Matthew Langford Perry (August 19, 1969 – October 28, 2023) was a renowned American-Canadian actor, best known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on the iconic NBC sitcom Friends (1994–2004). His wit and comedic timing in the series earned him international fame and cemented his status as a beloved television personality.
Perry’s career extended beyond Friends to notable television and film roles. He appeared in Ally McBeal (2002) and received Emmy nominations for his work in The West Wing (2003) and the television film The Ron Clark Story (2006). He led the NBC drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007) and starred in films such as Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), and 17 Again (2009). Perry also lent his voice to Benny in the acclaimed video game Fallout: New Vegas (2010).
In addition to acting, Perry ventured into production and writing. He co-created, co-wrote, and starred in the ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine (2011) and later headlined NBC’s Go On (2012) and CBS’s The Odd Couple revival (2015–2017). His recurring roles in The Good Wife (2012–2013) and The Good Fight (2017) showcased his versatility, while he portrayed Ted Kennedy in The Kennedys: After Camelot (2017). His final on-screen appearance was in Friends: The Reunion (2021).
Despite his professional achievements, Perry faced lifelong struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol. His recovery journey turned him into an advocate for addiction rehabilitation, earning him the 2013 Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. In 2022, he detailed his battles and triumphs in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Tragically, Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, due to the acute effects of ketamine. In 2024, five individuals were charged in connection with supplying him the lethal doses of the drug. Perry’s legacy endures through his work and advocacy, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the lives he touched.
Early Life and Education
Matthew Langford Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. His mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison (née Langford), a Canadian journalist, served as press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. His father, John Bennett Perry, was an American actor and former model. Perry’s parents separated when he was just a year old, and his mother later married Canadian journalist Keith Morrison.
Raised primarily by his mother in Ottawa, Ontario, Perry also lived briefly in Toronto and Montreal. He attended Rockcliffe Park Public School and Ashbury College, a prestigious boarding school in Ottawa. He had four maternal half-siblings—Caitlin, Emily, Will, and Madeline—and one paternal half-sister, Maria. His siblings reportedly admired his early comedic performances, often standing to applaud his efforts.
Despite a supportive family environment, Perry faced challenges growing up. By age 10, he began acting out, engaging in behaviors like stealing money, smoking, and letting his grades drop. Famously, he even beat up future Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a school scuffle. Perry later reflected on his actions, attributing them to feelings of alienation as his mother started a new family.
Perry developed an early interest in tennis, practicing intensely for up to 10 hours a day. He became a highly ranked junior tennis player in Canada, with aspirations of a professional career. However, these prospects faded when he moved to Los Angeles at age 15 to live with his father. The competition in tennis was significantly tougher, and Perry eventually shifted his focus to acting.
In Los Angeles, Perry attended the Buckley School, a college-preparatory institution in Sherman Oaks, where he graduated in 1987. During high school, he also pursued improvisational comedy at L.A. Connection, honing his talent for humor and performance—a skill that would later define his career.
Early Roles (1979–1993)
Matthew Perry’s acting career began at a young age, with his first credited role as a child actor in 240-Robert in 1979. After moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting more seriously, Perry started auditioning for television roles. His persistence paid off, landing him guest appearances in popular shows like Not Necessarily the News in 1983, Charles in Charge in 1985, and Silver Spoons in 1986. These early roles showcased his talent for comedy and established him as a promising young actor.
In 1987, Perry gained a more prominent role as Chazz Russell in the TV sitcom Second Chance, later renamed Boys Will Be Boys. This show allowed him to shine as a regular cast member and develop his comedic timing. His transition to films began in 1988 with his debut in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon. Perry also took on a memorable role in Growing Pains in 1989, portraying Sandy, Carol Seaver’s boyfriend, whose death in a drunk-driving incident added a dramatic layer to his portfolio.
In the early 1990s, Perry continued his trajectory with a regular role on the CBS sitcom Sydney (1990), where he played the younger brother of Valerie Bertinelli’s character. He further expanded his television appearances with a guest role on Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1991. Perry’s ability to balance humor and drama was evident in these roles, leading to his starring part in the 1993 ABC sitcom Home Free.
Breakthrough with Friends (1994–2004)
The turning point in Perry’s career came with his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom Friends. Initially, his commitment to another pilot, LAX 2194, prevented him from auditioning for the show. However, when that project fell through, Perry auditioned for Friends and was cast as Chandler, a sarcastic yet lovable character. At just 24, Perry was the youngest cast member, joining the ensemble that would soon become a cultural phenomenon.
The success of Friends was monumental, catapulting Perry and his co-stars to international fame. By the time the show reached its peak, Perry and his fellow cast members were earning $1 million per episode. His portrayal of Chandler earned him widespread acclaim, including an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2002.
During this period, Perry also explored film roles, appearing in romantic comedies like Fools Rush In (1997) and Three to Tango (1999). He found significant success with the crime comedy The Whole Nine Yards (2000) and its sequel The Whole Ten Yards (2004). Additionally, Perry showcased his versatility with guest roles in The West Wing, earning two Emmy nominations, and made his directorial debut in an episode of Scrubs that also featured his father.
