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Matthew Perry removes controversial Keanu Reeves comments from his memoir in attempt to rectify ‘stupid’ mistake

The Friends star is back peddling after being ‘mean’ to Keanu

Faye James
Senior Editor
April 24, 2023
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In an attempt to rectify a “stupid” mistake, Matthew Perry  53, has announced that future editions of his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, will not include controversial comments he made about fellow actor Keanu Reeves. 

The Friends star’s remarks, which raised eyebrows last year, questioned why Keanu "still walks among us" when talented stars like River Phoenix and Chris Farley passed away prematurely.

Matthew, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit show Friends, addressed the issue at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books held at USC’s Bovard Auditorium. During the panel, he promoted his memoir and expressed regret for the comments he made about the John Wick’s star.

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"I said a stupid thing... it was a mean thing to do," Matthew admitted, adding that he had publicly apologized to the John Wick actor.

The decision to remove the comments from his book came, in part, because Matthew and Keanu are neighbors. 

He mentioned that he had not yet personally apologized to Keanu, but if the opportunity arises, he will. "If I run into the guy, I'll apologize – It was just stupid," he said.

In the memoir, released in November, Matthew brought up Keanu while discussing the tragic death of River Phoenix, who starred alongside Reeves in the 1991 film My Own Private Idaho. 

MORE: 'Broken' Matthew Perry details secret near-miss engagement with famous ex

Matthew says he regrets "stupid" comments about Keanu in his memoir© Instagram

Matthew wrote: "It always seems to be the really talented guys who go down. Why is it that the original thinkers like River Phoenix and Heath Ledger die, but Keanu Reeves still walks among us?" He mentioned Keanu again while reflecting on Chris Farley's fatal overdose in December 1997.

Following backlash over his comments, Matthew issued an apology, stating, "I'm actually a big fan of Keanu. I just chose a random name, my mistake. I apologize. I should have used my own name instead."

According to Us Weekly that the Matrix actor found Matthew's remarks surprising and the comments backfired, which is why he had to apologize.

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