Remembering Matthew Perry: The Pickleball Player Who Found Joy Amidst Struggles

This is why finding a positive outlet during adversity is crucial. Mike “Sleeves” Sliwa

On October 28, 2023, the world mourned the sudden loss of beloved actor and pickleball enthusiast Matthew Perry. Best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV series Friends, Perry’s life was marked by both triumphs and personal battles. In recent years, he found solace and joy in the game of pickleball, becoming an ardent player and embracing it as a healthy outlet amidst his struggles with addiction.

Matthew Perry: Passion for Pickleball

Matthew Perry’s love for pickleball was undeniable. According to his pickleball coach, Matt Manasse, the actor-turned-athlete was in good spirits and had become obsessed with the game. Perry found solace and an outlet in pickleball, transforming it into his new healthy addiction. The sport provided him joy, a sense of camaraderie, and a break from the challenges he faced.

Prior to his death, Perry played pickleball four to five times a week and appeared genuinely happy, according to Coach Manasse’s recent interview with Entertainment Tonight. The pickleball court became a sanctuary for him, surrounded by people he enjoyed being around. Despite his personal struggles, Perry found moments of pleasure and fulfillment while playing pickleball, sharing his infectious joy with others.

Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, provided Matthew Perry with more than just physical activity. It offered him a sense of purpose, a healthy escape, and an opportunity to channel his energy into something positive. The game’s fast-paced nature, strategic gameplay, and social aspect resonated deeply with Perry, fostering a renewed sense of well-being.

Matthew Perry’s life was marked by an ongoing struggle with substance abuse. Following a jet ski accident in 1997, Perry developed an addiction to Vicodin, which later led to alcohol abuse. Throughout the years, he sought help in rehab facilities on fifteen separate occasions. In his candid 2022 book, Friends, Lovers & The Big Terrible Thing, Perry revealed that he was only sober during the ninth season of Friends.

While Matthew Perry’s journey was not without its challenges, his passion for pickleball and the joy he derived from the sport serve as a testament to his resilience. Despite his personal demons, he found solace and happiness in the company of fellow players on the pickleball court. Perry’s legacy extends beyond his fame as an actor, as he leaves behind a reminder that even amidst struggles, there can be moments of genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Matthew Perry’s passing is a tragic reminder of life’s complexities. His dedication to pickleball highlights the power of finding healthy outlets during tough times. Perry’s journey serves as an inspiration to others, reminding us that amidst our own struggles, we can seek solace, joy, and connection through the pursuit of our passions, just as he did on the pickleball court.

You can watch an interview with Coach Matt Manasse on E.T. https://www.etonline.com/matthew-perrys-pickleball-coach-details-their-final-moments-and-close-friendship-exclusive-213844

Get the latest updates and information on the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, specifically designed for the senior community aged 50+. Check out Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report on YouTube to stay informed and up-to-date with the ever-changing world of pickleball. Join the community and stay ahead of the game. https://stmdailynews.com/sleeves-senior-pickleball-report/

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