Matthew Langford Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA. His parents, Suzanne Marie Morrison and John Bennett Perry, were both connected to creative and political realms. His mother, a Canadian journalist, served as press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, while his father pursued a career in acting and modeling.
After his parents divorced when he was just a year old, Matthew moved to Ottawa, Canada, with his mother. He attended Rockcliffe Park Public School and later Ashbury College, excelling as a junior tennis player ranked among Canada’s top youth athletes. At age 15, Perry relocated to Los Angeles to live with his father and pursue acting, graduating from The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks in 1987.
Acting Career
Early Roles
Matthew Perry’s journey into acting began in the late 1980s. He appeared in TV shows like Charles in Charge, Silver Spoons, and Growing Pains. His first significant role came in the sitcom Second Chance, later retitled Boys Will Be Boys. Although it was short-lived, the experience paved the way for bigger opportunities.
Breakthrough with Friends
In 1994, Perry’s career skyrocketed when he landed the role of Chandler Bing on NBC’s Friends. The show’s immense popularity made him a household name. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and witty sarcasm, Chandler Bing remains one of television’s most iconic characters. The series ran for ten seasons, earning Perry critical acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Post-Friends Career
After Friends, Perry transitioned to films and other television projects. Notable movies include The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and its sequel The Whole Ten Yards (2004). On TV, he starred in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, had recurring roles in The West Wing, and led CBS’s sitcom The Odd Couple (2015-2017). Despite these successes, none matched the cultural impact of Friends.
Personal Struggles and Advocacy
Health and Addiction
Perry openly battled addiction throughout his life. His struggles began in the late 1990s after a jet ski accident led to an addiction to prescription painkillers. This spiraled into a dependency on alcohol and other substances. He entered rehabilitation multiple times, an experience he candidly shared in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Philanthropy
Perry turned his personal challenges into advocacy, opening Perry House in Malibu, a sober living facility for men recovering from addiction. In 2013, he received the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House for his contributions to addiction recovery programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perry also launched a Friends-inspired clothing line to support global health initiatives.
Physical Appearance
Matthew Perry stood at an impressive 6 feet (183 cm). Known for his expressive blue eyes and charismatic smile, Perry’s physical appearance underwent notable changes over the years due to his health struggles. Despite these challenges, his charm and personality remained undeniable, endearing him to fans worldwide.
Net Worth as of 2024
Matthew Perry’s net worth was estimated at $120 million in 2024. Much of his wealth stemmed from Friends, with substantial earnings from its original run and syndication royalties. Perry also invested in real estate, owning luxurious properties in Los Angeles. These investments, combined with his acting earnings, secured his financial legacy.
Social Media Presence
Though relatively private, Perry maintained a presence on social media platforms, engaging fans and promoting his philanthropic initiatives. Below is a table summarizing his official accounts:
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @MatthewPerry | Twitter Link | |
| @mattyperry4 | Instagram Link | |
| Matthew Perry Official | Facebook Link |
Latest News
As of January 2025, Matthew Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, continues to captivate readers. Fans and critics alike praise the raw honesty of his narrative, which sheds light on the challenges of fame and addiction. The book’s success has sparked renewed interest in his career and legacy.
Legacy and Passing
On October 28, 2023, Perry tragically passed away at his Los Angeles home. His death, attributed to an apparent drowning, sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and fans worldwide. Tributes poured in from colleagues and friends, celebrating his humor, talent, and courage in sharing his struggles.
