This A-Lister’s Touching Tribute to Matthew Perry Shines Light on Their Unexpected Romance
When someone passes, it’s only natural that their friends, family, fans and even former partners share their fond memories with the person as a way to keep their memory alive. For Matthew Perry, who tragically died after an apparent drowning on Oct. 28, there have been countless messages of love all around.
And, as tributes for the Friends star continue piling, Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow shared her very own touching post. “I met Matthew Perry in 1993 at the Williamstown Theater Festival in Massachusetts,” Paltrow began her Instagram caption, sharing a headshot of Perry in the beginning of his career. “We were both there for most of the summer doing plays. He was so funny and so sweet and so much fun to be with.”
Paltrow continued, revealing for the first time that their connection blossomed into more than just a friendship. “We drove out to swim in creeks, had beers in the local college bar, kissed in a field of long grass,” she remembered. “It was a magical summer.”
The Shakespeare in Love star continued, adding that their memorable time together was right before his massive rise to fame. “He had shot the pilot of Friends but it had not aired yet. He was nervous, hoping his big break was just around the corner. It was,” she said. “We stayed friends for a while until we drifted apart, but I was always happy to see him when I did. I am super sad today, as so many of us are. I hope Matthew is at peace at long last. I really do.”
In the comments, fans of Perry are seen thanking Paltrow for sharing her memories. “Thank you for sharing your personal memories Gwyneth, so beautiful for everyone to know the real Matthew a little more ❤️????????,” wrote one commenter. “Lovely words – the public didn’t know him but he made so many people smile – people never know how much they are loved until they go ????,” wrote another. We couldn’t agree more.
Although Perry’s pre-stardom romance with Paltrow was kept under wraps over the years, the late actor had been open about his relationships in the past, including dating Julia Roberts shortly after Friends‘ debut in 1995. “Dating Julia Roberts had been too much for me. I had been constantly certain that she was going to break up with me,” Perry, who struggled with addiction throughout his life, told The Times last year. “Why would she not? I was not enough; I could never be enough; I was broken, bent, unlovable. So instead of facing the inevitable agony of losing her, I broke up with the beautiful and brilliant Julia Roberts.”
Knowing how fondly Paltrow remembered their time together, it’s safe to say Roberts shared some good moments with Perry as well. May these beautiful memories of him live on.
Before you go, click here to see all the celebrities we’ve lost this year.