A foundation has been set up in the name of Matthew Perry to help others “struggling with the disease of addiction”.

The actor, who rose to fame on Friends as the witty and sarcastic character Chandler Bing, died at the age of 54 last weekend.

During Perry’s life, he was open about his battle with substance abuse and addiction and also set up a sober living facility for men with similar issues.

A new foundation has been created to honour the actor and continue that legacy.

In a statement, the organisation said: “The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realisation of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction.

“It will honour his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible.”

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

The foundation also referenced a quote by Perry on its website, in which he said: “When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned – I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned and I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that.

“Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.”

Read more:
What Perry’s memoir revealed
The one who made everyone laugh
Perry’s life in pictures

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

The foundation is a fund sponsored and maintained by the charity National Philanthropic Trust (NPT), which says in its mission statement it wants to increase philanthropy.

Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts

Perry’s five co-stars – Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Courteney Cox – said in a joint statement after his death: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”

The cast also promised to share more later, saying: “There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”

Related posts:

Kate Moss revealed as new face of Kim Kardashian West’s shapewear brand SKIMS Soaps to make UK TV history with first crossover episodes to highlight climate change US surgeon general responds after Matthew McConaughey says he won’t vaccinate his children yet Arlo Parks and Dave among those leading MOBO nominations ahead of Coventry ceremony ‘Better go watch some movies’: Oscars reveals history-making line-up to host 2022 show Laurence Fox returns to Twitter after ban – and criticises comedian over tweet ‘A lot of the thrill is gone’: Woody Allen hints he could give up filmmaking in rare live interview – with Alec Baldwin Jungle Matt says winning campsite leader vote ‘more than makes up for’ losing to Boris Watch Gwyneth Paltrow in court over ski crash lawsuit Alec Baldwin begins filming Rust again – 18 months after the movie’s cinematographer was shot dead This Morning up for NTA, but Holly Willoughby snubbed in presenter category ‘I love you Lizzo!’: Beyoncé shouts out lawsuit-hit singer in latest performance