Who will manage The Matthew Perry Foundation? Organization to help people struggling with addiction set up on eve of 'Friends' star's funeral
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The late Matthew Perry's enduring commitment to helping individuals grappling with addiction is now set to live on through the newly established Matthew Perry Foundation that will be managed by the National Philanthropic Trust, as per USA Today.
"In the spirit of Matthew Perry’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction, we embark on a journey to honor his legacy by establishing the Matthew Perry Foundation," read a statement about the newly formed organization announced on Friday, November 3.
It continued, "Guided by his own words and experiences, and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible."
A week after the death of Matthew Perry, his close friends and family have announced a new foundation -- a charity devoted to helping those struggling with substance abuse -- in honor of the late ‘Friends’ star.
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) November 3, 2023
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Matthew Perry wanted to be remembered for helping people
Matthew Perry's powerful memoir, 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing', published in 2022, delves into the challenges he faced throughout his life due to substance abuse.
He courageously disclosed a range of health complications, including alcohol-induced erectile dysfunction and pancreatitis, which he battled at the young age of 30.
Yet, it was the life-altering event at 49 when his colon exploded due to opioid abuse, leaving him in a coma on life support, that led to a miraculous transformation. Perry stated that this traumatic experience "miraculously remove(d) my desire to take drugs."
In the fall of 2022, he celebrated being 18 months sober and was deeply grateful for the chance to share his story. Through his memoir, he aimed to reach out to others facing stigma and judgment, offering them hope and inspiration.
He once stated, "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," serving as a testament to his commitment to battling addiction and helping others in their journey.
Matthew Perry was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn cemetery near 'Friends' set
Matthew Perry, who passed away at the age of 54 on October 28, was laid to rest in a heartfelt ceremony attended by family and fellow cast members from the iconic 1990s TV series, 'Friends'.
The actor's funeral took place at the Forest Lawn cemetery, nestled in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, a location steeped in Hollywood history, and the resting place of numerous legendary stars, including Michael Jackson, Lucille Ball, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Mourners gathered at this poignant venue, which is situated less than a mile from the Warner Bros studio where 'Friends' was filmed. Perry's sudden demise in his Los Angeles residence prompted an outpouring of grief from adoring fans and fellow celebrities.
In a moving joint message, the five surviving co-stars of Friends – Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer – lamented the loss of their beloved friend as an "unfathomable loss."
The bond among the cast members has remained strong over the years, reflecting the enduring impact of the hit TV series.
Various media outlets, including TMZ and Page Six, documented the funeral event, sharing long-distance and aerial photographs of the attendees.