FriendsCreator Marta Kauffman Urges Fans to Remember Matthew Perry 'Not as a Man Who Died' But by How He 'Brought Joy'

Mar. 15, 2025

Marta Kauffman, Matthew Perry.Photo:VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty; Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty; Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

It’s been nearly 30 years sinceMatthew Perryfirst won over the hearts ofFriendsfans as Chandler Bing when the show premiered in September 1994. And now, series creatorMarta Kauffmanis encouraging fans to remember the late actor for that very reason.

Speaking withThe Timesfor a 30th anniversary retrospective on the iconic television series, Kauffman opened up about how viewers should celebrate Perry, whodiedafter anaccidental drug overdoseon Oct. 28, 2023.

“Two things come to mind [about how to celebrate him]: one of them is to donate to drug treatment centers — let’s fight the disease,” she said.

“And the second way is to watchFriendsand remember him not as a man who died like that but as a man who was hilariously funny and brought joy to everybody,” Kauffman, 67, told the outlet.

Matthew Perry in 2022.Phillip Faraone/Getty

Phillip Faraone/Getty

After Perry’s death last year, Kauffman and herFriendsco-creatorDavid Craneappeared onTodayto speak about the last exchange they had with the beloved actor.

On Thursday, Aug. 15, federal authorities announced that five people, including two doctors and Perry’s personal live-in assistant, had been charged in connection with his death. TheDepartment of Justice announcedthat Jasveen Sangha and Dr. Salvador Plascencia are facing charges, while assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez were charged separately.

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves,” United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement. “In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well being.”

Matthew Perry in 2006.Michael Buckner/Getty

Michael Buckner/Getty

Perry’s stepfatherKeith Morrisonsaid in a statement to PEOPLE, one day after the news of the arrests, that he hoped for “justice” to be carried out in the case.

He added: “We’re hoping unscrupulous suppliers of dangerous drugs will get the message.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com