Matthew Perry’s Assistant Stayed by Ailing Actor’s Bed Every Night for 5 Months — She ‘Saved’ His Life

• Matthew Perry unexpectedly died in his home.
• The actor shared a close relationship with his assistant, Briana Brancato, who shared a heartwarming tribute for him.
• Perry also had a group of friends who were shocked about his sudden death.

Matthew Perry, the star behind the famous Chandler character on "Friends," died on October 28, 2023. The actor was found dead in his jacuzzi. As the story develops, reports state that the person who called the authorities was referred to as his assistant, but it was not confirmed if this was Perry's close friend, Briana Brancato.

Perry and his assistant, Brancato, were colleagues and close friends. The actor reportedly featured her in detail in his memoir under the pseudonym Erin. The two met at a rehab facility where Brancato worked.

While Perry was fighting his addiction, he connected with Brancato and decided to steal her from the rehab facility and make her his assistant. The actor had only good things to say about Brancato, describing her as his "'best friend," who "saved [his] life" and never left his bedside for the five months he spent in the hospital after his colon burst.

After being his assistant, she went on to pursue her dreams of becoming a personal trainer, making her Perry's coach and trainer. Another one of his friends and former trainer, Jon Paul Crimi, said he was doing well despite his struggles. "We all struggle occasionally, even nonaddicts, but Matthew seemed to be doing well." he reiterated.

Another one of his close friends, Matt Manasse, who was his pickleball coach, was also shocked by Perry's death. According to Manasse, Perry was at the court on the morning of his death.

Perry showing up for their match was no surprise for Manasse because the actor loved the sport and thought pickleball would help him a lot on his recovery journey.

The pickleball coach continued to praise Perry for his good heart and said, "He loved it. He came out five times a week and would always talk about it. [He] got so much better; he always made everyone laugh. He was competitive, just a genuine, good guy — caring for everybody."

Matthew Perry's Assistant Pays Tribute

When Perry first joined Instagram, his assistant commemorated the moment with a photo of the two of them and captioned it, "Help me welcome my boss...my friend."

Brancato shared a heartwarming message about Perry. She credited the actor for guiding her into her career for the past seven years. She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have seen Perry in action and to have been included in his life's adventures.

The loss of Perry has been heavy on Brancato, but she wants to hold on to their positive memories together. "My heart is heavy, but celebrating my memories is the most profound way to honor his legacy." she wrote before ending the tribute with the words, "You'll forever be in my heart. I love you, Matty."