Matthew Perry’s death: What ‘Friends’ actor’s demise exposes about the life of celebrity assistants

The tragic death of Matthew Perry on October 28, 2023, has cast a spotlight on the often unseen and troubling world of celebrity assistants. Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead in his jacuzzi, having reportedly been administered a fatal dose of ketamine by his live-in assistant, Kenny Iwamasa.
The shocking incident unfolded when Iwamasa, who had been working for Perry, was arrested at Le Bourget Airport in Paris upon returning from Azerbaijan.Iwamasa has confessed to injecting Perry with the drug following Perry’s request for a “big one.” His arrest has raised questions about the intense and often perilous pressures faced by those in such roles, reported the New York Post.
“The job of a celebrity assistant often means crossing moral and ethical boundaries,” said Merryl Futerman, a former assistant and author of Don’t Make a Scene: Struggles of a Celebrity PA. “You’re expected to be discreet, but sometimes the demands can be downright dangerous,” quoted the New York Post.
Hollywood insiders reveal the harsh reality behind the glamorous façade. “It’s challenging to refuse a star’s request, especially when they’re powerful,” a veteran Hollywood boss explains. “Assistants are often put in positions where they have to make impossible choices.”
Iwamasa’s arrest has left friends and family reeling, highlighting the extreme pressures that come with working closely for celebrities. Despite the high salaries and perks, such as luxurious accommodations and travel, the job can quickly become a moral minefield. “You end up so entangled in the celebrity’s life that it’s hard to extricate yourself,” noted a Hollywood A-lister, reported the New York Post
The darker side of celebrity assistance is not a new phenomenon. Lawsuits and allegations involving figures like Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Naomi Campbell illustrate the ethical and personal struggles faced by assistants. “It’s a toxic dynamic,” says Heather H Howard, author of Chore Whore: Adventures of a Celebrity Personal Assistant. “Assistants are often forced to endure situations that compromise their values.”
As the industry grapples with the fallout from Perry’s death, the case of Kenny Iwamasa serves as a stark reminder of the high price of fame and the complex, often troubling dynamics of celebrity support roles.