PHOTO: Matthew Perry. ABC NEWS
Beloved “Friends” star, Matthew Perry, made a significant impact both on and off the screen. In his final years, the actor underwent a profound transformation.
Perry, who passed away at the age of 54 over the weekend, experienced a turbulent journey in real estate, trading his expansive mansions for a more humble cottage while wrestling with personal challenges.
As the world continues to mourn his loss, insiders have disclosed that Perry grappled with a profound sense of loneliness in the years leading up to his passing. A source revealed, “He had a heart of gold and was dedicated to helping others, but he battled loneliness. Most of his days were spent in solitude at home.”
Matthew Perry purchased this four-bedroom cottage in 2020. Picture: Realtor via Sotheby’s International Realty
Now eerie photos show the jacuzzi at the home. Picture: Realtor via Sotheby’s International Realty
In the summer of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Perry purchased a 280 sqm cottage in Los Angeles for $6 million (AU$9.4 million). This marked a significant shift from his previous Malibu residence, a sprawling 510 sqm oceanfront property, which he listed around the same time he acquired the cottage. The Malibu mansion eventually sold for $13.1 million (AU$20 million) three years ago.
Perry also possessed an opulent 854 sqm Los Angeles penthouse, purchased in 2017 for $20 million (AU$32 million). He initially listed it for a staggering $35 million but sold it in 2021 for $21.6 million. This year, the penthouse changed hands for $21 million, acquired by music sensation Rihanna.
Perry’s final residence, located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, was a mid-century ranch-style property that had recently undergone renovations. Featuring four bedrooms and four bathrooms, the cottage boasted floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of the Pacific Coast and Catalina Island.
Inside, the house showcased oak floors throughout, a spacious main room encompassing living and dining areas, and an eat-in kitchen with a remarkable floor-to-ceiling wine rack. Among its four bedrooms, two were master suites, each offering sliding doors leading to pergolas. Outdoors, the grounds featured a raised pool with a view of the ocean and a fire pit. Perry had added a new pool to the property during his ownership.
Shortly before his passing, Perry shared a poignant photo on Instagram, seated in a hot tub with headphones on, captioned with, “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman.” He also posted a video of the moon, alluding to Batman, writing, “Do you understand what I’m trying to tell you? – I’m Mattman.” Tragically, Perry was found dead in the jacuzzi just days later.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the news, stating that they responded to a death investigation on October 28.
Perry’s journey in his final years was marked by a profound transformation. Just a year before his untimely death, he openly admitted his desire for enduring love and the chance to become a father.
Despite high-profile relationships with stars like Julia Roberts and Lizzy Caplan, Perry often ended these relationships due to irrational fears. He acknowledged, “I manifest something that’s wrong with them, and then I break up with them. But there can’t be something wrong with everyone. I’m the common denominator. I left first because I thought they were going to annihilate me.”
His battle with drug and alcohol addiction further complicated his love life, leading him through 15 rehab stints. It wasn’t until he achieved sobriety in May 2021 that Perry stated he had conquered his fear of love. He declared, “I’m not controlled by the fear I used to be. Everything’s kind of different. I’m feeling more confident, and I’m not afraid of love anymore, so the next girl I go out with better watch out.”
Matthew Perry’s former Malibu home he had owned for nearly a decade. Picture: Realtor via Anthony Barcelo
Perry was most recently engaged to his literary manager, Molly Hurwitz, but their relationship faced challenges in 2021 as he struggled with alcoholism.