Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, led a life filled with both triumphs and challenges. Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry's journey to stardom began early. His parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Langford, had notable careers, with his father even appearing on Friends. Perry's career highlights include roles in The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. However, his life wasn't without struggles. Perry battled addiction, spending millions on rehab and facing numerous near-death experiences. Despite these hardships, his legacy as a beloved actor endures.
Key Takeaways:
- Matthew Perry's early life was filled with family ties to the entertainment industry and a passion for acting, leading to his iconic role as Chandler Bing on "Friends."
- Despite his success, Perry's life was marked by struggles with addiction, near-death experiences, and significant financial challenges.
Early Life and Family
Matthew Perry's journey began in a small town but quickly expanded to international fame. Here are some key details about his early life and family background.
- Birthplace: Matthew Langford Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA.
- Nationality: He holds dual citizenship in both the United States and Canada.
- Parents: His father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor, while his mother, Suzanne Langford, worked as a press agent for Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
- Father's Acting Career: John Bennett Perry appeared in several films and TV shows, including an episode of Friends.
- Mother's Career: Suzanne Langford's role as a press agent placed her in the political spotlight during the 1970s and 1980s.
Early Acting Career
Before becoming Chandler Bing, Perry had a series of smaller roles that helped shape his acting skills.
- First TV Appearance: At age 10, Perry made his television debut in an episode of 240-Robert, a police drama starring his father.
- Minor Roles: During the mid-1980s, he appeared in shows like Charles in Charge, Silver Spoons, and The Tracey Ullman Show.
- First Starring Role: In 1987, Perry starred in the sitcom Boys Will Be Boys, which ran for one season.
Education
Perry's education played a significant role in his early development as an actor.
- Schooling: He attended the Buckley School in Los Angeles, where he took improv classes at the comedy theater LA Connection.
- Graduation: Perry graduated from Buckley School in 1987.
Personal Life
Perry's personal life has been a mix of highs and lows, marked by significant relationships and struggles.
- Residence: Raised in Ottawa, Canada, Perry moved to Los Angeles at 15 to pursue acting.
- Dual Citizenship: He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
- Julia Roberts: Perry had a six-month relationship with Julia Roberts, which he explored in his memoir.
- Valerie Bertinelli: He had a crush on Valerie Bertinelli and once had a long make-out session with her while her then-husband Eddie Van Halen was passed out nearby.
Career Highlights
Perry's career is filled with notable roles and achievements, especially his time on Friends.
- Friends (1994-2004): Perry is best known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends. He was the youngest cast member.
- The West Wing (1999-2004): He had a recurring role as Joe Quincy, earning two Emmy nominations.
- Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-2007): Perry starred as the head writer for a live comedy show similar to Saturday Night Live.
Awards and Nominations
Perry's talent has been recognized with several awards and nominations.
- Emmy Nominations: He earned two Emmy nominations for The West Wing and another for The Ron Clark Story.
- No Razzie Nominations: Perry is the only central cast member of Friends who has not been nominated for a Razzie Award.
Health Issues and Addiction
Perry's struggles with addiction have been well-documented, impacting both his personal and professional life.
- Substance Abuse: He began drinking at 14 and later became addicted to opioid pain medications.
- Rehab Stints: Perry has been in rehab 15 times and has had numerous near-death experiences due to his addiction.
- Medical Issues: In 2018, he was in a coma for two weeks and spent an estimated $9 million trying to overcome his addictions.
Notable Film Roles
Perry's film career includes several memorable roles that showcased his versatility as an actor.
- A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (1988): Perry made his big-screen debut in this coming-of-age film starring River Phoenix.
- Growing Pains (1989): He had a memorable role as a boyfriend of Carol Seaver who dies in a drunk-driving accident.
Other TV Shows
Perry's television career extends beyond Friends, featuring roles in various other shows.
- Sydney (1990): He starred as a rookie cop whose sister is a private detective.
- Home Free (1993): Perry starred in this family comedy, which was quickly canceled.
- Go On (2012): He starred in this sitcom, which lasted for one season.
Theatre Work
Perry also ventured into theater, showcasing his acting skills on stage.
