LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matt Manasse, who served as the late Matthew Perry's pickleball coach for two years and shared a close bond with the beloved 'Friends' star, has now provided a touching insight into their friendship.
Perry, who played Chandler Bing on the iconic show, died at the age of 54 by apparent drowning in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.
Matt Manasse reflects on his friendship with Matthew Perry
Manasse, a well-known celebrity pickleball coach, has been teaching clients at the exclusive Riviera Country Club, where Perry spent his final days indulging in the sport. The devasted coach who grew up watching 'Friends,' fondly remembers Perry as a selfless individual who had a strong desire to help others.
Manasse reminisced, "When I first started playing pickleball [with him], it was just Matthew and [me]. His dealings with addiction were very well publicized. He would bring other people to the court sometimes; they were going through similar things and tried to use pickleball to help them as well. So at the end of the day, you got a caring individual who really wanted to make everyone around him better, and I feel lucky to know him."
Matthew Perry's journey through Matt Manasse's eyes
Manasse added that his friend 'Matty' was truly passionate about the game.
He shared, "Matty was becoming 'obsessed' with the game, and that was his new healthy addiction. He loved it!"
Perry's enthusiasm for pickleball wasn't just about the sport itself but the camaraderie it brought. Manasse added, "If anything, he had a lot of fun and pleasure...being on the pickleball court around people that he'd enjoy because he gave us so much joy."
For the 'Whole Ten Yards' star, pickleball was more than just a game; it was an essential part of his sobriety journey. Despite having a background as a pro tennis player, he recognized the unique benefits that pickleball offered.
Manasse highlighted Perry's dedication to the sport, stating, "He thought it was something that could help with his recovery, and he was doing an awesome job. He's been playing consistently... He's been playing four or five times a week. [He] got so much better, always made everyone laugh. He was competitive—cared about everyone, just a really, really good guy," ET reports.
Matthew Perry and Matt Manasse's friendship beyond pickleball
Manasse noted that Perry was on an upward trajectory in terms of his physical and mental well-being.
"He was heading in a great direction... He was starting to eat better, he was really focused on turning everything around. He was doing a great job."
Nevertheless, the relationship between Perry and Manasse extended beyond pickleball. As Manasse was establishing himself as a sought-after pickleball coach, 'The Ron Clark Story' actor was there to support him. Manasse recalled Perry's words, "Anything you need, I'm here for you."
"That's who he is," Manasse affirmed.
"He was someone you wanted to see when he walked down the hill or on the pickleball court. You saw him, and it made your day better. So, he had that star quality as a person that most people don't have." Lastly, the heartbroken coach's final message to Perry would be, "Thanks for being a very good friend."
