‘Friends’ co-creator says Matthew Perry was in a “really good place” before death
Friends co-creator Marta Kaufman has claimed Matthew Perry was “sober” and in a “really good place” shortly before his death.
On October 28th, the 54-year-old actor passed away in an apparent drowning in a hot tub at his home in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. An initial post-mortem was deemed inconclusive, leading to the request for a full toxicology report, which is likely to take several weeks. While prescription drugs were found in Perry’s home, no illegal substances were found on the premises.
Speaking on Today, Kauffman discussed her final conversation with the late actor, noting: “It was great. He was happy and chipper. He didn’t seem weighed down by anything. He was in a really good place, which is why this seems so unfair.”
While she was “concerned” about his health at the Friends reunion in 2021, as he’d recently been prescribed opioids after undergoing knee surgery, Kauffman’s most recent discussion with Perry left her feeling optimistic.
Kauffman said: “He seemed better than I had seen in a while. I was so thrilled to see that. He was emotionally in a good place, he looked good, he quit smoking…he learned things throughout this, and what he learned more than anything is that he wants to help other addicts. And it gave him purpose.”
As Perry seemed to be healthy, the news of his death arrived as a shock to Kauffman. “My first impulse was to text him, honestly,” she revealed. “And then deep sadness. It’s hard to grasp. You know, one minute he’s here and happy, and then poof. And doing good in the world. Really doing good in the world.”
Kauffman’s comments follow a joint statement made by Friends stars Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. 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,” they began.
The message concluded: “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.”
It is expected to take several weeks for the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office to complete its toxicology report into Perry’s death, which isn’t being treated as suspicious.
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