Matthew Perry’s untimely death in October 2023 sent shockwaves through Hollywood and left a deep mark on those who knew and loved him — including his Friends co-star Maggie Wheeler. Known for her role as Janice, Perry’s hilarious and unforgettable on-screen love interest, Wheeler recently opened up about how she found unexpected comfort after his passing.
During a heartfelt interview on the Still Here Hollywood podcast, Wheeler shared a moving story of a spiritual moment that brought her peace. She recounted being alone in a neighbor’s pool, thinking about her late brother, who also died due to addiction — the same struggle Perry faced.
“I said, ‘Look out for him,’ and at that exact moment, two hawks flew overhead,” Wheeler recalled. “One circled around and seemed to guide the other, and together they passed right over me. It was a beautiful moment — if you believe in that kind of thing.”
The emotional connection between the two losses weighed heavily on Wheeler, who described Perry’s death as shocking despite his long public battle with substance abuse. “Even when you know the road someone is on, the day you find out they’re gone still takes you by surprise,” she said. “In Matthew’s case, it seemed like he had turned a corner.”
Perry had been open about his addiction struggles, revealing in his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing that he spent millions trying to achieve sobriety. He hoped to use his story to help others find their way to healing.
Wheeler praised Perry’s brilliance and unmatched sense of humor, reflecting the sentiments of millions of fans mourning his loss. “He was so incredibly funny and so talented,” she said.
While Perry’s passing remains a profound loss, for Wheeler, that one simple yet powerful moment — a pair of hawks flying overhead — offered a sense of peace and a belief that perhaps Perry is still watching over those he left behind.
