The Lasting Legacy: 5 Ways The Friends Cast Is Honoring Matthew Perry In 2025
More than two years after the world lost Matthew Perry, the beloved actor who brought the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing to life, his presence remains a powerful, guiding force for his former colleagues and millions of fans. As of December 23, 2025, the narrative has shifted from the initial shock of his passing to a concerted, ongoing effort by the *Friends* cast to preserve his mission: helping others struggling with addiction. This deep dive explores the current, fresh, and heartfelt ways Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer are actively upholding the legacy of their friend, ensuring his commitment to sobriety advocacy lives on.
The collective bond of the six stars—often referred to as 'The Six'—was never merely a television trope; it was a genuine friendship that has only strengthened in the face of tragedy. The most recent and significant development is the full, public support of the entire cast for the Matthew Perry Foundation, transforming a personal tragedy into a powerful, philanthropic movement. Their actions in 2025 are a testament to a friendship that transcended the sitcom stage and continues to inspire millions globally.
Matthew Langford Perry: A Comprehensive Profile
Matthew Langford Perry was an American-Canadian actor who achieved global fame for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom *Friends*. His comedic timing, signature sarcastic delivery, and emotional depth made Chandler one of television's most beloved characters.
- Full Name: Matthew Langford Perry
- Born: August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, U.S.
- Died: October 28, 2023, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Cause of Death: Acute effects of ketamine, with drowning as a contributing factor.
- Nationality: American and Canadian
- Iconic Role: Chandler Bing on *Friends* (1994–2004)
- Career Highlights: Nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in *Friends*. Also starred in films like *Fools Rush In* and *The Whole Nine Yards*, and the TV series *Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip*.
- Memoir: Authored the candid and best-selling book, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing* (2022), which detailed his decades-long struggle with addiction.
- Legacy: The Matthew Perry Foundation, established to continue his mission of helping those struggling with the disease of addiction.
1. The Friends Cast’s Unprecedented Support for The Matthew Perry Foundation
The most tangible and impactful way the *Friends* cast is honoring Matthew Perry's memory in 2025 is through their unwavering commitment to the Matthew Perry Foundation. This organization was established shortly after his passing to carry on his deep-seated mission to help people suffering from addiction.
In a powerful display of solidarity, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer have publicly teamed up with the Foundation. Their collective endorsement brings an unparalleled level of visibility and fundraising power to the cause, which was central to Perry's life—a journey he openly detailed in his memoir.
The Foundation’s work is focused on fighting the stigma surrounding addiction and providing resources for recovery. The cast’s involvement ensures that Perry's final, most passionate project—his dedication to sobriety advocacy—receives the global attention it deserves, truly embodying the spirit of "The One Where They All Help."
2. Heartfelt and Ongoing Public Tributes
While the initial, raw joint statement from the cast was deeply moving, their tributes have continued, evolving into more reflective and enduring public acknowledgements. On the one-year anniversary of his passing in October 2024, all five co-stars shared personal, heartfelt messages, reminding the world of the profound connection they shared.
These tributes often highlight Perry's extraordinary talent and his unique ability to bring joy. Matt LeBlanc, for example, often references their shared time and the "unbelievable bond" they formed. Courteney Cox has spoken about the sheer amount of laughter he provided, both on and off the set of their iconic apartment and the Central Perk coffee shop.
Jennifer Aniston, who revealed she was texting with Perry on the very day he died, has been particularly vocal about his efforts to stay healthy and his desire to help others. These continued, personal reflections keep the conversation focused on his humanity and his enduring legacy, not just his tragic loss.
3. Private Gatherings and The Preservation of Their "Six" Bond
Beyond the public eye, the cast is known to maintain their tight-knit group, often gathering privately to remember Matthew. This private, ongoing support system is a crucial element of their collective healing and a quiet way they continue to honor him. Their bond, which began in the mid-1990s and lasted through the *Friends Reunion* special in 2021, remains unbreakable.
These private moments—which the cast members occasionally allude to in interviews—are where they share stories, celebrate his life, and mourn him as a true friend. This commitment to one another, a real-life extension of the Central Perk dynamic, is perhaps the most authentic tribute to the man who valued friendship above all else.
The entity of 'The Six' has become synonymous with enduring loyalty in Hollywood. By maintaining this bond, they are preserving the very essence of what Matthew Perry helped create: a family of choice.
4. Championing His Memoir and Addiction Awareness
Matthew Perry's 2022 memoir, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*, was a deeply personal and often painful account of his life. The book became a powerful tool for raising awareness about the devastating effects of addiction, a cause his co-stars actively champion.
The cast members have consistently used their platforms to encourage fans to read the book, not only to understand Matthew's journey but also to support the broader conversation about mental health and substance abuse. By promoting the memoir, they are amplifying his voice and ensuring his message of hope and recovery reaches a wider audience, turning his vulnerability into a vessel for change.
The actor's candidness about his struggles with Vicodin and alcohol, and his multiple stints in rehab, has made his book a cornerstone text in addiction literature. His co-stars’ endorsement helps solidify its importance.
5. Ensuring Justice and Acknowledging His Final Days
In a very recent and fresh development, the legal proceedings related to Matthew Perry's death continue to unfold. The news in late 2024 and 2025 regarding the sentencing of individuals involved in the distribution of ketamine has kept the case in the public eye.
While the cast has not made specific public statements on the legal cases, the ongoing coverage serves as a somber reminder of the circumstances of his passing and reinforces the seriousness of the addiction crisis that Perry himself fought so hard against. For the cast, this process represents a final, painful chapter, but one that underscores the importance of the Foundation’s work in preventing similar tragedies.
The enduring power of *Friends* is not just in the reruns of classic episodes like "The One With The Prom Video" or "The One Where Everybody Finds Out." It is now cemented in the profound, active, and philanthropic legacy of Matthew Perry, a legacy his five closest friends are determined to keep alive.
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