George Clooney Says 'Friends' Didn't Bring Matthew Perry 'Joy Or Happiness Or Peace'

George Clooney is offering a poignant glimpse into the life of Matthew Perry by candidly expressing how the iconic sitcom "Friends" failed to bring the late actor the fulfillment he deserved. This sentiment, which Perry also shared while he lived, shed light on the hidden struggles even behind the brightest smiles.

In the heartfelt revelation, Clooney shared insights into Perry's battle with happiness after the massive success of "Friends," driven by his struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs. 

The 62-year-old recounted when the late star's dream of landing a sitcom role became a reality with the show in 1994, only to find that the achievement could not dispel the shadows that haunted him.

Clooney, who had known Perry since his teenage years, remembered the aspiring actor's heartfelt desire to star in a sitcom. In his own words, "He was a kid, and all he would say to us, I mean me, Richard Kind and Grant Heslov, was, I just want to get on a sitcom, man. I just want to get on a regular sitcom and I would be the happiest man on earth." 

However, even after joining one of the best sitcoms, Perry could not find the "joy, happiness, or peace" he longed for. Speaking to Deadline, the father-of-two shared, "He wasn't happy. It didn't bring him joy or happiness or peace."

During the '90s, when Clooney was filming "ER" and Perry was part of "Friends," the two actors worked side by side daily. Despite the proximity, Clooney admitted they had no idea about the late star's inner struggles. 

The four-time Golden Globe Awards winner reflected on Perry's confessions in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," shedding light on the heartbreaking reality of the late actor's battles with substances.

Clooney also emphasized a crucial lesson from the "Fools Rush In" actor's journey: "Success and money and all those things, it doesn't just automatically bring you happiness. You have to be happy with yourself and your life." 

Clooney's words echoed Perry's own haunting admission about recurring nightmares related to "Friends," where he feared a reunion that nobody cared about. His apprehensions stemmed from the worry about how a reboot might be received by viewers, fearing it could potentially tarnish the legacy of the beloved show.

Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing on the beloved show for its entire 10-season run, candidly shared, "I have this recurring nightmare—I'm not kidding about this. When I'm asleep, I have this nightmare that we do 'Friends' again and nobody cares."

He also explained that in his nightmares, the cast reunited to film a new series, only to be met with indifference from the audience. In response to the hypothetical question of a reboot, Perry asserted, "So if anybody asks me, I'm gonna say no."

However, he did agree to participate in a "Friends" reunion, a format distinct from a traditional reboot. The reunion episode featured the original cast coming together for a nostalgic discussion about the show rather than reprising their roles with a scripted season. 

In the wake of his untimely passing, the remaining cast members of the sitcom – Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer – want to come together to share their cherished memories of their late co-star.

Per The Blast, they are gearing up for the heartfelt tribute at the 75th Emmy Awards, scheduled for January 15, 2024, in Los Angeles. 

Despite the emotional nature of the situation, a source revealed that the cast members feel it is a fitting way to celebrate Perry's contributions to the show and the enduring bond they shared.

They shared insights into the cast's intentions, stating, "When it comes to Matthew's death, emotions are still running high, and it is still a very touchy situation, which is totally understandable. But Jen, Lisa, and the rest of the cast want to honor him publicly at some point and give him the tribute he so rightfully deserves – and there have been rumblings to do it at next year's Emmys."

The insider also emphasized, "If they can all agree on a worthy tribute and get the blessing of his family, they will absolutely get together to make that night a special moment for Matthew and all who loved him."