The recent passing of actor Matthew Perry has brought attention to his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” which includes details about his relationship with the renowned actress Julia Roberts. In a poignant chapter of his memoir, Perry reminisces about their connection and the reasons behind their breakup.
Perry and Roberts initially developed a friendship before she made a guest appearance in the second season of the popular sitcom “Friends.” During her cameo, she insisted on her character having a romantic involvement with Chandler Bing, portrayed by Perry.
In the early days of their connection, they relied on fax communication, as it was a time before the internet and cell phones. Perry couldn’t help but admire Roberts’ intelligence and her unique way of perceiving the world. He wrote, “The way she strung sentences together, the way she saw the world, the way she articulated her unique thoughts, all was so captivating.”
Their courtship lasted for three months, characterized by daily exchanges of hundreds of messages sent via fax. Perry was genuinely fascinated by their communication, eagerly awaiting each message as it unveiled Roberts’ thoughts.
Their relationship deepened to the point where they became a couple even before they began filming the famous “Friends” Super Bowl episode. However, after dating for six months, Perry made the difficult decision to end the relationship, a move that came as a shock to Roberts.
In his memoir, Perry candidly explained his decision, stating that dating Julia Roberts had been emotionally challenging for him. He constantly feared that she would eventually break up with him, doubting his self-worth. Perry’s insecurities led him to the conclusion that he was not enough for Roberts and that he could never be enough. To avoid the impending heartache of being left, he decided to end the relationship himself.
Matthew Perry’s memoir provides an intimate look into his personal life and relationships, shedding light on the challenges he faced during his Hollywood career and personal journey.
