Matthew Perry and Julia Roberts had a whirlwind romance in the mid-1990s, but Perry’s ongoing struggles with addiction ultimately took a toll on their relationship. The former Friends star, who died suddenly on October 28 at age 54, detailed his romance with Roberts in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Perry revealed that Roberts agreed to guest star on Friends in 1996 only if she could be part of his character Chandler’s storyline. Thrilled by the prospect, Perry sent Roberts three dozen red roses with a note expressing his excitement. Their flirtatious exchange quickly blossomed into a three-month relationship, with the two communicating frequently by fax.
However, the pressures of fame and Perry’s inner turmoil began to strain the relationship. In his memoir, Perry wrote that he constantly feared Roberts would break up with him.
“I was not enough; I could never be enough; I was broken, bent, unlovable,” he admitted. Instead of facing potential heartbreak, Perry made the difficult decision to end things with the “beautiful and brilliant” Roberts.
After their split, Perry’s battles with alcoholism and drug addiction intensified. His substance abuse issues became increasingly public as he faced challenges in his personal and professional life. Despite making efforts to get help, Perry’s addiction remained a lifelong struggle.
Tragically, Perry died on Roberts’ birthday, October 28. While the cause of death has not been officially released, authorities found a concerning amount of ketamine in his system after he was discovered unresponsive in a bathtub at his Los Angeles home. Multiple arrests have been made in connection with the investigation into his overdose.
Roberts, who remained supportive of Perry even after their romance ended, has not publicly commented on his death. But the timing, on her birthday, adds a layer of poignancy to the loss of her former love. Their relationship, while brief, left a lasting impact on both stars.
Perry’s memoir and the circumstances surrounding his death have shone a light on the personal toll his addiction took over the years. His struggles, which strained his relationship with Roberts, ultimately contributed to his untimely passing. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the devastating impact substance abuse can have on individuals and their loved ones.
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