This week, hearts around the world broke as people heard about the tragic passing of a beloved actor Matthew Perry. Many know him as Chandler from “Friends,” and others know him as a hero for helping people overcome addiction and a heartwarming person. Matthew Perry, known lovingly as Matty to his co-stars,  was all of this and more.

Perry made an impact on many people’s hearts, and he was somebody to look up to.

It’s not just about mourning the character many know and love, Chandler Bing, but also mourning his true persona. Perry struggled with an opioid addiction and alcohol starting at the age of 14, and it lasted over three decades. According to Perry’s memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” during his addiction, there were days when he would take over 55 opioids a day. 

When Perry went to rehab, it wasn’t easy for him. He went a total of 15 times to rehab, over 6,000 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, detoxed over 65 times and spent around nine million dollars alone just to get sober. Once the star got sober, he wrote in his memoir, “I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker,” which is how he should be remembered because he has overcome dozens of obstacles.

In 2000, Perry was hospitalized due to alcohol induced-Pancreatitis. While already fighting an alcohol addiction, Perry became hooked on the opioids he was prescribed from a jet ski accident that took place in 1997 and first began his desire for them. Over three decades, his overuse of opioids led his colon to burst, leading him to need a colostomy bag for nine months. After being sober, Perry wanted to help other people do the same.

In 2013, Perry turned his home in Malibu into a sober living house, which was around for two years. Though the place was shut down, Perry had intended to start the idea again but never had the chance. Perry wanted to help people overcome such a dark time and instead, help fix it instead. He wrote “I’ve said this for a long time: When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned,” Perry said. “I want [helping people] to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that,” which he did.

While Perry may be gone, he must be remembered for all of his accomplishments and his striking personality. The best way to honor him is to be kind and help others.