Connect with us

Culture

Matthew Perry Found Dead: ‘The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken’

Published

1 year ago

on


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. 

matthew perry

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.

matthew perry

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. 

matthew perry

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. 

Welcome cannabis aficionados! Thanks for making your way to Cannadelics.com, an independent news site going deep into the worlds of cannabis, psychedelics, and well beyond. We’re big on updates, so come by regularly. And get yourself signed up to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, for the best in related product offerings, as well.



Source link

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

3 Wise Men

Three Wise Men Give Marijuana Strain Gift Suggestions

Published

2 days ago

on

December 20, 2024

By


It has become a popular gift with over 20% of the population putting it under the train. So we asked 3 wise man what to give (or consume) during the season.

The holiday season is a special time of year with a combination of Christmas, Hannakuh, and more are the modern hoildays descended from pagan holidays. Food, celebrations, gifts and a hint of something magical are all part of the holidays.  With Christmas, the three wise men bring gifts to the baby Jesus being steered by a star.  As we head into the last part of the season, why not think of the perfect gift to give or for yourself.  We have three wise men give marijuana strain gift suggestions to share with our readers.

RELATED: Can Pets Use Medical Marijuana or CBD

Terran Cooper, one of the rising stars of the industry and a part of the firm Falcon Rappaport & Berman who works in the cannabis industry.  New York based, he says while there are several great strains, he has two to share for the holiday season.

One of my favorite day time strains, Pineapple Express has skyrocketed in popularity following the 2008 film by the same name. This strain is one of the more energetic strains that I’ve come across, allowing for a nice balance between productivity and relaxation this holiday season. Its joyful and uplifting effects may pair nicely with last minute holiday tasks in addition to any festivities. Though infrequent consumers beware – its relatively high THC content means that a little can go a long way.

Beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts under a festive tree with glowing lights.

Andrew Laub, managing partner of Keneh Ventures and CEO of Cannabition, is a leader in the industry and shared his favorites. Golden Goat is my secret to finding joy in any moment, especially during the holiday season. Its tropical, citrusy flavor is bright and uplifting, just like its effects. I love how it gives me an energized, creative boost without feeling overwhelming, making it perfect for everything from decorating the house to hosting friends. It’s my reminder to savor the fun and chaos of the holidays.

Granddaddy Purple is like my personal escape when the holiday rush gets overwhelming. I love its rich, grape-like flavor and how it helps me unwind at the end of a busy day. Whether I’m binge-watching holiday movies or enjoying quiet time by the fireplace, this strain makes everything feel a little cozier and more magical.

Sour Diesel is my motivation when there’s too much to do and not enough time. Its energizing, citrusy aroma wakes me up, and its focus-boosting effects help me tackle long to-do lists with ease. I love using it to power through holiday prep, whether I’m wrapping gifts, planning meals, or brainstorming creative ways to make the season special.

RELATED: Holiday Hangover? Here’s How To Stop It Before It Strikes

Online cannabis influencer Miguel a.k.a Miggy420 (@miggy420) believes consumption of cannabis is a personal experience with everyone being different. He sees the endocannabinoid system as unique as snowflakes in winter. Some smoke to wash away ills, others to wash away the ills of society. He shared his two favorites.

Vin Diesel Diesel is a sativa grown by Dewey’s Cultivars. Her beauty matches her taste with gassy hits reminiscent of early 2000 diesel strains I would buy in the traditional market. These growers come with a biochemical background and it shows with this plant, pure bliss – and this is coming from someone who prefers indicas.

If you’re looking for something post family events i.e you just realized the debt you incurred for the little ones or you’re just happy your conspiracy Uncle is gone, I recommend Gelato Cake by Agro Couture. This indica dominant hybrid will have your mind drifting away and able to focus on what it is you really wanted to do, hot box your bedroom and binge watch YouTube.

Enjoy these suggestions and may everyone have a great holiday season.

 



Source link

Continue Reading

Canada

Teen Marijuana Use Continues To Drop With Legalization

Published

3 days ago

on

December 20, 2024

By


In another positive reason for cannabis legalization – teen use continues to drop.

One of the great arguments against marijuana legalization is it will lead to more youth partaking. This argument is brought out, despite teen alcohol use continuing to be a problem. Now, a new study shows teen marijuana is continuing to decline, coinciding with the increasing legalization of cannabis for adult use across the United States. This trend contradicts predictions made by opponents of legalization, who argued that easier access would lead to increased youth consumption.

