The world mourned the loss of beloved actor Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the classic sitcom ‘Friends.’ Perry passed away at the age of 54 in Los Angeles on October 28, leaving a void in the hearts of fans worldwide. He was discovered unconscious in a hot tub, and despite the efforts of first responders, he could not be revived. Reports suggest that the actor had been engaged in a game of pickleball shortly before his tragic demise.
In a poignant revelation, Matthew Perry’s pickleball coach, Matt Manasse, shared that the actor was “doing really well” and had found solace in the sport. Perry, who had struggled with addiction to painkillers and alcohol for years, used pickleball as a means of recovery and also as a tool to help those undergoing rehabilitation at the center he had established.
Speaking to People Magazine, Manasse offered insights into Perry’s dedication to pickleball and his determination to use it for personal growth and to aid others. “He was doing an awesome job. He loved it. He came out five times a week, would always talk about it. (He) got so much better, always made everyone laugh. He was competitive, just a genuine, good guy – caring for everybody. Pickleball was his outlet. He really looked forward to it,” Manasse revealed. Perry’s competitive spirit and sense of humor made the sport a vital part of his life.
Perry’s coach continued to share how the actor’s struggles with drug abuse made pickleball a therapeutic endeavor. Matthew Perry had been candid about his addiction to painkillers, especially Vicodin, following a jet ski accident in 1997. He confessed to taking up to 55 pills a day at one point.
Manasse emphasized Perry’s unwavering commitment to helping others overcome addiction. “He had so much that he was doing with his rehab facility and trying to get people clean. He would bring them to teach them pickleball. He was just always trying to help people,” Manasse said. He recounted how Perry was consistently supportive, always saying, “Whatever you need. Anything you need, I’m there for you.” This reflected the actor’s selfless nature and dedication to the well-being of others.
The coach, who had spoken to his friend “Matty” just a week before his passing, wanted to ensure that the world remembered Matthew Perry as a compassionate individual who sought to make a positive impact. “He cared about everyone – your day was better when you saw him or when he called. He never missed an opportunity for a funny joke to make you laugh. Just a genuinely amazing person. Everyone should know he had a heart of gold,” Manasse concluded.
Matthew Perry’s legacy as an actor and his dedication to helping others through their battles with addiction and recovery will be cherished, and he will forever be remembered as more than just a talented performer.
Sources By Agencies
