"It’s been hard on everyone," Perry’s sister Caitlin Morrison told CNN in a recent interview
The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, launched one year after the beloved actor's passing, aims to support those battling addiction. By providing essential resources, the foundation carries forward Perry's dream of helping others navigate the challenging path to recovery.
- Matthew Perry's passing is still tough
- His foundation has helped many since
- The impact is still ongoing
Honoring a Dream
Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends,' left an indelible mark not only on television but also in the hearts of those who knew him.
Following his untimely death at 54, Perry's family and friends have channeled their grief into fulfilling his long-held desire to assist individuals struggling with addiction. The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, established by his sister Caitlin Morrison, aims to provide comprehensive support to those in their early stages of recovery.
Morrison, who serves as the executive director, shared, "It’s been hard on everyone." The foundation focuses on offering housing, mental health, career, and financial support to individuals during their first year of sobriety—a period Morrison describes as "a very tenuous time in early sobriety."
She recalls Perry's own struggles during this phase, noting, "I remember him saying quite a few times that that first year was just such a beast. There were so many roadblocks and so many difficulties," she recalled.
"We thought it would be kind of exactly a thing that would be aligned with something he wanted to do, to say, ‘Well, let’s help people. Let’s help people get past that hurdle that was such a high and difficult hurdle to get over when he was first fighting his battle.’"
The foundation's mission is deeply personal for Morrison and Perry's loved ones. "If the work that I’m doing right now saves a family from feeling that way, that’s a relief to my own grief," Morrison expressed. This sentiment is echoed by Perry's mother, lifelong friend Brian Murray, and Cara Vaccarino, president and CEO of The Royal, who are also involved in the foundation.
The foundation's establishment is a testament to Perry's enduring influence. His former publicist Lisa Kasteler and manager Doug Chapin founded the Matthew Perry Foundation in California shortly after his death, highlighting the importance of combating the stigma surrounding addiction. Kasteler remarked, "I know if Matthew hadn’t been ashamed, he’d be here."
Perry's journey from a top-ranked Canadian tennis player to a Hollywood star was marked by both triumphs and challenges.
Despite his struggles with addiction, which he candidly discussed in his memoir 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,' Perry's legacy is defined by his compassion and humor.
His former co-stars, like Yvette Nicole Brown from 'The Odd Couple,' remember him fondly. Brown reflected on Perry's openness and the lessons learned from his passing: "You don’t know when the last time you’re going to speak to someone is." Perry's desire for those around him to feel comfortable and supported was a hallmark of his character.
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The Matthew Perry Foundation's work continues to keep Perry's spirit alive, providing vital resources to those who need them most. As Doug Chapin noted, "He still feels alive in a lot of ways.
He’s still so central to our lives." This ongoing dedication ensures that Perry's legacy of kindness and support endures, offering hope to those on their path to recovery.