- West End Debut: He made his world stage debut in the West End in London alongside Minnie Driver in May 2003.
Sports Involvement
Perry's love for sports has been a significant part of his life, even influencing his career choices.
- Roller Hockey International: Perry was the Ottawa Loggers’ 10th selection in the 1996 RHI draft.
- Junior Tennis Player: He was a high-ranking junior tennis player while growing up in Ottawa but gave up tennis at 15 to pursue acting.
Family Ties
Perry's family has played a crucial role in his life and career.
- Father’s Appearance on Friends: John Bennett Perry appeared in an episode of Friends titled “The One with Rachel’s New Dress” (1998).
- Father’s Role in Fools Rush In: Perry’s father played his father in the film Fools Rush In (1997).
Death and Legacy
Perry's passing was a significant loss to the entertainment industry, but his legacy lives on.
- Death: Matthew Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54 in Los Angeles, California.
- Memoir: His memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing was released on November 1, 2022, and received positive reviews.
Addiction Memoir
Perry's memoir offers a candid look into his struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery.
- Book Release: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing details his addiction to alcohol and painkillers.
- Health Issues: The book mentions that fans of Friends could tell whether he was drinking or taking drugs by gauging his weight and tracking his facial hair.
Near-Death Experiences
Perry's life was marked by several near-death experiences that highlighted the severity of his addiction.
- Colon Explosion: In 2019, Perry’s colon exploded, and he was put on an ECMO machine as the last hope for survival.
- Emergency Trauma Room: He almost died in an emergency trauma room after his colon exploded.
Philanthropy
Despite his struggles, Perry has been involved in various philanthropic efforts.
- Ron Clark Academy: Perry was on the board of directors for the soon-to-be-opened Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.
Auditioning for Chandler Bing
Perry's journey to becoming Chandler Bing is a story of preparation and opportunity.
- Script Knowledge: When auditioning for the part, Perry didn’t need a script because he knew the pilot by heart.
Final Episode of Friends
The final episode of Friends was a significant moment for both Perry and the show's fans.
- Last Line: Perry spoke the last line in the final episode. When it’s suggested that they all go out for coffee, his character Chandler says, “Where?”.
Weight Issues
Perry's weight fluctuations were a visible sign of his struggles with addiction.
- Jennifer Aniston’s Help: Aniston offered to be Perry’s personal trainer after he received threats from his bosses at Warner Brothers about his increasing weight problems.
Bizarre Comments About Keanu Reeves
Perry's memoir includes some surprising remarks about fellow actor Keanu Reeves.
- The Matrix Star: In his memoir, Perry questioned why other actors die while Keanu Reeves is still alive.
Keanu Reeves’ Survival
Perry's near-death experiences also included some physical injuries.
- Perry’s Ribs Breakage: Perry’s ribs broke during CPR, and he was forced to pull out of Don’t Look Up.
Guest Appearances
Perry's early career included several guest appearances on popular TV shows.
- Beverly Hills, 90210: Perry had a guest appearance on Beverly Hills, 90210.
- Who’s the Boss?: He played a guest role on Who’s the Boss?.
Series Regular Roles
Perry's career includes several roles as a series regular on various TV shows.
- Sydney: Perry was a series regular on Sydney, playing a rookie cop.
- Home Free: He starred in Home Free, a family comedy that was quickly canceled.
- Boys Will Be Boys: Perry’s first starring role was in Boys Will Be Boys, which ran for one season in 1987.
Financial Struggles
Despite his success, Perry faced significant financial challenges due to his addiction.
- Estimated $9 Million Spent: Perry spent an estimated $9 million trying to get and stay sober.
Remembering Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry's life was a mix of incredible highs and challenging lows. Known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends, Perry brought laughter to millions. Yet, behind the scenes, he battled addiction and health issues. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, gives a raw look into these struggles. Despite his personal battles, Perry's talent shone through in roles on The West Wing, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and more. His journey from a high-ranking junior tennis player to a beloved actor is inspiring. Perry's legacy is one of resilience, humor, and honesty. His story reminds us that even those who make us laugh the hardest can face the toughest battles. As we remember Matthew Perry, let's celebrate his contributions to entertainment and his courage in sharing his truth.
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