NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: ‘Friends’ star Matthew Perry was reported dead by TMZ on Saturday, October 28, sending a ripple of shock all across the world as fans and Hollywood stars mourned the actor’s death.
On Monday, following their weekend break, 'The View' hosts reacted to Perry's death, and most of them discussed the icon's struggle with addiction throughout the segment.
However, at the end of the segment, Whoopi Goldberg stepped in and interrupted her co-host Sara Haines.
Subsequent reports regarding Perry's death clarified that it did not involve foul play or drugs, and Goldberg emphasized this point on 'The View' as well.
‘The View’ hosts remember Matthew Perry
‘The View’ host and moderator, Whoopi Goldberg started the segment with an emotional message about ‘Friends’ icon Matthew Perry’s death, “You know, we were all beyond heartbroken to hear about the sudden passing of Matthew Perry.”
“He was just 54 years old, and we were very lucky to have him here last year when he was really open about overcoming his struggles with addiction, and he was really passionate about helping other people get through it,” added Goldberg, as ‘The View’ played a clip from Perry’s last appearance on the daytime talk show.
After the clip ended, Goldberg said, “He was quite something and really a funny guy.”
Following this Alyssa Farah Griffin chimed in, “I want to mention one thing. We were all big 'Friends' fans, and that's something wonderful he gave us all comedy through it. But he mentioned in 2020, he wanted to be remembered for helping people.”
After Griffin quoted Perry, she added, “He said he doesn't want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing listed, but how much he cared about other people struggling with addiction.”
Sunny Hostin also added how “significant” that was and mentioned Perry’s Malibu house, which he gave up and “made it into a rehab center.”
Whoopi Goldberg makes clarifications on 'The View'
Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro also spoke about Matthew Perry’s addiction on ‘The View,’ before Sara Haines took over.
Haines said, “The thing that always hit me about why this death I think rings true regardless of who you are is everyone knew the battle.”
“The quote I loved is he said, ‘Your disease is outside doing one-armed push-ups waiting for you, waiting to get you alone because alone, you lose to the disease,’ added Haines as she quoted Perry.
Haines continued, “Knowing he beat that one-armed push-up so many times again and again and still to have passed so young, I think…”
It was at this point Whoopi Goldberg interrupted Haines, “Let's be clear. They're not saying it had anything to do with his addiction.”
Haines then clarified, “That's what I mean. He's come up so many times against addiction to know he still passed early when you've done such hard work to overcome...”
Goldberg also mentioned that Perry “apparently” had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which was also mentioned in a different report by TMZ which stated that authorities had found anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and a COPD drug in Perry’s house.
“So when we know more, we'll pass it on, but he wanted the best for people. Let’s hope for the best in his passing, I think that’s the way to do it,” concluded Goldberg.
