For Friends fans, the death of Matthew Perry was more than the loss of a beloved actor — it felt like losing an old friend who had made them laugh through some of life’s hardest days. Now, nearly two years after his passing, Jennifer Aniston has opened up about her co-star’s long battle with addiction and the heartbreak of saying goodbye.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Aniston revealed the cast’s struggle to help Perry, whose journey with substance abuse was no secret. “We did everything we could when we could,” she said. “It almost felt like we’d been mourning Matthew for a long time because his battle with that disease was a really hard one for him to fight. As hard as it was for all of us and for the fans, there’s a part of me that thinks this is better. I’m glad he’s out of that pain.”
A Shocking Loss
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing, died on October 28, 2023, at his Los Angeles home. His autopsy cited “acute effects of ketamine” as the cause of death, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine — used for opioid use disorder — as contributing factors.
The news devastated Friends fans around the globe. Many said they returned to the sitcom for comfort, though watching now feels different without Perry’s presence.
In a joint statement after his death, Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Courteney Cox wrote: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
The Troubling Truth Behind Perry’s Final Weeks
According to a report by ABC7.com, a federal investigation revealed that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old physician, illegally supplied Perry with ketamine in the weeks before his death. The doctor pleaded guilty to four felony counts of distributing the drug without a legitimate medical purpose.
Prosecutors say Plasencia repeatedly gave Perry the anesthetic — even after seeing troubling side effects like freezing up and dangerously high blood pressure — and left more for the actor’s assistant to inject. Text messages cited in court painted a grim picture, with Plasencia allegedly referring to Perry as a “moron” and discussing how much money he could make by becoming his “go-to” supplier.
The Wider Case
Plasencia is the fourth person to plead guilty in connection with Perry’s death. Three others, including Perry’s assistant, another friend, and a second doctor, have also admitted their roles. Authorities are still pursuing charges against alleged dealer Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen,” accused of selling Perry the fatal dose. She has pleaded not guilty and faces trial next month.
While Perry had been receiving ketamine legally for depression treatment under another doctor’s care, prosecutors say he sought more than his provider was willing to give. The combination proved deadly.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Aniston revealed the cast’s struggle to help Perry, whose journey with substance abuse was no secret. “We did everything we could when we could,” she said. “It almost felt like we’d been mourning Matthew for a long time because his battle with that disease was a really hard one for him to fight. As hard as it was for all of us and for the fans, there’s a part of me that thinks this is better. I’m glad he’s out of that pain.”
A Shocking Loss
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing, died on October 28, 2023, at his Los Angeles home. His autopsy cited “acute effects of ketamine” as the cause of death, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine — used for opioid use disorder — as contributing factors.
The news devastated Friends fans around the globe. Many said they returned to the sitcom for comfort, though watching now feels different without Perry’s presence.
In a joint statement after his death, Aniston, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Courteney Cox wrote: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
Jennifer Aniston on Matthew Perry’s passing:
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) August 11, 2025
“We did everything we could when we could. But it almost felt like we’d been mourning Matthew for a long time because his battle with that disease was a really hard one for him to fight. As hard as it was for all of us and for the… pic.twitter.com/ojJ9LMTU5I
The Troubling Truth Behind Perry’s Final Weeks
According to a report by ABC7.com, a federal investigation revealed that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 43-year-old physician, illegally supplied Perry with ketamine in the weeks before his death. The doctor pleaded guilty to four felony counts of distributing the drug without a legitimate medical purpose.
Prosecutors say Plasencia repeatedly gave Perry the anesthetic — even after seeing troubling side effects like freezing up and dangerously high blood pressure — and left more for the actor’s assistant to inject. Text messages cited in court painted a grim picture, with Plasencia allegedly referring to Perry as a “moron” and discussing how much money he could make by becoming his “go-to” supplier.
The Wider Case
Plasencia is the fourth person to plead guilty in connection with Perry’s death. Three others, including Perry’s assistant, another friend, and a second doctor, have also admitted their roles. Authorities are still pursuing charges against alleged dealer Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen,” accused of selling Perry the fatal dose. She has pleaded not guilty and faces trial next month.
While Perry had been receiving ketamine legally for depression treatment under another doctor’s care, prosecutors say he sought more than his provider was willing to give. The combination proved deadly.
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