In a recent episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, Sean Penn took a break from wrestling alligators and fighting crime (just kidding, we made that part up) to praise the late Matthew Perry for his no-holds-barred confessions about his rollercoaster relationship with alcohol and drugs.
Penn, who made a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance on Friends back in 2001, reminisced about his last encounter with Perry at the Los Angeles airport. Apparently, they were both there, probably arguing over the last bag of pretzels at the snack stand.
The 63-year-old Penn, who can neither confirm nor deny being a secret member of the Friends fan club, confessed, “I can’t claim to have known him well, but I liked him very much.” Well, who wouldn’t like Chandler Bing, the king of sarcastic one-liners?
Penn, who apparently skipped Perry’s memoir-reading club, admitted, “I hadn’t read the book, but I’ve watched several of his interviews about the work.” So, it’s safe to say he got the CliffsNotes version. But hey, who has time for books when there are flights to catch and Hollywood gossip to spread?
In a surprising twist, Penn lauded Perry for being “very intelligent and bold” about his struggles. We imagine Chandler responding with a sarcastic “Could I BE any bolder about my problems?” Penn continued, “And generously offering his experience to people to be helpful.” Because nothing says generosity like sharing tales of your wild days with substances.
Despite the tragic end, Penn couldn’t resist a somber reflection on Perry’s journey, musing, “It’s tragic, I can’t say that I was terribly surprised.” Well, thanks for the uplifting sentiment, Sean. We were all hoping for a laugh, but tragedy it is.
Penn, who may or may not moonlight as a medical expert, shared his thoughts on Perry’s physical state, suggesting, “Matthew got to leave that tale behind, and he got to give a lot of joy to a lot of people with his talent.” We’re just glad he didn’t leave the tale behind in the airport bathroom. Talk about a surprise for the cleaning crew!
Penn wished Perry’s family “well,” probably hoping they have a lifetime supply of laughter to balance out the tragic drowning part. So, here’s to Matthew Perry – may your tales be legendary, and may your pretzel stash in the afterlife be forever replenished.
“It's tragic, I can't say that I was terribly surprised."
Sean Penn speaks to Piers Morgan about the death of his Friends co-star Matthew Perry, whom he describes as “a talented guy”.
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— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 22, 2023