Matthew Perry's legacy lives on through new foundation supporting addiction recovery

In commemoration of Matthew Perry's enduring dedication to aiding individuals grappling with addiction, a charitable organization has been launched in his name.

The Matthew Perry Foundation operates as a donor-advised fund, administered and supported by the National Philanthropic Trust.

Featured prominently on the foundation's website is a poignant quote from Perry, encapsulating the essence of its mission. "Addiction is a force too formidable for any individual to conquer in isolation. Yet, by uniting and taking it one day at a time, we can collectively triumph over it," as eloquently articulated by Perry on the foundation's official platform.

Perry died at the age of 54 at his home in the Pacific Palisades on Oct. 28. He was best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on "Friends" for ten seasons. 

Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his home and police responded to a 911 call for a water rescue. The cause of death remains unknown but an autopsy was performed and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office says it is awaiting toxicology results.

The actor opened up about his struggles with substance abuse in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," which was published just last year. Over the years, he had sought treatment in rehabilitation facilities for his battles with drugs and alcohol.

In a 2015 interview with CBS News, Perry candidly discussed the misunderstandings surrounding addiction, emphasizing, "I think that people don't understand that it's a disease. It was declared a disease in 1955 by the American Medical Association. And even people who are in trouble with this thing don't kind of realize that they are suffering from a disease. So they sort of blame themselves. So it's important to get it out there and not be a secret, so you can get the help that you need."

This imperative notion of seeking help is a central element of the Matthew Perry Foundation and was an integral part of Perry's vision to be remembered not just for his iconic role on "Friends" but for his unwavering commitment to assisting others.

The Matthey Perry Foundation wrote in its mission statement, "It will 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."