Matthew Perry has expressed conflicting emotions about earning $1 million per episode on the television show Friends. In an exit interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2004, Perry revealed that he felt guilty after negotiating his historic paycheck with his co-stars. Despite the immense financial success, Perry acknowledged that he was grateful for the opportunity to do what he loved on the show.

Having played the character Chandler Bing, Perry cherished the creative experience of working alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. In a recent cover story with PEOPLE, Perry reflected on the joy he found in filming the ten-season sitcom and how it possibly saved his life.

Recognizing his struggle with addiction, Perry explained that the demanding schedule and high income prevented him from indulging in excessive drinking. 

However, he would willingly give up his fame and fortune to rid himself of addiction. Perry tragically passed away on October 28, 2022, at the age of 54. His Friends co-stars, along with the show's creators and executive producer, expressed their devastation and celebrated Perry's talent and kind-hearted nature. Perry was laid to rest on November 3 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, with all five of his Friends co-stars attending the service.