On Oct. 28, actor Matthew Perry, most known for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” was found dead in his hot tub at age 54. At present time, his cause of death is reported to be accidental drowning. 

Looking back on his life, Perry got into lots of trouble: smoking and stealing money at age 10. In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” he admits that his actions originated from feeling like an outsider in his own family. He watched his mother and stepfather create a happy household, while he felt out of place.

When he moved to L.A. with his father, he found his passion for acting—starring in his first major role as Chazz Russell on the television show “Second Chance.”

His big break came when he auditioned for the show “Six of One,” later known as “Friends.” He embodied the heart and portrayed the life that he lived off screen. 

In his personal memoir, Perry wrote, “When I read the script for ‘Friends Like Us,’ 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.”

Unfortunately, this newfound fame and wealth that resulted from the popularity of the show did not resolve his internal issues from the past— he continued his long-term struggles with smoking and drinking. In 1997, things took a turn for the worse after a jet-ski accident left him with an addiction to the painkiller Vicodin. 

Perry brought light into the homes of many by offering a glimpse into his life through Chandler. Although the world persisted in sending problems his way, he let his strength shine through by showing vulnerability.

Wellness counselor Pia Crosby stated, “It gives us insight into who he was as a person and how much he wanted to get better and hoped that his story could help others be better. Help doesn’t mean that you are weak, it means that you are courageous for asking.”