Jennifer Aniston revealed in an interview that she exchanged texts with her close friend Matthew Perry on the day he died.
"He wasn't struggling," Aniston said in an interview with "Variety" published Monday.
Perry, 54, was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles-area home in October. An official cause of death is not yet known.
The actor, who starred alongside Aniston in the hit show "Friends," opened up about his struggles with addiction in a memoir published in 2022.
Aniston told "Variety" that Perry said "he'd love to be remembered."
"He was happy. He was healthy. He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy — that's all I know," she said in the joint interview with Reese Witherspoon, who she stars with on "The Morning Show."
"I was literally texting with him that morning, funny Matty. He was not in pain. He wasn't struggling. He was happy," Aniston said.
"It's important people know that," Witherspoon chimed in.
"It is," Aniston agreed, and Witherspoon held Aniston's hand as she started crying, according to "Variety."
Aniston and "Friends" Cast Mourn the Loss of Matthew Perry
"I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He was on a pursuit. He worked so hard. He really was dealt a tough one. I miss him dearly. We all do. Boy, he made us laugh really hard," Aniston said.
Following Perry's death, Aniston and the rest of the "Friends" cast expressed their grief and shared their memories of their friend. In a statement, they said, "We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we're going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss."
Perry was known for his role as Chandler Bing, the sarcastic character on the popular show about a group of friends living in New York City. Fans and fellow stars paid tribute to Perry after his death, with the five "Friends" co-stars sharing their own heartfelt messages on Instagram. The West Village apartment used in exterior shots of the sitcom became a gathering place for fans to pay their respects.
Aniston expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love, saying, "It's so beautiful. I hope he can know that he was loved in a way he never thought he was."
Witherspoon also acknowledged the strong bond between the "Friends" cast, saying, "It's incredible what was born of those friendships, and how you guys have always taken care of each other for years and years."
Reese Witherspoon, known for her roles in films such as "Legally Blonde" and "Walk the Line," made a guest appearance in the popular TV show "Friends." In two episodes, she played the sister of Jennifer Aniston's character, Rachel Green. Witherspoon expressed her gratitude for being part of the show, stating that she felt like Alice in Wonderland, observing the talented cast in action. She admitted to being in awe of their skills, acknowledging that they were in a league of their own.
Aniston, who portrayed the character of Rachel Green, praised Matthew Perry's unique way of speaking, which added a whole different dimension to the show. She revealed that they followed Perry's lead, allowing his style to enhance their enjoyment on set.
