In an intimate ceremony held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, the closest friends and family of the late actor Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the hit series “Friends,” came together for a final farewell.
The somber gathering, where attendees were clad in black attire, included Perry’s cherished “Friends” co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer. According to a source cited by the “Daily Mail,” Aniston was among the first to arrive at the funeral service.
Matthew Perry, who tragically passed away on October 28 at the age of 54, was discovered lifeless in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence. The circumstances surrounding his untimely demise have sparked speculation and concern.
Recently, the initial results of a toxicology report were released, confirming that Perry had not consumed fentanyl or methamphetamine. Additionally, his body showed no traces of these prohibited substances.
The Forest Lawn Memorial Park, where the private ceremony was held, is the final resting place of numerous Hollywood luminaries. Situated near the Warner Bros. studio, where the immensely popular series “Friends” was filmed, the cemetery holds significance in the world of entertainment.
The passing of Matthew Perry has left an indelible mark on his friends, family, and fans worldwide, as they gather to bid a heartfelt farewell to a talented actor whose portrayal of Chandler Bing brought laughter and joy to millions.
Matthew Perry Foundation Established to Aid Those Battling Addiction
Less than a week after the passing of Matthew Perry, the beloved actor renowned for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic series “Friends,” an initiative was launched to create the Matthew Perry Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to providing assistance to individuals grappling with addiction, as reported by NBC News.
The Matthew Perry Foundation is a testament to Perry’s enduring commitment to helping others facing the challenges of addiction. In an official statement on the foundation’s website, it is affirmed that the organization will honor Perry’s legacy and be guided by his words, experiences, and his fervor to make a positive difference in as many lives as possible.
The website also features a quote from Perry, taken from a 2022 podcast interview on “Q With Tom Power” during which he promoted his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.”
“When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned—I want to help others be the first thing that’s mentioned,” Perry said in the quote. “And I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to do that.”
The Matthew Perry Foundation is a philanthropic fund administered and maintained by the National Philanthropic Trust, guided by a council of sponsors and donors.
Throughout his life, Perry was unflinchingly honest about his own battle with addiction. In his memoir, the actor candidly revealed the extensive time he spent in rehabilitation and even noted that he resided in a treatment facility while filming a famous episode of “Friends” in which Chandler and Monica got married.
“I spent half my life in one kind of therapy or another or in a sober living house. It’s good when you’re 24; it’s less good when you’re 42,” Perry wrote in his book. “When I was 49, I was still struggling to shake this monkey off my back.”
The actor’s commitment to overcoming his addiction was relentless, and he was open about the challenges he faced. Perry’s journey serves as a source of inspiration and hope for those fighting similar battles.
The establishment of the Matthew Perry Foundation represents a fitting tribute to the actor’s legacy, as it embodies his unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals grappling with addiction. It is a testament to his enduring spirit and his profound desire to be remembered for his contributions to the betterment of others.