Matthew Perry’s Wistful Words About the Family He Wanted — but Never Had (Exclusive)

Matthew Perry was looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life a year before his sudden death.

Ahead of the publication of his memoirs in 2022 Friends, lovers and the big scary thingthe Friends alum opened up to PEOPLE about his changed view of love and his desire to become a father.

Perry admitted that he “had a tremendous amount of fear” about love, but “through a lot of work, I got over that fear. I’m going to learn along the way.”

“What has changed about me is that I have no interest in hanging out with someone I don’t know or someone I don’t like,” he continued. “The next person I really take seriously is someone I’m going to be in love with, and I’m not going to be afraid of the things that used to scare me.”

Matthew Perry arrives at the premiere of “Ride” at ArcLight Hollywood on April 28, 2015.

Angela Weiss/Getty

Matthew Perry dead at 54 after apparent drowning

“I’m not driven by the fear that was before, so everything is somehow different,” he added. “I feel more confident and I’m not afraid of love anymore, so I better watch out for the next girl I go out with.”

Perry also said he feels ready to be a father and start a family.

As a dad, “I think I’d be great. I really am,” he said. “I grew up with a lot of young kids around me and that’s probably why, but I can’t wait.”

Friends Creators mourn death of ‘brilliant talent’ Matthew Perry: ‘The sweetest, most giving and selfless heart’

The actor reflected on why he was the one who ended almost all of his past relationships – including engagements – before changing his mind.

“That’s what I was afraid of,” he explained. “That’s what I manifest, something that’s wrong with them. And then I break up with them.”

He continued, “But there can’t be anything wrong with all of them. I’m the common denominator. I left first because I thought they were going to destroy me.”

Matthew Perry visits SiriusXM Studios on March 30, 2017.

Matthew Eisman/Getty

Matthew Perry once said his favorite things about himself are ‘Caring for others’ and ‘Never giving up’

Perry died Saturday at his Los Angeles home of apparent drowning, TMZ first reported. He was 54 years old. Law enforcement sources said no drugs were found at the scene, and there were no signs of foul play.

A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson later told PEOPLE on Saturday 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.

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The actor’s family released a statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, saying, “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and as a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring love.”

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Source: HIS Education