Fans around the world were shocked to learn that actor Matthew Perry had passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 28 at the age of 54. The actor can be remembered for his roles in movies and TV shows like “17 Again,” “Fools Rush In” and, most notably, the beloved 90s sitcom “Friends.”
Most fans of the actor were devastated to learn that the charmingly sarcastic “funny guy” Chandler Bing — Perry’s character on “Friends” — had passed away so suddenly. They fondly recalled how he brought laughter and joy to many during his time on screen. But Perry wanted to be remembered for much more than just his role as Bing, as reported by the New York Post.
“I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker,” Perry said. “And his paramount thing is that he wants to help people. That’s what I want.”
Perry shared his story with the world in his 2022 memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” which chronicles his longtime fame and his struggles with addiction throughout his time in the limelight. After struggling with addiction himself, Perry decided to use his time to help others get sober. Acting as a mentor to many other struggling addicts, Perry turned his former Malibu home into a sober living home called “The Perry House,” where men who faced addiction could go to recover. Unfortunately, the home closed after two years, but Perry did not stop helping whomever he could. At the time of his death, he was reportedly in the process of setting up a foundation dedicated to helping those facing substance abuse issues. After Perry’s death, a foundation was created in his honor to help those struggling with addiction.
“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, guided by his own words and experiences, and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible,” the foundation said, according to CNN.
At the news of his passing, Perry’s friends and co-stars rushed to release tributes to the star, sharing memories of his kindness, humor and dedication to his work. Aside from the progress he made in helping those struggling with addiction, Perry proved himself to be the type of person that people loved to be around. Michelle and Robert King, the co-creators of “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” released a joint statement sharing memories of their time working with Perry, as reported by People Magazine.
“So many people have talked about Matthew Perry’s struggles, and, yes, that’s probably true; but can we just go on for a minute about how fun it was to collaborate with him? […] Everyone knows that Matthew was funny — and he was plenty funny — but he was also deadly serious about his craft,” the Kings said.
Perry’s talent came across in every one of his performances — a fact that is remembered by all. For those who had the chance to know him, they will never be able to forget the incredible person that he was, both on and off the screen.
“Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane released a joint statement upon news of Perry’s passing.
“We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment — not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart,” Kauffman and Crane said, per People Magazine.
Those who knew Perry can all remember the impact that he made on those around him. Among those who felt his loss the most potently are his “Friends” co-stars — Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow — whom he starred alongside for ten years.
The cast-mates released a joint statement remembering their co-star, whom they regarded as more than just a friend.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We are more than just cast mates. We are a family,” the “Friends” stars said, per The Hill.
After the loss of Perry, fans and friends of the star alike have been brought together by memories of his talent and his character. To many, he was their beloved Chandler Bing, but his work as an advocate for treating substance abuse and the light he brought to this world left a legacy that will live on.
