Prior to his terrible death over the weekend, Matthew Perry was maintaining his sobriety and playing an important part in his recovery program.

Perry, according to a close friend and fellow member of Alcoholics Anonymous, was not only abstaining from alcohol but was also actively engaged in the support network.

He not only went to AA meetings, but he also became a sponsor to other addicts, offering advice and encouragement.

The 54-year-old Friends star was seen to be on a bright trajectory before his unexpected death at his Pacific Palisades home.

Perry’s dedication to sobriety and aiding others in their recovery is a monument to his enduring spirit, despite his open and honest remarks about his troubles and relapses throughout the years.

Perry’s AA peer and close friend offered a unique insight with DailyMail.com, assuring the world that, “Matty wasn’t drinking. He was a big part of our AA community. He was attending meetings, speaking at meetings, and was working with a handful of newcomers. He had a sponsor and was a sponsor. He seemed to be doing well.”

Perry has indicated a strong desire to return to colleges to tackle the issues of alcoholism, seeing it as his mission. His ability to express his feelings and inspire others was a great gift.

“Matty said he wanted to return to universities and speak about alcoholism. That was his gift. He could speak so well and motivate people. It was important for him to reach the younger generation and spread his ‘Don’t Give Up’ message. He really lived by those words,” the person explained.

“Matty will forever be the definition of hope because he never, ever gave up. He turned his life around and helped countless people in the program, more than he could imagine,” the insider continued. He changed his life and assisted more people in the program than he could have imagined.”

According to initial accounts, the TV icon died after being discovered motionless in a jacuzzi.

There were no drugs or indicators of foul play detected at the scene.

While it is thought that Perry drowned, an official cause of death has not to be determined because the initial autopsy result was “deferred,” and toxicology findings are still pending.