Michael J. Fox Lauds Late Matthew Perry's Generosity & Friendship

Tributes continue to pour in for the late entertainer Matthew Perry, with the latest coming from longtime pal Michael J. Fox.

The beloved "Friends" actor took his final breath on October 28, a tragic incident that occurred in the hot tub of his Pacific Palisades home. While fans mourn the man they connected with on-screen, his friends celebrate the person behind these iconic characters.

During his life, the "17 Again" star cited Fox as a significant force behind his successful career, describing the retired actor as an inspiration. Now, the tables have turned with the Hollywood veteran reflecting on his relationship with Perry and what made the deceased a special person in his heart.

The year before his death, the late actor had raved about his admiration for the "Family Ties" star in an interview. The Williamstown native explained that during his days as a young, aspiring actor, he was inspired by Fox's career and sought to emulate the same standards for his success.

Over the years, Perry became a notable figure and finally entered the same circles as his muse. The pair soon became pals, bonding over their love for acting, hockey, and philanthropy. Fox recently reflected on the duo's friendship at his annual fundraising benefit for The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The event, hosted at Casa Cipriani in New York City, took place on Saturday with the theme "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To Cure Parkinson's Gala." The showrunner took a moment from raising funds for the charitable cause to discuss his fond memories with the late TV personality.

"Matthew and I had spent some time together over the years. He was a hockey player, a good hockey player, and we played hockey together," the Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree told ET before recalling how Perry had significantly improved his foundation in its early days. Addressing the deceased's generosity, the retired actor said:

"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 foundation. We were really early on and trying to find our feet. And it was such a vote of confidence."

Apart from the generous donation being a pivotal point in the Michael J. Fox Foundation's history, the retired actor noted he appreciated the gesture because no hidden strings were attached. "It wasn't accompanied by any self-aggrandizing or anything; he was just like, 'Take it and do your best,'" the 62-year-old explained. "I loved that."

As for Perry's 2022 declaration of Fox being his inspiration, the "Back to the Future" star returned the late actor's compliment with equal praise. The Canada's Walk of Fame honoree echoed his love for the deceased's comedic skills, saying:

"He was just a funny guy, and if I was ever as funny as him -- I mean, he was the funniest -- I'm happy I had an impact on him. He was a funny guy."

Before his death, the "Mr. Sunshine" executive producer had plans to create a movie adaptation of his life, with Zac Efron starring as his younger self. Unfortunately, the 54-year-old died before making concrete preparations for the biopic, which may or may not become a reality.

However, if this movie moves forward, the Williamstown native's chosen actor for his role is willing to take up the iconic task. While attending the world premiere of his new film "The Iron Claw" in Dallas, Texas, Efron expressed his desire to fulfill Perry's last wish. In the Disney alum's words:

"I’m honored to hear he was thinking of me to play him. We’ll see. I’d be honored to do it."

Matthew Perry and Efron's friendship began on the set of the 2009 movie "17 Again." Like his possible role as the deceased's younger self in his future biopic, the "High School Musical" actor starred as the 17-year-old version of Perry's character in the rom-com.

The Hollywood hunk also reflected on their time together in his tribute to the late entertainer. "He was a mentor to me, and we made a really cool film together. I looked up to him, I learned comedic timing from that guy," the former teen idol shared.

"I mean, when we were filming 17 Again, it was so surreal for me to look across and have him be there because I've learned so much from him, from his whole life," Efron concluded.