The 54-year-old actor was 'never been happier' about the new drama film he had signed up and planned to set up a foundation for addicts before his death, according to his friends.
- Oct 31, 2023
AceShowbiz - Matthew Perry was reportedly "really excited" about a new drama project he'd signed up to before his death, and was apparently planning to set up a foundation for addicts. Friends of the late "Friends" actor, found dead aged 54 in his L.A. mansion's hot tub on Saturday, October 28, have told TMZ he had "never been happier" about the upcoming movie.
The outlet said in a separate report the actor was also planning on establishing an organization similar to the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to fund addiction recovery treatments, as he wanted his legacy to be helping fellow addicts instead of his "Friends" role as sarcastic Chandler Bing.
TMZ said, "Our sources say he had recently committed to acting in a new movie, a drama, and he was also working on other projects and coming up with ideas for scripts. Overall, our sources say Matthew's outlook on life was optimistic... and he was sober and felt content."
Matthew, whose addictions to drink and drugs nearly killed before he got sober, told the "Q with Tom Power" podcast in November 2022 about his desire to be remembered for his ability to help others going through the same struggles. He said, "Best thing about me, bar none, is if somebody comes up to me and says, 'I can't stop drinking, can you help me?' I can say 'Yes' and follow up and do it. That's the best thing."
"And I've said this for a long time, when I die, I don't want 'Friends' to be the first thing that's mentioned. I want that to be the first thing that's mentioned, and I'm going to live the rest of my life proving that," he continued.
Matthew admitted he knew despite his wish that his power to help addicts would fall "far behind" on his list of accomplishments when it came to being remembered by fans. He added, "I know it won't happen, but it would be nice."
In 2013, Matthew turned his Malibu mansion into a sober living facility for men and named it "Perry's House". His chat with Tom Power has gone viral in the last couple of days after it was shared by fans in the wake of his death.
