Matthew Perry was “incredibly happy” and “having fun” before his death, a source tells PEOPLE.
54 year old Friends star died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday of apparent drowning.
Five days before his death, Perry posted an Instagram post of himself in a hot tub. He captioned the photo: “Oh so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman.”
It was the sixth in a series of “Mattman” posts he shared after watching 2022. Batman starring Robert Pattinson.
The day before the hot tub photo, the actor posted a video of the moon and wrote: “Do you understand what I’m trying to say? – I’m Mattman.” On Tuesday, Perry published on X and said: “Let’s make stigma stigma. -I’m Mattman #mentalhealth.”
The actor’s love for Batman is well documented, including in his memoirs, Friends, lovers and the big scary thingwhere he declares several times: “I am Batman.” In fact, the book ended with a chapter entitled “Batman”.
“One day you too might be called upon to do something important, so be ready for it,” he writes in the last lines of the book. “And when whatever happens, just think, What would Batman do? and do it.”
According to a source, Perry’s recent announcements about “Mattman” stemmed from an idea the actor was working on for the show. “He was having fun,” says the source.
A source says Perry has also signed on to star in a new drama film, unworthywhich was on hold due to the strike, and recently moved to its new home after renovations.
“He was incredibly happy,” the source adds.
Matthew Perry.
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Matthew Perry dead at 54 after apparent drowning
TMZ first reported the actor’s death, citing law enforcement sources who said no drugs were found at the scene, nor were there any signs of foul play.
Later Saturday, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that officers responded to a call at Matthew’s address regarding the death of a man in his 50s, although authorities would not confirm the identity of the deceased.
The co-creators and executive producer of ‘Friends’ released a joint statement on Sunday, saying: “We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by the death of our beloved friend Matthew. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as a part of our lives. He was a brilliant talent.”
Perry’s family also released an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, saying, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. “Matthew has brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and as a friend.” They added: “You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the huge outpouring of love.”
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Matthew Perry fans honor the late actor with a tribute at Chandler Bing Friends Apartment in NYC
A year before his death, Perry detailed the kind of legacy he would like to leave behind. “I’d like to be remembered as someone who lived well, loved well, was a seeker,” the actor told Tom Power for Q with Tom Power podcast 2022 “And his most important thing is that he wants to help people,” Perry added. “That’s what I want.”
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Source: HIS Education