Matthew Perry, the late actor known for his role on Friends, had plans to establish a foundation to assist individuals struggling with addiction before his unexpected death at the age of 54. While Perry had previously founded Perry House, a men's sober living facility that operated for two years, he hoped to expand his efforts and create an organization dedicated to helping those with substance abuse issues.

In a 2013 interview with PEOPLE, Perry spoke candidly about his own battle with alcohol and prescription drug abuse. After a serious jet ski accident in 1997, he found himself trapped in a cycle of addiction.

Eventually, he reached a turning point and founded Perry House, which provided support and a safe living environment for men in recovery.

Perry's dedication to helping others led to him being honored by the treatment center Phoenix House in 2015. He acknowledged that overcoming addiction was a long-term journey, emphasizing that it couldn't be resolved in a mere 28 days of treatment.

Last year, Perry released his memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, where he delved deeper into his personal struggles.

He recounted a near-death experience at the age of 49 due to his escalating drug addiction and shared his weight dropping to a dangerous 128 pounds during his time on Friends when he was consuming 55 Vicodin pills per day.

Despite numerous stints in rehab and significant financial investments to attain sobriety, Perry was determined to share his experiences in order to support others facing similar challenges. His memoir served as a testament to his recovery and his desire to help those affected by addiction.

Perry's tragic death was reported as an apparent drowning, with no drugs found at the scene. However, his family released a statement expressing their devastation and gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.

Although Perry's foundation was not able to be realized during his lifetime, those close to him aim to bring his vision to fruition as a tribute to his unwavering dedication to helping others.