“He doesn’t have the gene”: Matthew Perry Revealed the Secret Behind Bruce Willis’ Success After Bonding Over Wild Nights of Partying

The two lost touch over the years, but Perry stated that he would be his friend for life if he wanted to be

Known for starring in one of the most loved sitcoms across the world, FRIENDS, Matthew Perry had a long career in Hollywood, throughout which he has starred alongside several actors. And he has shared his genuine admiration for one of his co-stars, Bruce Willis, who also made a guest appearance on his hit sitcom. Talking about him in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, the late actor reflected on partying with Willis, as he revealed a “big difference” between him and the action star.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry Used to Party With Action Star Bruce Willis

Matthew Perry opened up about his relationship with the action star Bruce Willis in his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. Perry shared that they often spent time partying together while filming the 2000 crime comedy The Whole Nine Yards.

Matthew Perry with Bruce Willis

During the same time, he was able to notice a “big difference” between him and the Die Hard star. “But there was a big difference between Bruce and me,” he said, as per Entertainment Weekly, before adding, “Bruce was a partier; I was an addict.”

He shared that while he struggled with addiction, his co-star knew when to stop. Perry mentioned that Willis would enjoy himself while partying and would go on to give compelling performances in movies like The Sixth Sense while remaining sober.

The Whole Nine Yards (2002)

“Bruce has an on-off button,” he said, noting that he himself “doesn’t have the gene.” The FRIENDS star has been quite open about his struggles with substance abuse. He has shared that he did not “remember three years” of filming the hit sitcom.

Matthew Perry Shared Endearing Moments With Bruce Willis

Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry spent plenty of time together while working on the 2000 film. And it allowed Perry to get a glimpse at the caring side of the Unbreakable star. The Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing author shared in his book that they would just sit and talk after everything was wrapped and the party was over.

Matthew Perry and Bruce Willis

“That’s when I saw the real Bruce Willis—a good-hearted man, a caring man, selfless. A wonderful parent. And a wonderful actor. And most important, a good guy.”

However, the two lost touch over the years. “And if he wanted me to be, I would be his friend for life. But as is the way with so many of these things, our paths rarely crossed after that,” Perry stated in his memoir.