Julia Roberts, the acclaimed actress known for her role in “Pretty Woman,” recently opened up about the death of her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Perry, a renowned actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom “Friends”.
Perry died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, a date that coincidentally is also Julia Roberts’ birthday.
In a heartfelt interview with Entertainment Tonight, Roberts, 56, reflected on her brief relationship with Perry and her experience working on “Friends.” She described her guest appearance on the sitcom, where she played a childhood classmate of Perry’s character in the 1996 episode titled “The One After the Super Bowl,” as a memorable and enjoyable experience. The cast was extremely welcoming to her, and she holds “all good thoughts and feelings” about her time on the show.
Roberts and Perry’s relationship, as detailed in Perry’s 2022 memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” began when Roberts was considering her guest role on “Friends.” Perry endeavored to woo her by sending three dozen red roses and engaging in a unique exchange that involved Perry explaining quantum physics to her. This unconventional courtship led to a brief yet intense relationship, which Perry said he later ended due to his insecurities and feelings of inadequacy.
Perry’s death has been described as “heartbreaking” by Roberts, who emphasized the importance of appreciating life and continuing positively. She lamented the loss of someone so young and expressed her sorrow over Perry’s sudden passing.
In honor of Perry’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with addiction, his family has launched The Matthew Perry Foundation. The foundation aims to continue Perry’s legacy of support for those battling the disease of addiction, a cause close to Perry’s heart due to his own struggles with substance abuse.
Perry, who openly shared his battle with addiction, once expressed a desire to be remembered more for his efforts in helping others than for his television career. The Matthew Perry Foundation serves as a testament to his commitment to this cause.
Julia Roberts is currently starring in the film “Leave the World Behind,” a thriller that coincidentally includes references to “Friends.” Co-star Mahershala Ali noted the subtle inclusion of the show in the film as a beautiful way to honor Perry and the iconic sitcom.
Roberts, who married Danny Moder in 2002 and has three children, continues to cherish her memories with Perry and the impact he had on her life.