Mattew Perry
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
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INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER
The BELOVED STAR OF FRIENDS takes us behind the scenes of the hit sitcom and his struggles with addiction in this “CANDID, DARKLY FUNNY...POIGNANT” memoir (The New York Times)
A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK by Time, Associated Press, Goodreads, USA Today, and more!
“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”
So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.
In an extraordinary story that only he could tell―and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it―Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening―as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for.
Editorial Reviews
"Remarkable, startling, and heartfelt...The bravery of Perry’s book is not just in what he says, or how he says it, and how unflinching he is in his commitment to say it, but that he chose to say it at all." ―GQ
“Candid, darkly funny…starkly chronicling his decades-long cage match with drinking and drug use. Perry writes gratefully and glowingly…fans will find poignant nuggets in its pages.” ―The New York Times
“A heartbreakingly beautiful memoir.” ―People
"Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing is a raw, unflinching memoir that took courage to write. As it turns out, Matthew Perry has a lot of courage. He takes us through his addiction, his illness and his paralyzing loneliness. Somehow, during the course of his life, Matthew was able to turn his pain into comedic joy for others, but, he tells us, it was at a cost. Matthew takes us through his “hell” but doesn’t wallow. Ultimately, this book is filled with hope for the future. If you want to know about who Matthew Perry is, stay away from the rags and read this." ―Marta Kauffman, co-creator of the NBC sitcom Friends
About the Author
Matthew Perry, a Canadian-American actor, executive producer, and playwright, achieved recognition for his portrayal of Chandler Bing, characterized by wit and humor, in the immensely popular sitcom Friends (1994–2004). Regrettably, he departed from this life in October 2023.
Product details
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Publication
Flatiron Books
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Author
Mattew Perry
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Language
English
Lexile:
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Pages
272
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ISBN-13
9781250866448
In memory of the late Matthew Perry, his raw and candid memoir, penned before his untimely demise last year, serves as a poignant testament to his struggles and triumphs. Unflinchingly honest, Perry delves into deeply uncomfortable details, sharing the private facets of his life that he could have easily kept concealed. The pain emanates from the pages, providing clarity on the profound toll of his long-standing battles with addiction.
Despite his desire not to be primarily remembered for Friends, the iconic sitcom holds a significant place in the hearts of fans, and Perry acknowledges its impact. The happiest chapters in the book revolve around his casting in Friends and his experiences on set, even though addiction had its grip on him long before his arrival. The narrative explores various love interests and addresses his womanizing tendencies, shedding light on complex relationships, including an enigmatic end to his connection with Julia Roberts.
The focal point of the memoir remains Perry's relentless struggle with addiction, portraying palpable emotions of anger, pain, frustration, and a lifelong quest for normalcy amidst the demons of alcohol and drugs. It's a heartbreaking journey, showcasing the profound damage inflicted by the insidious disease.
While the autobiography unveils aspects of Perry's life that might be disheartening, it doesn't diminish the brilliance of his portrayal of Chandler in Friends. Chandler remains an integral part of the show, providing enduring laughter and tears upon every rewatch. The memoir, accompanied by photos spanning Perry's life, encapsulates his journey from birth to just before his passing, with a touching foreword by Lisa Kudrow. Despite the heart-wrenching revelations, Matthew Perry's legacy as a talented and charismatic actor endures, leaving an indelible mark on fans worldwide.
In my junior year of high school, Matthew Perry entered my life, becoming a weekly ritual as I joined millions in tuning in to watch Friends for a decade. Little did I know, 30 years later, I would discover a parallel journey with Matty. Having undergone over 20 surgeries, my life was marked by struggles, although not as extreme as Matty's, lacking the financial means for such expensive habits. However, like him, I had touchstone friends who loved and forgave me unconditionally despite my betrayals.
My journey with addictions and sobriety resembled a rollercoaster, always swinging drastically. News of great entertainers lost to alcohol or drugs struck a chord, yet it didn't bring about a change until I lost a friend who felt like a high school buddy. My daughter broke the news of Matthew Perry's death, and the tears flowed when I wasn't being watched.
I hesitated to read his book, knowing it would hurt profoundly. His experiences with prescriptions resonated with me, mirroring my fears and struggles. The parallels between our lives, aside from the vast differences in fame and fortune, were undeniable.
I own the book and the Audible version, the latter proving impactful with Matty's own voice. The three-day journey through it brought nightmares and tears, revealing a shared solace in front of the Pacific Ocean.
The last chapter shattered me, not due to a troubled life but because, like Matty, I found peace, love, and acceptance. Now, Friends plays in a constant loop in my house, a testament to laughter, happiness, and love—shared paths with Matty. Thank you for being my friend, Matthew.
Matthew Perry, the Canadian-American actor renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in Friends, left an indelible mark not just for his laughter-inducing performances but for the battles he faced in personal hells. His book, though incomplete in my reading, resonates with the resilience of a soul acquainted with horrors. Despite our shared laughter, he grappled with profound struggles, his untold pain etched in every line.
As a devoted fan, I've observed his life's changes, concerned about his health, and sought to understand the person behind the laughter. It saddens me to hold this posthumous book, warned of his absence at the outset. Yet, I'm certain he's found peace, leaving a legacy of soul, heart, and story to aid others.
This narrative, connecting us to Matthew before, during, and after Friends, serves as a poignant reminder that celebrities, too, are humans navigating their trials beneath the spotlight's pressures. Matthew Perry's life teaches us to respect the humanity in those who bring joy, urging us to appreciate their best while refraining from consuming superficial narratives. May this heartfelt tribute extend beyond critiques, promoting empathy and understanding for the struggles endured by those who, like Matthew, gifted the world with their laughter.