Jennifer Aniston Shares Private Words from Matthew Perry before His Death: 'I'll Keep Them Forever'

• In a heartfelt tribute, Jennifer Aniston shares private moments and cherished texts from her dear friend and "Friends" co-star, Matthew Perry, following his recent passing.
• Aniston's Instagram post unveils the profound impact Perry had on their lives, emphasizing his relentless commitment to making others laugh.
• Before his death, Perry had published a memoir in which he revealed that he had a crush on Aniston and was immediately taken by her the first time they met.

On the iconic sitcom "Friends," where laughter was a universal language, Matthew Perry, the mastermind behind Chandler Bing's wit, faced a silent battle that went beyond the set. His journey unfolded in the shadow of substance abuse struggles intertwined with the genuine camaraderie of the cast. But one bond stood out—the enduring friendship between Perry and Jennifer Aniston.

For over a decade, Perry brought laughter to households worldwide as Chandler Bing. But behind the scenes, he faced a relentless battle with drugs and alcohol, a struggle that once brought him to the brink of death. Perry's resilience and the camaraderie of the "Friends" cast became the backdrop to a real-life narrative that unfolded beyond the scripted humor.

A Family Beyond the "Friends" Set

Following Perry's passing, Aniston took to Instagram to share a touching tribute. Through a throwback photo, a screenshot of their text exchange, and a clip from "Friends," Aniston painted a vivid picture of their shared moments. The heart of the tribute lay in a text where Perry expressed that making Aniston laugh was the highlight of his day.

Aniston's heartfelt caption unveiled a deep connection forged on the set of "Friends." In the face of Perry's passing, she acknowledged the profound impact he had on their lives. The "6 of us" from "Friends" wasn't just a scripted ensemble; it was a chosen family that forever altered their paths.

Perry's role as the laughter-bringer became a defining element of this chosen family, shaping their collective DNA. In the tribute, Aniston wrote:

"In the last couple weeks, I've been poring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again. I'll keep them forever and ever."

Unveiling Perry's Struggles: A Candid Revelation

A year before his untimely death, Perry bared his soul in the memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing." In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, he shared the secrets he had concealed for years, aiming to offer hope to others battling similar demons.

Perry's struggle with addiction, detailed in his memoir, revealed a perilous journey. The actor found himself entangled in a drug and alcohol problem and would even take up to 55 Vicodin pills a day, escalating his pill problem to dangerous levels.

The memoir became a beacon of hope, a testament to Perry's courage in confronting his demons. He shared that he had been in a coma and almost lost his life at least once. Perry, recalling a pivotal moment, shared how Aniston's candid confrontation about his drinking became a wake-up call.

Her concern and outreach during his darker periods highlighted the depth of their friendship and Perry's gratitude for her unwavering support.

The Early Days of Friendship

Perry and Aniston's friendship had its roots in the pre-"Friends" era, marked by a crush, regrettable confessions, and the awkward dance of early friendship. Their journey from potential romantic entanglement to genuine friendship showcased the healing power of time and shared laughter. In his memoir, he revealed:

"I was immediately taken by her (how could I not be?)"

Perry's initial crush on Aniston, documented in his memoir, led to awkward interactions and a regrettable confession. However, fate intervened, and the two found themselves becoming friends once again. Perry's crush evolved into a warm camaraderie, with laughter bridging the initial awkwardness.

Aniston, in an emotional interview nearly twenty years before his passing, acknowledged Perry's struggle with addiction. Her tears revealed the depth of concern for her co-star, emphasizing that despite the challenges, Perry was "having a road, but he's all right."

As we bid farewell to Matthew Perry, Aniston's tribute offers a glimpse into the heart of their enduring friendship. Beyond the scripted lines of "Friends," the laughter they shared remains a cherished legacy.