Michael J Fox Reveals Matthew Perry's Generous Donation to Parkinson's Foundation

Michael J Fox, the founder of the Michael J Fox Foundation, disclosed in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight that Matthew Perry, star of the beloved sitcom Friends, made a substantial donation to his charity. The foundation was established by Fox in 2000 to fund research for a cure for Parkinson's disease, a condition he was diagnosed with in 1991. Reflecting on Perry's generosity during the foundation's early days, Fox expressed his gratitude and described the contribution as a "tremendous vote of confidence." He commended Perry for his discreet and humble gesture, emphasizing that it was a sincere act of support.

The generous donation from Perry, who negotiated a groundbreaking salary of $1 million per episode alongside his Friends co-stars, was not entirely unexpected. Both actors, who share a love for ice hockey, spent significant time together over the years, fostering a close bond. Fox praised Perry's sense of humor and expressed his happiness for having made an impact on the late actor's life. Perry tragically passed away on October 28, 2023, and was laid to rest on November 3 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Perry's death certificate indicates that the cause of death is pending toxicology reports, which may take weeks to determine. Prior to his passing, Perry had revealed his struggles with addiction in his autobiography, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing. The actor's personal experiences with addiction inspired him to establish the Matthew Perry Foundation, aimed at assisting those grappling with the disease. Through his foundation, Perry aimed to impact as many lives as possible by sharing his journey of recovery and providing guidance.

Michael J Fox lauded Perry's talent and expressed his admiration for him in the wake of his successful television show, Family Ties, and box office hit, Back to the Future. Perry had once admitted to being envious of Fox's early achievements and recounted how the actor's popularity fueled his aspirations. Both actors enjoyed flourishing careers and left lasting legacies, with Perry's philanthropic efforts serving as a testament to his commitment to helping others. Fox's heartfelt revelation exemplifies the enduring impact of friendship and support in the face of adversity.