DALLAS, TX.- Collectors, fans and philanthropists from around the world came together June 5 to celebrate the life and legacy of beloved actor and advocate Matthew Perry, helping raise more than $2.2 million in Heritage Auctions The Matthew Perry Estate Auction, with net proceeds benefiting the Matthew Perry Foundation.
The 127-lot auction drew 1,453 bidders and achieved a remarkable 99.7% sell-through rate by value, underscoring the enduring connection audiences felt with Perry and their enthusiasm for supporting the Foundation established in his honor.
Matthew Perry was one of those rare individuals whose impact extended far beyond the work that made him famous, says Joe Maddalena, Executive Vice President at Heritage. What we witnessed throughout this auction was not simply strong bidding it was a heartfelt response from people who admired Matthew, appreciated his honesty and wanted to help continue the work that mattered most to him. The success of this auction ensures that his legacy will continue to change lives through the Matthew Perry Foundation.
The sale featured a broad range of personal possessions and artwork from Perrys estate, offering a glimpse into the passions that shaped his life, from contemporary art and popular culture to tennis, Batman and, of course, Friends, the groundbreaking television series that made him a household name.
Leading the auction was Banksys iconic Girl with Balloon (diptych), which realized $1,187,500. Another work by the elusive street artist, Nola (Grey Rain), sold for $118,750. Mel Bochners I Forget What I Forgot (triptych), a title that carried particular poignancy given Perrys candor about his personal struggles, brought $137,500.
Among the most sought-after television memorabilia were items connected to Friends. A cast-signed script for The Last One: Part 1, the first installment of the beloved series finale, realized $93,750. A cast-signed copy of the original pilot script, Six of One sold for $52,500, while Perrys personally owned reproduction of the iconic yellow peephole frame from Monicas apartment door brought $40,000.
The auction also highlighted Perrys lifelong enthusiasm for Batman. In honor of Perry, a pair of tickets to the upcoming red-carpet premiere of The Batman: Part II, donated by Warner Bros., realized $40,000. Perrys limited-edition The Dark Knight Rises Memorigin watch sold for $21,250, while a custom Batman-themed ping-pong table and other Batman collectibles drew spirited bidding from fans eager to acquire pieces connected to one of the actor's most well-known passions.
Other notable results included a Rocky poster signed and inscribed to Perry by Sylvester Stallone, which realized $13,750, and a group of Perrys personal belongings and Batman memorabilia that sold for $17,500. A collection of Perrys tennis equipment, reflecting the sport in which he excelled as a nationally ranked youth player in Canada, also found enthusiastic bidders.
For the Matthew Perry Foundation, the auctions success represents far more than strong prices realized.
Matthew believed that people struggling with addiction deserved compassion, support and access to effective treatment, says Lisa Kasteler Calio, CEO of the Matthew Perry Foundation. The extraordinary response to this auction reflects the love people continue to feel for Matthew and their commitment to the values he championed. Every dollar raised will help us expand access to recovery resources, support innovative programs and continue the work Matthew cared about so deeply. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who participated.
Established to honor Perrys legacy, the Matthew Perry Foundation works to end the stigma surrounding addiction through investments in treatment, recovery support, education and community partnerships. Proceeds from the auction will help advance key Foundation initiatives, including the Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Grassroots Recovery Grants for frontline organizations and Healing Appalachia, the nations largest recovery-focused sober music festival.
For bidders, the auction offered a chance to acquire meaningful pieces from Perrys life. For the Foundation, it delivered critical support for its mission. And for the millions who admired Matthew Perrys talent, humor and honesty, it served as a powerful reminder that his greatest legacy may be the lives he continues to help.