Matthew Perry Foundation Launches to Support Addiction Recovery
The Matthew Perry Foundation, established shortly after the actor's tragic passing, aims to provide support and assistance to individuals battling addiction
Matthew Perry Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
The Matthew Perry Foundation, dedicated to carrying on Matthew Perry's legacy, is now accepting donations. The foundation officially launched on Friday, November 3rd. The charity's statement expresses their mission to honor Perry's commitment to helping those battling addiction and to make a positive impact in countless lives, drawing inspiration from his own words and experiences.
Perry openly discussed his struggles with addiction before his sudden passing at the age of 54 on October 28th. On that Saturday, law enforcement officials were called to Perry's house in Los Angeles, where he was discovered unconscious in a separate jacuzzi. The Los Angeles Fire Department stated on October 30th that Perry was already deceased before the arrival of first responders. The official cause of his death is still pending the release of a toxicology report.
Before his passing, Perry expressed his desire to be remembered not just as Chandler Bing from Friends, but as someone who had a genuine desire to assist others.
Perry stressed that the most significant aspect of his legacy is his willingness to assist and support alcoholics or drug addicts who seek help. In an interview on the "Q with Tom Power" podcast in November 2022, Perry expressed his desire for his compassionate actions to be recognized and remembered above his role in Friends. He acknowledged that the show would inevitably be a prominent association for fans, but he also hoped that his contribution of establishing the "Perry House in Malibu, a facility dedicated to supporting men in their journey to sobriety," would be included in his lasting legacy.
Matthew Perry Denise Truscello/WireImage
"But when I pass away, in terms of my so-called achievements, it would be preferable for Friends to be mentioned far less than the efforts I made to assist others," he expressed during the podcast. "I understand it might not be the case, but it would be gratifying."
As stated on the Matthew Perry Foundation's website, their mission is to aid individuals wrestling with addiction and they strive to prioritize Perry's desire to have a substantial impact on numerous lives.
Perry extensively discusses his struggles with substance abuse in his 2022 memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing". In this revealing account, he candidly writes about the highs and lows throughout his life. Interestingly, Perry discloses that his only period of complete sobriety coincided with the ninth season of the beloved television show, Friends.
He wrote that by observing his weight fluctuation during different seasons, one can trace the course of his addiction. Whenever he is heavier, it signifies alcohol as the source, while his skinnier phase indicates reliance on pills. Additionally, he mentioned that when he sports a goatee, it signifies heavy consumption of pills.
