UPDATE: November 28, 2023:
Just one week after Matthew Perry’s unexpected passing, his family created The Matthew Perry Foundation. According to the foundation’s official webpage, it is “the realization of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction.” The foundation’s goal will be to “honor 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.”
Now, the foundation is launching its first campaign on the one-month anniversary of Perry’s passing, which also happens to be Giving Tuesday. Perry’s family is encouraging people to use the holiday as a reason to donate to the foundation so that they can continue to honor the actor’s legacy.
In a statement shared with People, the late actor’s family said, “It is important to us, as a family, to honor Matthew’s legacy. The potential that the Matthew Perry Foundation has to help those suffering from this disease is something we are proud to bring to the world.”
This is not the sort of thing I commonly do, this pitch. But this year is different. And tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. Do what you can; he would have been grateful. https://t.co/OmaqSgt1rq
— Keith Morrison (@dateline_keith) November 27, 2023
Perry’s stepfather, Dateline’s Keith Morrison took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his own plea with his followers. “This is not the sort of thing I commonly do, this pitch. But this year is different. And tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. Do what you can; he would have been grateful. https://matthewperryfoundation.org“
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, Perry was not shy in sharing how he hoped to be remembered. In an excerpt from his memoir, Perry wrote, “When I die, as far as my so-called accomplishments go, it would be nice if Friends were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people.”
Matthew Perry’s parents are speaking out following the death of their son.
As Mamas Uncut previously reported, breaking reports on October 28 revealed that the Friends star passed away at the age of 54.
Reports have alleged that Perry reportedly drowned on October 28. Perry was discovered in his LA home.
While his father, mother, and stepfather were seen at the scene of the tragedy last night, they have since shared a personal statement to TMZ.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
Perry was reportedly discovered inside his jacuzzi after 911 was made aware of an apparent cardiac arrest, TMZ reported at the time. It remains unclear who called 911 or who discovered Perry in the hot tub.
A later report from TMZ also shared the 16-second dispatch audio that confirmed first responders were responding to a drowning call. Additionally, no drugs were found at the scene and foul play is not suspected.
Shortly after the call was made, Perry’s mother Suzanne Morrison, and his father, John Bennett Perry, arrived at his home. His stepfather, Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison, was also on the scene.
TMZ reports that both Suzanne and John were visibly distraught.
Perry shared a photo of himself with his father John just last week.
Shortly after, just five days before his passing, Matthew Perry shared his last Instagram post. Hauntingly, the photo he shared showed himself in the hot tub.
“Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good? I’m Mattman,” he captioned the photo. People are now commenting their condolences in the comments section.
Heartbreaking.
Perry was best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends. However, in his recently released memoir, there is a section of the book that is now going viral.
While Friends his something he knows he will be remembered for, he had hopes it wouldn’t be the only thing. Instead, Perry wrote, “When I die, as far as my so-called accomplishments go, it would be nice if Friends were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people.”
Some of those things include the Perry House which he established in Malibu. The Perry House is a sober-living facility for men.
During that time, Perry has been open about his battle with substance abuse.
Our hearts are with all of Perry’s fans, friends, and family. Absolutely devastating.