byiShook Opinion
Nov 3, 2023 - 10:56
The Matthew Perry Foundation, established in memory of the late actor, aims to support individuals battling addiction. Learn about Perry's personal struggles and his enduring commitment to helping others.
In a tribute to the late actor Matthew Perry, a foundation named "The Matthew Perry Foundation" is set to be launched, aimed at providing support for individuals grappling with addiction. Perry, celebrated for his iconic role in the beloved TV series Friends, had a personal battle with substance abuse and had envisioned creating a foundation before his untimely passing at the age of 54.
Matthew Perry was no stranger to the trials of addiction, candidly sharing his battles with alcohol and Vicodin. His Friends co-stars, particularly Jennifer Aniston, became aware of his struggles during the show's production, leading to a touching intervention. Perry disclosed that at one point, he was consuming a staggering 55 Vicodin tablets daily, causing his weight to plummet to a mere 128 pounds.
"I didn't know how to stop. If the police came over to my house and said, 'If you drink tonight, we're going to take you to jail,' I'd start packing. I couldn't stop because the disease and the addiction is progressive. So it gets worse and worse as you grow older," Perry candidly admitted.
His addiction ultimately led to a life-threatening health crisis at the age of 49, when opioid overuse resulted in a burst colon, leaving him in a coma for two weeks.
The establishment of The Matthew Perry Foundation stands as a testament to Perry's enduring commitment to aiding those struggling with addiction. Perry's fervent wish was to be remembered not only for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in Friends but primarily for his unwavering dedication to helping those in the throes of addiction.
In a poignant interview in 2022, Perry expressed his desire for his efforts in supporting addicts to be his foremost legacy: "When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want that (efforts to help addicts) to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.”
The Matthew Perry Foundation will carry forward Perry's legacy, offering a beacon of hope and assistance to those in need, in honor of a man whose compassion extended far beyond the confines of the screen.
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