George Clooney Claims Matthew Perry 'Wasn't Happy' While Filming 'Friends'

In this segment, George Clooney vividly recounts Matthew Perry's fervent aspirations during his early days in Hollywood. Despite achieving the enviable role of Chandler Bing in Friends, Perry grappled with unforeseen challenges that cast shadows on his pursuit of happiness.

Clooney offers profound insights into the nuanced journey of an artist navigating the complexities of success and personal fulfillment in the competitive Entertainment industry.

“I knew Matt when he was 16 years old. We used to play paddle tennis together,” Clooney, 62, told Deadline in a December 19 interview. "He's about ten years younger than me. And he was a great, funny, funny, funny kid."

Clooney recalled Perry's desire to be cast as a regular on a television show.

"All he'd say to us — I'm talking about myself, [actor] Richard Kind, and [filmmaker] Grant Heslov — was, 'I just want to get on a sitcom, man.'" I just want to be on a regular sitcom and be the happiest man on the planet.' And he got on probably one of the best ever," Clooney recalled, adding that despite landing a starring role as Chandler Bing on Friends, Perry "wasn't happy."

Clooney provides an exclusive and intimate lens into the parallel sets of ER and Friends, where he observed Matthew Perry's struggles behind the scenes. The actor's emotional turmoil becomes palpable through Clooney's firsthand observations, emphasizing the difficulty in deciphering the signs of personal battles amid the relentless demands of the spotlight.

This segment serves as a raw exploration of the untold stories that unfold behind Hollywood's glossy façade.

Clooney mentioned Perry's story as a lesson.

"It also just tells you that success and money and all those things, it doesn't just automatically bring you happiness," he said. "You have to be happy with yourself and your life."

In this poignant exploration, we delve into the aftermath of Matthew Perry's addiction struggles and his untimely passing. George Clooney reflects on the heartbreaking reality that success and external accolades often fall short of guaranteeing genuine happiness.

Perry's tragic narrative becomes a powerful lesson, underscoring the profound truth that true contentment is an intricate and personal journey that transcends the glittering allure of Hollywood. Clooney's reflections invite us to contemplate the fragile nature of fame and the imperative need for inner fulfillment beyond external recognition.