When Julia Roberts recently opened up about her brief yet magical 1990s romance with the late Matthew Perry, she described the “Friends” star’s untimely death as “heartbreaking.” But behind the tragic end lies a fascinating story of how, for a few wonderful months, Matthew Perry managed to woo and win over America’s sweetheart herself.
Julia Roberts and Matthew Perry, From Costars to Couple
It all started in 1996 when Matthew Perry, at the height of his “Friends” fame, somehow convinced the A-list actress to guest star on the hit NBC sitcom. Clearly already smitten, Perry sent Roberts three dozen red roses with a card reading: “The only thing more exciting than the prospect of you doing the show is that I finally have an excuse to send you flowers.”
Matthew Perry later wrote in his memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” he was “grinning like some 15-year-old on his first date.” For her part, Roberts has since admitted she was extremely nervous for their first date, describing Perry as “clever and funny and handsome.” But things went well, as the two rapidly progressed from costars to red-hot couple, exchanging regular romantic faxes in those pre-texting days.
“It was like she was placed on this planet to make the world smile, and now, in particular, me,” Perry memorably wrote about falling for Roberts. But could the relationship between the major film star and the TV sitcom actor last?
The TV Guy Calls It Quits
After just three months of dating, Perry broke off the fairy-tale romance just as abruptly as it started. As he bluntly revealed in his memoir, “Instead of facing the inevitable agony of losing her, I broke up with the beautiful and brilliant Julia Roberts.” Ouch.
Perry regretted giving up his brief shot with Roberts, who he felt was way out of his league as just a “TV guy.” He heartbreakingly described the “look of confusion on her face” when he ended things. Nonetheless, Roberts has only positive memories of her “Friends” experience and dating Perry, telling ET she harbours “all good thoughts and feelings” about that special time.
But Why Did This Odd Couple Click?
On paper, the matchup between mega-famous movie siren Julia Roberts and sitcom star Matthew Perry seems bizarre. But perhaps these two stars from seemingly different worlds had more in common than meets the eye.
Both actors skyrocketed to fame at young ages, with all the attendant pressure and scrutiny that brings. As Perry later revealed, behind his funny on-screen persona lurked a man battling intense addiction issues. Perhaps Roberts’ luminous, light-hearted presence brought a ray of sunshine into his darker personal struggles.
As Perry wistfully wrote about falling for Roberts, “I was grinning like some 15-year-old on his first date.” For a man who had already achieved massive professional success, somehow the “Pretty Woman” actress made Perry feel young, giddy and alive again. And for a few exciting months, she seemed just as enthralled with him.
The One Who Got Away
While Perry enjoyed other high-profile romances, including with actress Lizzy Caplan in the early 2000s, he never quite seemed to get over losing Roberts. “I can’t begin to describe the look of confusion on her face” when he broke up with the actress, Perry wrote with evident regret.
Even amidst the later struggles with addiction that would eventually take his life, Roberts remained the one who got away for Perry. The woman he was convinced would leave him, so he abruptly left first.
But Roberts only has “all good thoughts” about their fling, showing she doesn’t harbour ill will over how things ended. Perhaps if Perry had realized that he was enough for Roberts rather than obsessing over his perceived flaws, the sweet-but-doomed couple could have defied the odds.
A Legacy That Goes Beyond “Friends”
While Perry remains best known as wisecracking Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends,” he hoped his legacy would involve something deeper. As he focused on his sober journey in his final years, Perry dreamed of being remembered for simply “living life, loving well” and especially for “helping people.”
Even immediately after the shocking news of Perry’s death, his close friends and “Friends” castmates highlighted his big heart and recovery advocacy rather than his acting fame. The Matthew Perry Foundation also swiftly launched to support others struggling with addiction, showing that Perry’s mission lives on even in tragedy.
Julia Roberts may always wonder what could have been with her late ex. But when she reflects on Matthew Perry’s lasting legacy, perhaps she can find some solace in the difference he continues to make for others through his foundation. As Roberts wisely said, appreciating the good memories and a “positive way” forward represents the most meaningful way to honour Perry’s remarkable life.
