Matthew Perry was a big fan of Batman when he was alive, and he made many references to the superhero before he tragically passed away on October 28. The Friends actor called himself “Mattman” on Instagram several times in the final weeks of his life. He also mentioned his love for the caped crusader in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. Here’s the explanation behind the late star’s connection to Batman.
Why Did Matthew Perry Post About Batman Before His Death?
Matthew posted about Batman on Instagram exactly seven times in the weeks before he drowned at his Los Angeles home. In his last Instagram post that was shared October 23, Matthew sat in a hot tub wearing headphones at night, and the caption read, “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman.” Matthew used the term “Mattman” six previous times on Instagram, including two posts that featured the Bat signal, and another post of a sign that said, “Batman Plays Pickleball.” The “Mattman” posts started on October 17 with a video of Matthew watching the 2022 Robert Pattinson movie.
Matthew also mentioned “Mattman” on Twitter four days before his passing. “Let’s make stigmas a stigma. -I’m Mattman #mentalhealth,” the late star’s tweet read.
Two days after Matthew’s death, a source told People that the actor’s “Mattman” posts stemmed from an idea he was working on for a series. “He was having fun,” the insider said. They also revealed that Matthew just signed onto a new drama film, Unworthy, before he passed away.
What Did Matthew Perry Say About Batman in His Memoir?
Matthew wrote about Batman in his book Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. In fact, the final chapter from the book is titled “Batman.” In it, Matthew wrote, “Someday you, too, might be called upon to do something important, so be ready for it. And when whatever happens, just think, ‘What would Batman do?’ and do that.”
When Else Did Matthew Perry Mention Batman in His Life?
During an interview with Tom Powers to promote his memoir in November 2022, Matthew brought up Batman’s archenemy, Joker, when he spoke about his years-long battle with addiction.
“Alcoholism did not care that I was on ‘Friends.’ Alcoholism wants you alone; it wants you sick; and then it wants to kill you,” he said. “In my book, I compare it to the Joker. Because the Joker just wants to see the whole world burn, and so does alcoholism and addiction.”
In October 2022, Matthew called himself Batman in an interview with GQ. “Well, he’s a rich loner. We both drive black, cool cars. I don’t solve crime, but I’ve saved people’s lives,” Matthew said. He also revealed he bought a penthouse in Los Angeles because it looked similar to the apartment in The Dark Knight starring Christian Bale as Batman. “Bruce Wayne had a penthouse—I’m going to have one,” he said.
Six years before he died, Matthew was on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and revealed that he has a “Batcave” with Batman memorabilia like statues. Jimmy then gave Matthew a plaque of his face wearing a Batman mask that one of the prop guys made for him.