In a heartfelt interview with Variety, Jennifer Aniston, known for her role as Rachel Green in the hit sitcom "Friends," opened up about her late co-star Matthew Perry's journey towards a healthier and happier life before his shocking death in late October.

Aniston, visibly emotional during the interview and with her "The Morning Show" co-star Reese Witherspoon offering support, said that Perry had made significant changes in his life. "He had quit smoking. He was getting in shape. He was happy - that's all I know," Aniston shared. She added that she had exchanged texts with Perry on the day of his passing, describing him as being in good spirits and pain-free.

Dispelling any assumptions of a relapse, Aniston stressed that Perry had been committed to his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. "I want people to know he was really healthy, and getting healthy. He was on a pursuit. He worked so hard," she remarked. The actress expressed the deep admiration and love she had for Perry, who had always managed to bring laughter into their lives.

Aniston also acknowledged Perry's immense contribution to the iconic character of Chandler Bing in "Friends," highlighting his unique manner of speaking that became synonymous with the role. "His way of speaking created a whole different world. We went with his lead, in a way. It just added something to our joy," she said.

Tragically, Matthew Perry passed away on October 28 at the age of 54, in what appeared to be an accidental drowning in his hot tub. The official cause of death is yet to be confirmed, pending toxicology results from the coroner's office.

Following Perry's untimely demise, a private memorial service was held in a Los Angeles cemetery, attended by family and close friends. Aniston was reportedly deeply affected by the loss and kept to herself during the funeral, according to sources.

The loss of Perry comes less than a year after the passing of Aniston's father, intensifying her grief. "It's a second massive loss in less than a year, with the one-year anniversary of her dad's death just around the corner," an insider shared.

In the wake of Perry's passing, Aniston and her former "Friends" co-stars paid tribute to him through individual posts on social media. Aniston recalled Perry's unwavering dedication to making people laugh, sharing, "His life literally depended on it. And boy did he succeed in doing just that. He made all of us laugh. And laugh hard."

The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a talented actor, remembering Matthew Perry for his contributions to television and his ability to bring joy to others. His determination to lead a healthier lifestyle and find happiness serves as an inspiration, and his legacy in the world of entertainment will always be cherished.