A foundation has been set up in the name of Matthew Perry to help others “struggling with the disease of addiction”.
The actor, who rose to fame on Friends as the witty and sarcastic character Chandler Bing, died at the age of 54 last weekend.
During Perry’s life, he was open about his battle with substance abuse and addiction and also set up a sober living facility for men with similar issues.
A new foundation has been created to honour the actor and continue that legacy.
In a statement, the organisation said: “The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realisation of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction.
“It will honour his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible.”
Matthew Perry discusses using drug courts as a solution to prescription drug abuse in 2013. Pic: AP
The foundation also referenced a quote by Perry on its website, in which he said: “When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned – I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned and I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.
“Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.”
Read more:
What Perry’s memoir revealed
The one who made everyone laugh
Perry’s life in pictures
Remembering Matthew Perry
The foundation is a fund sponsored and maintained by the charity National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), which says in its mission statement it wants to increase philanthropy.
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Perry’s five co-stars – Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Courteney Cox – said in a joint statement after his death: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”
The cast also promised to share more later, saying: “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
