Watch Matthew Perry -- The Diane Sawyer Interview

In an exclusive primetime interview with Diane Sawyer in 2022, Matthew Perry opened up for the first time about his lifelong battle with addiction. Best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, Perry revealed the dark side of his rise to fame and the struggles he faced while the world only saw his character's sarcastic wit and goofy charm.

Sawyer's interview gave viewers an intimate look into Perry's early life growing up in Ottawa, Canada with his mother - a press secretary - and father - an actor and model. Perry landed his breakout role on Friends when he was 24 years old and described the instant fame as jarring, sharing how he quickly discovered alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. While the show was at the height of its popularity, Perry was secretly battling addictions to alcohol and opioids, often showing up to work struggling to function.

Throughout the emotional interview, Perry is candid about his journey to sobriety, including multiple stints in rehab over the decades. He reflects on the painful low points of his addiction, including nearly dying a few years ago from opioid overuse that caused his colon to burst. Perry also opens up about how his disease has affected his personal life and relationships.

While he expresses gratitude for the support he received from the Friends cast throughout his struggles, he also shares regret for not being fully present during those years being "controlled by this disease." Perry says he feels compelled to share his story openly now in hopes that it will help destigmatize addiction and assist others who are battling it.

The interview is interspersed with never-before-seen backstage clips that offer a behind-the-scenes glimpse at some of Perry's most difficult moments filming Friends. Sawyer also speaks with some of Perry's close friends and colleagues within the entertainment industry about their experiences working with him at different stages of his addiction and recovery.

Overall, the Diane Sawyer interview provides raw and revealing insight into Matthew Perry's lifelong disease of addiction and his bumpy road to sobriety. While he expresses pride in all he accomplished during his decade on Friends, Perry hopes being transparent about his struggles can help break down stereotypes and change people's perceptions about addiction. The sit-down offers an honest portrayal of both the highest highs and darkest lows throughout Perry's career.