Matthew Perry (August 19, 1969 – October 28, 2023) was an American and Canadian actor. He is best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC television sitcom Friends.
Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. He began his acting career in the late 1980s, appearing in several television shows and films. In 1994, he was cast as Chandler Bing in Friends, which became a worldwide success. Perry played Chandler for all ten seasons of the show, and the role made him a household name
In addition to his work on Friends, Perry also appeared in several films, including Fools Rush In (1997), Three to Tango (1999), and The Whole Nine Yards (2000). He also had recurring roles on the television shows Ally McBeal, The West Wing, and The Good Wife.
Matthew Perry
Perry was open about his struggles with addiction to alcohol and drugs. He entered rehab for the first time in 1997, and he relapsed several times over the years. However, he eventually got sober and remained so for the rest of his life.
Perry died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, from cardiac arrest. He is survived by his mother, Suzanne Perry, and his half-sister, Caitlin Morrison.
Perry was a talented actor who made a significant contribution to popular culture. His role as Chandler Bing on Friends is one of the most iconic characters in television history. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, his comedic timing, and his ability to connect with audiences.
Here are 30 facts about Matthew Perry:
1. Early Life and Acting Beginnings:
-
Matthew Langford Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
-
His father, John Bennett Perry, is an American actor, and his mother, Suzanne Perry, is a Canadian journalist.
-
He has dual Canadian and American citizenship.
-
Perry grew up in Ottawa, Canada, and attended Ashbury College, a private school.
-
He began acting in high school and performed in several plays.
2. Breakthrough Role in “Friends”
Matthew Perry
-
In 1994, Perry landed the role of Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom “Friends.”
-
His portrayal of the sarcastic and witty Chandler made him a household name.
-
He starred in all ten seasons of the show, which ran from 1994 to 2004.
-
“Friends” became one of the most popular and successful sitcoms of all time.
Matthew Perry
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Perry
3. Addiction Struggles and Recovery:
-
Perry has openly discussed his struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol.
-
He entered rehab several times throughout his career.
-
In 2013, he received the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
-
He is an advocate for addiction awareness and treatment.
4. Other Acting Projects:
-
In addition to “Friends,” Perry has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
-
His notable film roles include “Fools Rush In” (1993), “Almost Heroes” (1996), and “Three to Tango” (1999).
-
He has also starred in the television series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (2006-2007) and “Mr. Sunshine” (2011).
5. Personal Life and Philanthropy:
-
Perry has been a vocal supporter of several charities, including the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
-
He is a godfather to Reagan “Fletch” Holder, the son of actress Christine Cameron and actor Mark Holder.
-
He is an avid fan of ice hockey and supports the Ottawa Senators.
-
He is a private person and keeps his personal life out of the spotlight.
6. Additional Facts and Trivia:
Matthew Perry
-
Perry is a talented tennis player and was a prodigy in his youth.
-
He is a skilled writer and has penned several episodes of “Friends” and “Mr. Sunshine.”
-
He is a fan of classic rock music and enjoys playing the guitar.
-
He is a collector of vintage cars.
-
He is a dog lover and has had several canine companions over the years.
7. Acting Awards and Nominations:
-
For his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” Perry received seven Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
-
He also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy in 2001.
-
For his guest appearance on the drama series “The West Wing,” he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2003.
-
For his performance in the television movie “The Ron Clark Story,” he received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie in 2007.
8. Writer and Producer Credits:
-
Perry has demonstrated his versatility in the entertainment industry by writing and producing several television shows.
-
He wrote and produced two episodes of “Friends” in the 1995-1996 season.
-
He served as an executive producer for the television series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” in 2006-2007.
-
He co-wrote and produced several episodes of the television series “Mr. Sunshine” in 2011.
9. Candid Memoir and Advocacy:
-
In 2022, Perry released his memoir titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” in which he openly and honestly shared his struggles with addiction and recovery.
-
The book received critical acclaim and became a New York Times bestseller.
-
Through his memoir and public appearances, Perry has become an advocate for addiction awareness and mental health support.
10. Remembrance and Legacy:
-
Matthew Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54.
-
He is remembered for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” his comedic talent, and his resilience in overcoming personal challenges.
-
His contributions to the entertainment industry and his advocacy for addiction awareness will continue to inspire others.
Matthew Perry is a talented actor, writer, and advocate who has overcome significant personal challenges to achieve success in his career and make a positive impact on the world.