Matthew Perry, the beloved actor who portrayed Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends, passed away on October 28, leaving fans around the world devastated. In a previous interview, Perry shared his desire to be remembered for more than just his famous TV character. He expressed a strong commitment to helping individuals struggling with substance abuse and had plans to establish a foundation to support them.
According to a report from People, Perry was in the early stages of setting up a foundation similar to the Betty Ford Center near Palm Springs. The foundation aimed to provide assistance and resources to those dealing with addiction issues. Despite his untimely passing, those close to Perry are determined to bring his vision to life and honor his memory by continuing his work.
Prior to this endeavor, Perry had also created Perry House, a sober living center for men that operated from 2013 to 2015 in his former Malibu beach house. These initiatives showcased Perry’s personal experiences and battles with addiction. He openly shared his struggles with drug abuse and alcoholism, highlighting his numerous detox attempts and significant financial investments to achieve sobriety in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.”
In his memoir, Perry acknowledged that his legacy would likely be dominated by his role on Friends. However, he expressed a hope that his efforts to help others would be recognized and valued even more. He understood that his contributions to society might not receive the same level of attention, but he believed it would be meaningful if his philanthropic work took precedence over his acting achievements.
Matthew Perry’s passing is undoubtedly a great loss, but his commitment to helping others and his determination to create a lasting impact will continue to inspire many.
