'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' script gets auctioned; proceeds to benefit Matthew Perry Foundation
A script from the iconic TV sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S—which spanned 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004—is set to be auctioned, with a portion of the proceeds going toward the Matthew Perry Foundation. The foundation was established to honor the late star. The script, from the two-part finale of Season 8, is being auctioned by UK-based Hanson Ross. British actor Ollie Locke, who currently owns the script, acquired it at a previous auction before Perry's passing in October 2023.
Auctioned script features pre-edited 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' episode
The script is from the episode titled The One Where Rachel Has A Baby, which aired in 2002. It contains original content prior to final editing, a feature that Locke referred to as "very rare." This particular episode is known for the storyline where Rachel Green, played by Jennifer Aniston, gives birth to a baby girl fathered by Ross Geller, portrayed by David Schwimmer.
Script signed by 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' cast up for grabs
The 76-page "table read" version of the script, signed by all six lead cast members of the cult comedy show, is a unique piece of memorabilia. Locke—an avid fan of the series—expressed his excitement about supporting a cause close to Perry's heart. He shared with Hanson Ross, "It suddenly crossed my mind that I could do something special to help the Matthew Perry Foundation when I saw that another F.R.I.E.N.D.S TV script had gone crazy at auction."
Bidding for memorabilia begins in April
Bidding for this unique piece of television memorabilia will commence later this week on April 12 at Hanson Ross in Royston, Hertfordshire, England. The script's estimated sale price ranges between $5,000 and $8,600, reportedly. The auction will also include the sonogram of Rachel's "baby," featured in the same episode, with an expected price tag exceeding $650. To recall, in January, two original scripts from The One With Ross's Wedding Part I were sold for $31,700 at a Hanson Ross auction.
Auction proceeds to support the Matthew Perry Foundation
Amanda Butler, Head of Operations at Hanson Ross, expressed her team's enthusiasm about the auction. She said, "As well as being an iconic, autographed script, the seller's offer to donate some of the proceeds to the Matthew Perry Foundation is a wonderful gesture." The foundation was established just a month after his passing. It aims to support those struggling with substance abuse—a cause close to the actor's heart as he also battled drug addiction.
Perry's passing in October sent shockwaves
Perry, who famously portrayed Chandler Bing on F.R.I.E.N.D.S was found deceased in his California residence. He was 54. The autopsy report, released in December, cited "acute effects of ketamine" as the cause of death. Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage severe depression and anxiety. Throughout his life, the actor grappled with long-standing addiction—a struggle he openly chronicled in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
