Michael J. Fox has long been a vocal advocate for Parkinson’s research, and before his death, actor Matthew Perry used his resources to aid the Back to the Future star’s mission. In fact, when Perry secured his future as a co-star of Friends, he then allocated a significant amount of funds to Fox’s foundation.
Fox was formally diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991, when he was 29. As of 2020, Fox has retired from working due to the disease’s impact on his ability to perform on-screen. Perry, meanwhile, starred in Friends from 1994 to 2004, all the while struggling with substance abuse behind the scenes.
Michael J. Fox shares how Matthew Perry helped his foundation
“I hope this isn’t indiscreet … But when they first made their big sale [on their Friends contracts] and were made millionaires for the rest of their lives, he wrote a big fat check to the [Michael J. Fox] Foundation,” Fox shared with Entertainment Tonight. “We were really early on and trying to find our feet,” added Fox, 62, “And it was such a vote of confidence.”
RELATED: Michael J. Fox Releases Documentary As Foundation Reaches Parkinson’s Breakthrough
The act of generosity was not to bolster Perry’s own image, Fox assured; indeed, the gift was not “accompanied by any self-aggrandizing.”
“It was a, ‘Take it and do your best,'” said Fox. “I loved that.”
A history of friendship and philanthropy from Fox and Perry
Perry died on October 28 at the age of just 54 after he was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi. In life, Perry had a history of supporting worthy causes, to the point that his loved ones announced that his legacy would continue through his own organization, the Matthew Perry Foundation, dedicated to helping those “struggling with the disease of addiction.”
Meanwhile, the Michael J. Fox Foundation has raised a historic $1 billion, all dedicated to Parkinson’s research and treatment.
While Fox and Perry shared a strong interest in worthwhile causes, it was hockey that helped them bond over the years to the point they called one another friends. Fox would call Perry a “funny guy” and say “I’m happy I had an impact on him” while Perry repeatedly took time to praise Fox’s talents.
