Matthew Perry's Collection, Including Banksy Art and 'Friends' Scripts, Heads to Auction

(CNA, Los Angeles, May 19, Comprehensive Foreign Report) Dozens of personal items from the late Hollywood actor Matthew Perry, ranging from works by the renowned British graffiti artist Banksy to scripts from the classic American sitcom "Friends," are set to be auctioned. According to AFP, Matthew Perry, who played the sarcastic Chandler Bing in "Friends," passed away in 2023 at the age of 54 after battling addiction for decades. Now, his estate administrators have released about 130 items, including Perry's favorite watches and childhood memorabilia. This public auction is to raise funds for the Matthew Perry Foundation, which helps people struggling with addiction. Roberta Kramer, a representative for Heritage Auctions, which is handling the sale, stated, "This auction includes a variety of items spanning the actor's life." In addition to items related to his work in television and film like "Friends," it also includes "many deeply personal collections from his childhood to adulthood." The auction items include Perry's cherished Memorigin Batman-themed watch and art he collected, among which Banksy's "Girl with Balloon" and "Nola" are expected to fetch around $1 million (approximately NT$32 million). The auction list also includes multiple "Friends" scripts. The show, which depicts six young people navigating life, love, and careers in New York, turned Perry and his five main co-stars into millionaire, household-name celebrities. Kramer said Perry established the foundation hoping to use his fame and personal experience overcoming drug addiction to help others in need. "We believe that if he were watching, he would be pleased to see his treasured collection used to advance the foundation's mission." In the case of Matthew Perry's death from a ketamine overdose, six people have been convicted, with five already sentenced. The sixth defendant is expected to be sentenced next week. The auction will be held simultaneously in Dallas, Texas, and online on June 5. (Compiler: Tsai Chia-Min)