Matthew Perry Gets Candid About His Complicated Romantic Past With Valerie Bertinelli
Matthew Perry gets candid about many pieces of his life in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing." In the book, which is set to hit shelves on October 28, 2022, Perry opens up about his experiences with navigating addiction, which he's struggled with throughout adulthood. Speaking to ABC News' Diane Sawyer ahead of the book release, Perry touched on how difficult the recovery process can be — especially if you feel isolated. "Your disease is just outside, just doing one arm push-ups, just waiting just, waiting for you, waiting to get you alone because alone you lose to the disease," the actor said. "And now I finally feel okay and feel like I've got some strength." The "Friends" actor also noted that he hopes by using his platform, he can assist others who may relate to his experiences. "I've got to take advantage of that," he said. "I've got to help as many people as I can."
The Hollywood Reporter detailed several other revelations from the memoir, including how Perry sent Julia Roberts a fax about quantum physics in an effort to get her to guest star on "Friends." Perry has also made a confession about the love he previously felt for another famous actor in the revealing book.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Matthew Perry had 'elaborate fantasies' about Valerie Bertinelli
Matthew Perry has opened up about his past love for fellow actor Valerie Bertinelli. As reported by Page Six, Perry detailed this crush in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing." While he worked with Bertinelli on the '90s sitcom "Sydney," Perry developed feelings for his co-star, who was then married to the late rock legend, Eddie Van Halen. "I fell madly in love with Valerie Bertinelli, who was clearly in a troubled marriage," Perry wrote. He went on to say he hoped he and Bertinelli would end up together. "I was obsessed with [Bertinelli] and harbored elaborate fantasies about her leaving Eddie Van Halen and living out the rest of her days with me," Perry said.
In addition, Perry claimed that one night while he was at Bertinelli and Van Halen's home, he and Bertinelli apparently kissed after Van Halen had fallen asleep. But when they were back on the on set for work, Perry stated that Bertinelli carried on as usual, so he realized that the romance wouldn't continue. "I quickly got the hint and also played the role I was supposed to, but inside I was devastated," Perry wrote. Evidently, that was that.
Matthew Perry was originally cast as Valerie Bertinelli's boyfriend
Matthew Perry has spoken out about his days starring alongside Valerie Bertinelli on "Sydney" before, admitting to Chicago Sun-Times back in 1990 that he had a massive crush on the actor before they even starred alongside one another, as he'd seen her on "One Day at a Time." In an epic turned cruel twist of fate, it turns out that Perry's role on "Sydney" was originally playing Bertinelli's boyfriend, but that then got swiftly changed to the role of her brother. "You could say I was disappointed, but I was also a little relieved," Perry said back then. "Here's the opportunity to kiss the girl of your dreams and get paid for it! But on the other hand, here I am, this little geek kid hanging around Valerie, while her husband is watching. It's a lot easier for me to deal with being her protective younger brother," he said. Of course, we know now that kissing near Eddie Van Halen wasn't always such an issue!
"Sydney" didn't last too long and only aired 13 episodes before hitting the chopping block, but Van Halen was involved a little more with the show than you may remember. In fact, his band's track, "Finish What Ya Started," was the theme tune! Bertinelli told Associated Press back in 1990 that getting permission was all on her, as she begged her husband to give the show the rights to use the track.
Valerie Bertinelli and Matthew Perry almost starred together on another show
So, Matthew Perry has confessed that he and Valerie Bertinelli really did get pretty close once upon a time, and that closeness is pretty well documented in snaps from back in the day. Though Bertinelli ended up breaking Perry's heart, he was on hand with the former "Hot In Cleveland" star turned 30 years old, as a photo from April 1990 shows her blowing out the candles on her milestone birthday next to him and their fellow co-stars, Rebeccah Bush and Daniel Baldwin.
But while we know these two appeared alongside one another "Sydney," it turns out there could have been another breading ground for Perry's feelings for his fellow actor to grow. Bertinelli revealed that she was being considered for "Friends," and could have taken on the role of Carol, the former wife of David Schwimmer's character, Ross Geller. "If change had been easy. I wouldn't have made one of the truly stupid choices of my career," she explained in her 2008 memoir, "Losing It," admitting she didn't even bother to meet with producers. "It should have been a no-brainer. I adored Matthew Perry and I loved the show," she wrote, revealing she opted not to pursue the gig because she felt inadequate next to Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow. "All three of whom are drop-dead gorgeous on top of being brilliant actresses. I didn't even want to risk being offered the part," she explained.