Lauren Graham is confident that Matthew Perry was in a positive state of mind before his untimely death. The former Gilmore Girls star shared her thoughts on her close relationship with the Friends actor and his passion for writing during a recent appearance on CBS Mornings. "In the last year, he was incredibly proud of the book he wrote and how it touched so many people," said the 56-year-old actress. "It brought him a level of happiness that I hadn't seen in him for a long time, so that's a comforting memory."

Graham expressed her shock and sadness over Perry's unexpected passing on October 28 at the age of 54.

Despite the tragedy, she highlighted the legacy he left behind through his beautiful work. "We can be thankful for that, and his book really meant something to him, so it was a genuinely happy year for him," she added.

The Parenthood star fondly remembered her friendship with Perry, describing him as someone who could make her laugh like no one else. "There was so much joy in being around him and being his friend," she reflected. Graham and Perry first met years ago and later starred together in the 2008 film Birds of America.

They remained close friends over the years, as evidenced by a photo of them together in Perry's memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, where he praised Graham as one of his favorite people.

In her own memoir, Talking As Fast As I Can, Graham shared that their friendship had a hint of romantic tension at times. "The only bright spot, dude-wise, was at an event where I met Matthew Perry," she wrote, referring to a period when she was single. "He became my longtime Friend Who I Almost But Never Exactly Dated, or FWIABNED."

Perry's memoir delved into his lifelong struggle with substance abuse and his journey to recovery. Reflecting his commitment to supporting and advocating for those facing addiction, the Matthew Perry Foundation has been established in his honor.

For those battling substance abuse or anyone who knows someone in need, please reach out to the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.