Matthew Perry was a well-loved actor who starred with many famous friends in his lifetime. Despite his addiction struggles, the late star had always hoped to use his fame to make an impact on those who struggle with substance abuse as well. Less than a week after the ‘Friends’ actor’s tragic death, his loved ones have now established a foundation in his name, which aids people who have an addiction. In the wake of the news, Jennifer Aniston, who costarred with the late star on the hit sitcom, requested her fans to support the cause.
The actress posted a message on her Instagram story on Giving Tuesday, asking her followers to contribute to the foundation in the memory of her friend. She also added a white love heart and a link to the official page of the Matthew Perry Foundation. In her caption, the Friends star wrote that her former costar “would be grateful for your love” and thanked everyone for their support.
A month after the ‘Friends’ actor’s death, his Friends costars gathered to remember him at a reunion special. Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc all reminisced about their time on the show together and their shared laughs. The cast was even seen recreating some of their iconic physical comedy bits, including the infamous Barcalounger scene where they would groan and crack up at one another’s jokes.
It was an emotional night for the cast of the famous show, but they managed to put aside their grief and come together in the spirit of laughter. It was a memorable evening for many, but not least for Aniston, who had been there for the late actor most of all.
She remarked in her caption that her former friend had greatly inspired her and hoped his legacy would live on. The former actress also wished the other Friends members cast the best and hoped they would be able to help others going through similar issues.
‘Matty would have been proud of the work his family and friends have done to establish this foundation in his honor,’ she wrote. ‘We hope you will join us and many others in supporting those who need it most by making a gift today.’
The Matthew Perry Foundation was launched on Friday, less than a week after the ‘Friends’ star’s death at 54. During his lifetime, the late actor was very candid about his struggle with substance abuse and his desire to use his fame to make an impact on the world. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he wrote that he almost died of a drug overdose at age 49.
During the time of his untimely passing, the star was in a deep state of depression and had been using heroin as well as other substances. On the day of his death, police officers found him unconscious in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home. Prescription anti-depressants and an allergy medication were found on the body, but his cause of death has not yet been released pending a toxicology report.
