Actress Lauren Graham recently shared a heartwarming anecdote about the late actor Matthew Perry, revealing that he had gifted her a pickleball set for her birthday in March 2023. Graham mentioned that Perry, known for his love of tennis and pickleball, had attached a card to the present with the message 'Be Older.' Despite never officially being in a romantic relationship, Graham described Perry as an important figure in her life, referring to him as a friend and a constant presence.
Graham reminisced about her intermittent connection with Perry over the years, highlighting his recent reentry into her life. The actress expressed disbelief over Perry's untimely passing in October 2023 at the age of 54, attributing it to an accidental drowning in his hot tub due to the effects of ketamine use.
Perry, best known for his role on the popular sitcom 'Friends,' had released a memoir titled 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing' the year before his death. In the memoir, he candidly discussed his struggles with addiction, his experiences on the show, and his personal relationships. The book also featured a photo of Perry with Graham, captioned as 'Me and the beautiful Lauren Graham.'
Graham fondly recalled Perry's infectious sense of humor and the joy he brought into her life, emphasizing the deep connection they shared as friends. She praised Perry's dedication to using his life experiences to help others, as evidenced by his commitment to sharing his story in his memoir.
Reflecting on her relationship with Perry, Graham highlighted the profound impact he had on her, noting that he had a unique ability to make her laugh like no one else. Despite their romantic history in the early 2000s, Graham emphasized the special bond they had as friends.
Currently, Graham is known for her long-term relationship with actor Peter Krause, which lasted over a decade before their split in 2021. The actress continues to cherish the memories of her friendship with Perry and the positive influence he had on her life.
