Shailja Mishra
Matthew Perry, remembered fondly as Chandler Bing from the iconic television show Friends, was a talented actor whose humor and vulnerability endeared him to fans worldwide. Born on August 19, 1969, Perry captivated audiences through his comedic timing and unique personality, leaving an indelible mark in television and film. Tragically, Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, sparking an outpouring of grief from fans, friends, and family alike. Beyond his work on Friends, Perry’s life included both immense success and personal challenges, which he openly discussed in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Matthew Perry Biography
Matthew Langford Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and spent much of his early life in Canada. His mother, Suzanne Perry, was a prominent Canadian journalist and served as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Perry’s father, John Bennett Perry, was also an actor. Growing up, Perry displayed early talent in tennis, ranking highly as a junior player in Canada, but shifted his focus to acting when he moved to Los Angeles at age 15 to live with his father.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Langford Perry |
| Nickname(s) | Matty, Matt, Perry |
| Profession(s) | Actor, Director, Writer, Producer |
| Famous Roles | TV: Chandler Bing in FRIENDS Film: The Ron Clark Story (2006) |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States |
| Date of Death | October 28, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age (at time of death) | 54 Years |
| Death Cause | Found drowned (official cause: “deferred”) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Ottawa, Ontario |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Weight | 82 kg (181 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Hair Colour | Light Brown |
| School | The Buckley School, Rockcliffe Park Public School |
| College | Ashbury College |
| Acting Debut | Film: A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (1988) TV: Arthur in 240-Robert (1979) |
| Directorial Debut | Scrubs |
| Ethnicity | German, French-Canadian, Swiss-German, Irish, and English |
| Family | Father: John Bennett Perry (Actor) Stepfather: Keith Morrison (Journalist) Mother: Suzanne Perry (Journalist, Former Press Secretary to Canadian PM Pierre Trudeau) |
| Siblings | Half-Sisters: Caitlin Morrison, Marie Perry, Emily Morrison, Madeleine Morrison Half-Brother: Willy Morrison |
| Fan Mail Address | Matthew Perry Doug Chapin Management 1100 Alta Loma Rd, Suite 605 West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA |
| Hobbies | Tennis |
| Favorite TV Show | Lost |
| Favorite Movie | Groundhog Day |
| Favorite Beverage | Sugar-free RedBull |
| Favorite Song | “Don’t Give Up” by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush |
| Favorite Baseball Team | Toronto Blue Jays |
| Major Controversies | Struggled with opioid addiction and painkiller dependency |
| Marital Status (at death) | Single |
| Relationships | Past Relationships: Julia Roberts, Yasmine Bleeth, Neve Campbell, Maeve Quinlan, Renee Zellweger, Lauren Graham, Heather Graham, Raechel Dunn, Lizzy Caplan Fiancée: Molly Hurwitz (Engaged November 2020, Separated June 2021) |
| Net Worth | $120 million |
| Notable Movies | Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), 17 Again (2009) |
| Notable TV Shows | Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007), The Odd Couple (2015–2017) |
| Children | None |
| Memoir | Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing |
| Legacy Foundation | The Matthew Perry Foundation, supporting addiction recovery and mental health |
Matthew Perry Age
At the time of his passing, Matthew Perry was 54 years old. Despite his relatively young age, his career spanned more than four decades, with his breakout role as Chandler Bing in Friends beginning in 1994 and running through 2004. This role solidified his place in pop culture history.
Matthew Perry Net Worth
Matthew Perry had an estimated net worth of $120 million at the time of his death. Much of his wealth came from Friends, where Perry, along with his co-stars, earned approximately $1 million per episode in later seasons. Additionally, Perry appeared in movies such as Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, and 17 Again, as well as other television projects, including Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and The Odd Couple.
Matthew Perry Family
Perry was the only child of Suzanne and John Perry, though he had several half-siblings from both his parents’ subsequent marriages. His stepfather, Keith Morrison, a well-known Dateline NBC correspondent, became a key influence in his life after his mother remarried. Perry maintained close relationships with his parents and siblings and often spoke of his family with fondness and humor.
Matthew Perry Parents
Matthew Perry’s parents played significant roles in his life. His mother, Suzanne, worked in Canadian journalism and politics, while his father, John, was a model and actor. Perry’s parents divorced when he was an infant, and he was raised primarily by his mother in Ottawa, Canada. Despite their separation, both his parents remained involved in his life and supported his career, especially during his battle with addiction.
Matthew Perry Wife and Relationships
Matthew Perry never married, although he was engaged briefly to Molly Hurwitz, a literary manager, from November 2020 until they parted ways in June 2021. Perry’s relationships were often the subject of public interest, especially his past connections with high-profile figures like Julia Roberts and Yasmine Bleeth. Despite his many romances, he spent his later years single, focusing instead on sobriety and advocacy.
Matthew Perry’s Brother and Family Losses
Although Perry did not lose a biological brother, he was deeply connected to his half-siblings from his mother and father’s other marriages. His family members have spoken about their closeness and the impact of Perry’s death, reflecting on his loving nature and generosity.
Matthew Perry’s Cause of Death
Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. Although initial reports suggested he drowned, the exact cause of death was deferred pending further investigation. At the time, officials indicated there was no immediate evidence of foul play, and his death was a tragic reminder of his long-standing battle with addiction. In recent years, Perry had worked diligently on his sobriety, openly sharing his journey in hopes of helping others.
Matthew Perry’s Movies and TV Shows
Perry’s career was defined by Friends, but he also starred in other well-known films and television shows. His film roles include Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), and 17 Again (2009). In television, he starred in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007) and The Odd Couple (2015–2017), showcasing his versatility beyond comedy. Perry also received critical acclaim for his role in The Ron Clark Story (2006), which earned him Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
Matthew Perry’s Kids
Matthew Perry did not have any children, though he expressed a desire to experience fatherhood. In his later years, he directed his focus towards family, sobriety, and advocacy, stating that his greatest legacy would be helping others achieve sobriety and better mental health.
Matthew Perry Funeral
Matthew Perry’s funeral was a private affair, held in Los Angeles with close family and friends. Among the attendees were his former Friends co-stars, who shared heartfelt tributes to their beloved friend. Perry’s family has since expressed plans to honor his memory through a foundation supporting mental health and addiction recovery, areas that were deeply important to him.
Current News, November 2024
As of November 2024, Matthew Perry’s family has continued to honor his legacy, establishing the Matthew Perry Foundation, which supports addiction recovery and mental health initiatives. The foundation is a testament to Perry’s commitment to helping others, and his family has been vocal about carrying forward his mission. Additionally, fans around the world continue to celebrate his life through tributes, memorials, and screenings of his most iconic roles.
Conclusion
Matthew Perry’s life was marked by extraordinary achievements, personal struggles, and a commitment to helping those in need. His portrayal of Chandler Bing made him a household name, but it was his openness about his journey with addiction that solidified his impact on the world. Through his humor, resilience, and honesty, Perry left a legacy that will continue to inspire and comfort fans for generations. His memory lives on through his family, friends, and countless fans who continue to celebrate the laughter and light he brought into their lives.
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