Matthew Perry's Wistful Words About the Family He Wanted — but Never Had (Exclusive)

Perry — who died at age 54 on Saturday — told PEOPLE last year that he thought he would make a "great" father and was looking forward to starting a family

Matthew Perry was looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life one year before his sudden death.

Ahead of the release of his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, the Friends alum opened up to PEOPLE about his changing outlook on love and his desire to become a father.

Perry admitted he "had a tremendous amount of fear" about love, but "through a lot of work, I've got over that fear. I'm going to learn as I go."

"The thing that's changed about me is I have no interest in hanging out with somebody that I don't know or somebody that I'm not that into," he continued. "The next person I really take seriously is somebody that I'm going to be in love with and not be scared by the things that used to scare me."

Related: Matthew Perry Dead at 54 After Apparent Drowning

"I'm not run by the fear I used to be run by so everything's kind of different," he added. "I'm feeling more confident and I'm not afraid of love anymore, so the next girl I go out with better watch out."

Perry also shared that he felt ready for fatherhood and having a family.

As a dad, "I think I'd be great. I really do," he said. "I grew up with a lot of little kids around me, and that's probably why, but I can't wait."

Related: Friends Creators Mourn Death of 'Brilliant Talent' Matthew Perry: 'Sweetest, Giving and Selfless Heart'

The actor reflected on his reason for being the one to end almost all of his past relationships — including an engagement — prior to his change of heart.

"That was me afraid," he explained. "That is what I manifest, something that's wrong with them. And then I break up with them."

He continued, "But there can't be something wrong with everyone. I'm the common denominator. I left first because I thought they were going to annihilate me."

Related: Matthew Perry Once Said His Favorite Things About Himself Were 'Caring About Others' and 'Never Giving Up'

Perry died Saturday at his Los Angeles home of an apparent drowning, TMZ first reported. He was 54. Law enforcement sources told the outlet there were no drugs found at the scene, and no signs of foul play were present.

A Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson later told PEOPLE on Saturday that officers responded to a call at Matthew's address regarding the death of a male in his 50s, though authorities would not confirm the deceased's identity.

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The actor's family released a statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, saying, "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

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