Fans of Friends and the late Matthew Perry will soon have a rare opportunity to own pieces of television history while supporting a cause close to his heart. Heritage Auctions will host a sale on June 5, featuring items from Perry's estate, with all proceeds benefiting the Matthew Perry Foundation.
Foundation's Mission
The Matthew Perry Foundation, established after his death in 2023, focuses on reducing stigma around addiction and expanding access to treatment. CEO Lisa Kasteler Calio emphasized that Perry believed addiction should be addressed "with compassion and science," not shame or silence. This auction aims to further that mission.
Notable Auction Items
The collection includes a variety of television memorabilia and personal keepsakes. Among the highlights are 26 original Friends scripts from iconic episodes such as "The One With Ross's Tan," "The One Where Joey Speaks French," and the two-part finale. Some scripts, including the pilot and finale, are signed by Perry and his co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.
Other items include Perry's 1995 Screen Actors Guild Award for ensemble performance, a personal replica of the iconic yellow peephole frame from Monica and Rachel's apartment, and a Friends photo album humorously titled "The One With the Last Supper." Beyond television, the auction features artwork owned by Perry, including pieces by Banksy and Mel Bochner.
Auction Details
Online bidding is already underway. The items will be displayed publicly in Beverly Hills, California, from May 18 to May 29 before the live and online auction in Dallas, Texas. Proceeds will support initiatives such as a fellowship in addiction medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and grants for organizations aiding recovery.
Matthew Perry's Legacy
Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends from 1994 to 2004, became one of the most recognizable TV stars of his era. His legacy, however, is equally defined by his openness about addiction and his efforts to help others facing similar struggles. His death on October 28, 2023, shocked fans worldwide. He was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Hollywood home by his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. A medical examiner determined that ketamine and other factors caused him to lose consciousness and drown.
Legal Fallout
Several individuals have faced legal consequences related to Perry's death. Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen," received a 15-year federal prison sentence for distributing drugs linked to his death. Five people, including doctors and Iwamasa, have pleaded guilty to related charges. Dr. Salvador Plasencia was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for illegally supplying ketamine to Perry, while Dr. Mark Chavez received eight months of home confinement. Sentencings for Iwamasa and Erik Fleming are expected later this year.