According to the latest Monitoring the Future (MTF) Survey, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), cannabis use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders is now lower than before the first states began enacting adult-use legalization laws in 2012. This decline is part of a broader trend of decreasing youth drug use, which has reached historic lows since the coronavirus pandemic.
Photo by 2H Media via Unsplash

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported an 18% decrease in the percentage of 12- to 17-year-olds who had ever tried marijuana from 2014 to 2023. Additionally, current marijuana use among this age group fell by 19%. Similarly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavioral Survey found a 26% reduction in the percentage of high schoolers identifying as current cannabis consumers between 2013 and 2023.

Researchers attribute this decline to several factors:

  1. Regulated markets: Licensed dispensaries require proof of age, making it more difficult for teenagers to obtain marijuana.
  2. Effective ID policies: Studies show high compliance rates among licensed cannabis retailers in checking customer IDs.
  3. Shifting perceptions: There has been a significant drop in youth perceptions that cannabis is easy to access, despite the widening adult-use marketplace.

The trend is not limited to the United States. A Canadian study found high school students reported more difficulty accessing marijuana since the country legalized it nationwide in 2019

These findings support the argument that regulated marijuana markets for adults, with appropriate safeguards, can effectively deter youth access and use. The data suggests that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides regulated access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse.

As more states consider legalizing marijuana, this evidence can inform policymakers and public health officials in developing effective strategies to protect youth while allowing adult use. The ongoing decline in teen marijuana use demonstrates that legalization, when properly implemented, does not necessarily lead to increased adolescent consumption and may even contribute to its reduction.



Source link

Continue Reading

alcohol

The Best Cocktails To Make You Feel Festive

Published

3 days ago

on

December 19, 2024

By


Lean into the joy of the holiday season with this merry cocktails – delight your taste buds and favorite people!

According to TikTok, it s the most wonderful, stressful, fun, boozy time of year. So why not lean into the season and make merry with something fun. Here are the best cocktails to make you feel festive, no matter what the situation. Plus, these are drinks you can make quickly with minimum effort and maximum fun. Pour one of these concoctions and have a moment of peace or share them with the one you like, love or tolerate at work. Sip, savor and bring a little ho ho ho into the moment.

RELATED: Beer Sales Flatten Thanks To Marijuana

Christmas Old Fashioned

Here is a way to settle into a cozy beverage which will warm your body and soul. Bourbon has been part of the holidays for generations…and you can make this a new tradition.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 2 dashes bitters
  • 2 dashes orange juice
  • Garnish: cinnamon stick and orange peel

Create

  • Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice

  • Stir for 20 seconds

  • Strain into a rocks glass with ice

  • Garnish with orange peel and a cinnamon stick

White Bishop

Easy, Tasty Egg Nog

You either you love it or hate it, but Egg Nog is a holiday staple. This recipe makes it lighter, tasty and a wee dangerous since it is so good. It bring a whole new take on a staid drink.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz store bought egg nog
  • 1 oz milk (2% is the best)
  • small splash vanilla
  • 1 oz Licor 43

Create

  1. Combine egg nog, milk and vanilla
  2. Stir until well mixed
  3. Add Licor 43 and stir again
  4. Pour into a fun glass and enjoy

White Bishop

The Bishop’s Wife is a great holiday movie filled with the Christmas spirit and some never ending booze. This drink is an embraces the fun, warmth, snow, and spirit of the evening.  Perfect as a dessert drink, a morning treat or just to lift your holiday mood.

  • 2 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz heavy cream
  • 1 oz Frangelico or Licor 43
  • Small splash of vanilla

Create

  1. Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice
  2. Shake for 20 seconds
  3. Strain into a martini glass

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail

Nothing says celebration like bubbles. Whether you use champagne or prosecco, this is bound to bring a smile to your face. And the poinsettia is Christmas tradition since

Ingredients

  • 1/2 oz orange liqueur
  • 3 oz cranberry juice
  • 3 oz of champagne or prosecco
  • Garnish with fresh cranberries

Create

  1. Pour orange liqueur and cranberry juice into a chilled champagne flute
  2. Stir well
  3. Top with champagne
  4. Garnish with a few fresh cranberries

Have a great holiday season!



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending

Copyright © 2021 The Art of MaryJane Media