landing at a local airport, drawing over 1,000 people. Google has also been known for its annual April Fool’s jokes, such as the “Hyper Text Coffee Pot Control Protocol”. Additionally, brands like Pornhub have participated with humorous site name changes, such as “Cornhub” and “Hornhub”
One popular theory links April Fool’s Day to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar in 1582, initiated by Pope Gregory XIII. Before this change, many European countries followed the Julian calendar, where the new year began around late March or early April. Those who continued celebrating the old New Year date were mocked as “April fools,” giving rise to the holiday’s name and customs.
Another theory suggests that April Fool’s Day may have originated from ancient spring festivals such as Rome’s Hilaria or India’s Holi. Hilaria, celebrated in late March, involved games, disguises, and mockery of neighbors, while Holi featured playful pranks and joyous festivities marking the arrival of spring.
The first definitive reference to April Fool’s Day comes from a 1561 Flemish poem by Eduard de Dene. In this humorous tale, a nobleman sends his servant on absurd errands for nonexistent items, a prank still known as a “fool’s errand.” This poem solidifies April Fool’s Day as an established tradition by the late Middle Ages.
In France, the day became known as poisson d’avril (“April fish”), where children would pin paper fish on unsuspecting friends’ backs. This tradition symbolizes gullibility, likening victims to young fish easily caught.
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By the 18th century, April Fool’s Day had spread across Europe and North America. In Scotland, it evolved into “Gowkie Day,” where people were sent on wild goose chases. The following day, “Tailie Day,” involved pranks like pinning “kick me” signs on others. Media outlets also began participating in the holiday by publishing fake headlines and stories—a tradition that continues today.
While the exact origin remains debated, April Fool’s Day thrives as an opportunity for lighthearted fun worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring laughter and mischief into everyday life, transcending cultural boundaries and historical uncertainties.
When sick or sad, people gravitate to comfort food – but does it make a difference?
Everyone gets down, stressed or just in a mood, and a number of people wants something to make them feel good. Comfort food is a go to indulgence which lifts the spirts. In North America, some top comfort foods include pot roast, lasagna, chocolate, ice cream and cookies….around the world it includes rice, yogurt, pizza, ramen, and boeuf bourguignon. It is an excuse to enjoy favorite flavors, but does comfort food actually help?
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The answer is nuanced, as comfort foods can provide both emotional relief and potential drawbacks depending on the individual and circumstances. Comfort food has been shown to improve mood temporarily, especially for emotional eaters. Studies suggest that the palatability of food plays a significant role in mood enhancement, with tastier foods providing greater comfort during moments of sadness or stress. Emotional eaters often experience satisfaction and mood improvement after consuming comfort food, while non-emotional eaters may not derive the same benefit, particularly under stress. Additionally, comfort foods can evoke nostalgia and positive memories, acting as social surrogates that remind individuals of meaningful connections and moments of belonging.
From a physiological perspective, consuming sweet and fatty comfort foods can release dopamine and serotonin, chemicals linked to pleasure and mood elevation. This process can dampen stress responses in the body by reducing cortisol levels and activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, these effects are often short-lived and may lead to unhealthy eating habits if relied upon excessively.
While comfort foods can provide immediate emotional relief, they may also contribute to negative health outcomes if consumed excessively. High-calorie comfort foods rich in sugar and fat are associated with weight gain, metabolic risks, and increased likelihood of depression over time. This creates a feedback loop where individuals turn to unhealthy food to combat stress but experience worsening mental health as a result.
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Interestingly, studies show that healthy alternatives like fruits and vegetables can offer similar mood-boosting benefits without the health risks associated with traditional comfort foods. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids or dark chocolate in moderation can also enhance mood while supporting overall health. Social aspects of eating—such as sharing meals with loved ones—can amplify the emotional benefits of food without overindulgence.
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