Matthew Perry’s stepfather and Dateline veteran, Keith Morrison and Jennifer Aniston have both taken to social media to encourage donations for the late Friends actor’s foundation that aims to help others struggling with addiction.
Posting to Twitter, Keith urged his followers that in light of Giving Tuesday, to donate to Matthew Perry’s eponymous foundation which was established posthumously.
“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,” Keith wrote.
Giving Tuesday is an American tradition that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving which encourages people to donate to charities, volunteer or do something generous for others.
The Matthew Perry Foundation, which was launched November 3, was also endorsed by Matthew’s long-time Friends co-star, Jennifer Aniston. Jennifer also encouraged her followers to donate to the newly established foundation in light of Giving Tuesday, writing:
“For #GivingTuesday please join me and Matty’s family in supporting his foundation – which is working to help those suffering with addiction…He would have been grateful for the love.”
Matthew, who was a staunch advocate for drug and alcohol recovery programs, was in the process of establishing the foundation prior to his October 28 passing.
The move comes just weeks after Matthew’s funeral which was attended by family as well as his Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer.
News first broke in late October that Matthew had been found dead at his Los Angeles home. The 54 year old, who was best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing, allegedly drowned after suffering cardiac arrest.
His family confirmed the news on October 28 with an official statement to People that read, “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.”
Tributes quickly began pouring out from friends, family and co-stars who are remembering Matthew as one of Hollywood’s most gifted comedians.
The official Friends X (formerly Twitter) account wrote, “We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans.”
We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry’s passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans. pic.twitter.com/Xv6HkpSEBl
— FRIENDS (@FriendsTV) October 29, 2023
Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, and EP Kevin Bright also released a joint statement remembering the series lead.
“We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.” The statement continued, “From the day we first heard him embody the role of Chandler Bing, there was no one else for us.”
Paying homage to the classic style of the Friends episode titles, the three finished their statement with, “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken”.
Friends alum Jennifer, Courteney, Lisa, Matt and David released a joint statement to People.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.” They continued, “In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Other celebrities also shared memories of their former colleague and friend. Maggie Wheeler who played Matthew’s on-screen girlfriend Janice, posted to Instagram remembering the “joy” Matthew brought to everyone.
In addition. Matthew’s on-screen mother, Morgan Fairchild, revealed how “heartbroken” she was over the untimely death of her “son”.
I’m heartbroken about the untimely death of my “son”, Matthew Perry. The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad, John Bennett Perry, who I worked with on Flamingo Road & Falcon Crest. #RIPMatthew pic.twitter.com/QWMsBVJEAr
— Morgan Fairchild (@morgfair) October 29, 2023
The first royal to comment on the loss, Sarah Ferguson took to her social media to reflect on her interaction with Matthew when Friends filmed in the UK for the episode, The One with Ross’ Wedding.
“I remember being thrilled to have met a natural talent, comedian and brilliant actor. It is a tragedy to lose you so early in life, rest in peace dear Matthew … you have given so much joy and laughter to so many,” her caption stated.
Gwyneth Paltrow paid her respects by revealing the sweet relationship her and Matthew shared many years ago in an Instagram post.
“We drove out to swim in creeks, had beers in the local college bar, kissed in a field of long grass. It was a magical summer, ” remembered Gwyneth.
Brooke Shields shared a snapshot of her Friends appearance alongside Matthew. And although she admitted to “struggling to find the words”, we think the actress summed up her love and grief perfectly.
Other celebrities such as Selma Blair, Shannen Doherty, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also paid their respects with posts to their social media platforms. Adele even took a moment during her Las Vegas show to pay tribute to Matthew and his character Chandler, “I’ll remember that character for the rest of my life,” she said. “He’s probably the best comedic actor of all time.”
