Matthew Perry said he did not want to be remembered for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, but acknowledged that would likely be the case in the event of his death.
The 54-year-old died of a suspected drowning in his hot tub in Los Angeles on Saturday (US time). An inquest into the death has now been opened by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office and an autopsy is pending.
However, a quote from Perry revealed he wanted to be remembered for the work he did for addicts like himself rather than his comedic turn as the sarcastic member of the Friends group.
The quote came from a transcript of his appearance in November 2022 on a podcast with Tom Power and has been widely circulated by fans and friends wishing to follow his request.
"I've had a lot of ups and downs in my life. But the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, 'Will you help me?' I will always say, 'Yes, I know how to do that. I will do that for you, even if I can't always do it for myself'!"
Perry said he had set up Perry House in Malibu, a facility that helped men into sobriety.
He also advocated for drug courts, in which non-violent substance abusers who commit offenses would receive help rather than be incarcerated.
"When I die, I know people will talk about Friends, Friends, Friends. I'm glad of that, happy I've done some solid work as an actor, as well as given people multiple chances to make fun of my struggles on the world wide web," he said.
"But when I die, as far as my so-called accomplishments go, it would be nice if Friends were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people.
"I know it won't happen, but it would be nice."
Since his death, the comments from Perry had been shared in multiple posts online and by celebrities as well.
Sex and The City star Kristin Davis was the latest to post it, adding: "Thank you Matthew for all you have done for others and for giving your gift to us."
