On October 28th, 2023, the famous actor Matthew Perry known for his role in the sitcom “Friends” passed away. At the age of 54 Matthew drowned at his home in the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles. Fans have scoured the internet for weeks over his death, with many family members and actors speaking about their distress. While he was known for his role as Chandler Bing, Matthew Perry accomplished so much more.

Between 2013 and 2015 Matthew renovated his former Malibu home into a sober living facility, named the Perry Home. Matthew struggled with alcohol addiction since he was 14 years old and created the Perry Home to help other addicts achieve sobriety. He acknowledged his struggle and hoped to stop other people from experiencing what he'd experienced throughout his life. Matthew Perry’s friend Hank Azaria spoke on the matter, stating,

"I want to say that the night I went into AA, Matthew brought me in. The whole first year I was sober; we went to meetings together. As a sober person, he was so caring and giving and wise, and he totally helped me get sober. I really wish he could have found it in himself to stay with the sober life more consistently."

Along with Hank Azaria’s statement, many other friends and celebrities have also come forward. The “Friends” cast has recently released a statement:

"We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family,"

His legacy in and outside of the “Friends” franchise will be preserved by everyone who knew and loved him. Fans continuously pay tribute to the star, leaving flowers at the “friends” apartment in New York. All these statements and actions following the star through death will ultimately keep his spirit alive. In hopes, many people struggling with addiction will listen to his story and follow in the path of sobriety.