Later Work (2005–2022)
After Friends concluded in 2004, Perry took on a variety of roles to diversify his career. In 2006, he starred in The Ron Clark Story, a dramatic TV film about an inspiring teacher, earning Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his heartfelt performance. He also ventured into more serious television with Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007), where he played Matt Albie, a writer-producer trying to save a sketch comedy show.
Perry explored themes of mental health in the 2008 film Numb, portraying a man dealing with depersonalization disorder. That same year, he appeared in the independent film Birds of America. His foray into stage acting included performing in London’s Sexual Perversity in Chicago and later writing and starring in The End of Longing, a play reflecting his personal struggles with addiction.
In 2009, Perry starred in 17 Again, playing the older version of Zac Efron’s character. While the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success. Perry also lent his voice to the character Benny in the video game Fallout: New Vegas. His creative pursuits continued with projects like Mr. Sunshine (2011), though the series was short-lived.
From 2015 to 2017, Perry co-wrote, produced, and starred in a reboot of The Odd Couple alongside Thomas Lennon. He also reprised his role as attorney Mike Kresteva in The Good Wife and its sequel The Good Fight. These roles demonstrated his ability to blend comedy and drama seamlessly.
Memoir and Legacy (2021–2022)
In 2021, Perry reunited with his Friends castmates for the much-anticipated special Friends: The Reunion. This nostalgic episode highlighted the enduring popularity of the series and Perry’s contribution to its success. However, health challenges led him to withdraw from a role in Don’t Look Up after suffering CPR-induced broken ribs.
Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, was published in 2022. The book candidly detailed his battles with addiction and provided a raw, introspective look at his life in Hollywood. It became a bestseller, resonating with readers for its honesty and vulnerability.
Throughout his career, Matthew Perry left a lasting legacy as an actor who could make audiences laugh while addressing complex, personal struggles with grace and authenticity.
Personal Life
Matthew Perry had a multifaceted personal life, marked by relationships, notable properties, and his personal beliefs. He held both Canadian and American citizenship and had a history of high-profile relationships, including Yasmine Bleeth (1995), Julia Roberts (1995–1996), and Lizzy Caplan (2006–2012). In November 2020, Perry became engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz, but their engagement ended in 2021.
Perry owned several luxurious residences over the years, reflecting his success in Hollywood. Among his properties were a condo in Sierra Towers purchased from Elton John, a Hollywood Hills house, a Malibu home, and a Pacific Palisades cottage. In 2017, he purchased a $20 million condo in The Century in Los Angeles, which he sold in 2021 for $21.6 million. This condo was later purchased by Rihanna in 2023. Most recently, in June 2023, he acquired a mid-century modern house in Hollywood Hills.
Perry’s personality was described as perfectionist and obsessive, with a notable example being the hours he spent perfecting his answering machine message. He also had a strong spiritual side, maintaining a close relationship with God and referring to himself as “a seeker.”
Health and Addiction
Matthew Perry’s struggles with health and addiction were well-documented and spanned decades. He revealed in his memoirs that he began drinking alcohol by age 14. His addiction deepened after a jet ski accident in 1997, leading to a dependency on Vicodin. At one point, Perry consumed up to 55 Vicodin pills daily, causing his weight to drop to 128 pounds. His substance use led to multiple health crises, including alcohol-induced pancreatitis in 2000 and a gastrointestinal perforation in 2018.
Despite efforts to stay sober while working on Friends, Perry often arrived on set hungover or under the influence, with his castmates attempting interventions. In 2001, he took a two-month break from acting to attend rehabilitation for his addictions, which included Vicodin, methadone, amphetamines, and alcohol. Perry later admitted that his substance abuse led to a complete lack of memory for three years of his work on Friends.
The extent of his health issues was severe; he underwent 14 stomach surgeries, spent five months in the hospital in 2018 due to a ruptured colon, and suffered a heart stoppage during a surgery in Switzerland. By 2022, Perry estimated spending $9 million on recovery efforts, attending 15 rehabs, and participating in approximately 6,000 Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Perry used his struggles as a platform to help others battling addiction. In 2011, he lobbied Congress to support drug courts as part of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. He also opened Perry House, a Malibu-based rehab center in his former mansion, earning a Champion of Recovery award in 2013. Although Perry later sold the property, his commitment to supporting recovery continued.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Perry launched a Friends-inspired apparel line, donating proceeds to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 relief fund. His advocacy and philanthropic efforts reflected his desire to give back and help others overcome addiction.
Death
On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home and was pronounced dead at the age of 54. His funeral, held on November 3, 2023, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, was attended by his family and Friends co-stars. During the ceremony, the song Don’t Give Up by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush played in tribute to Perry’s struggles and resilience.
An investigation revealed that Perry’s death resulted from acute effects of ketamine, exacerbated by buprenorphine, coronary artery disease, and drowning. He had been undergoing ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety. However, the dosage in his system at the time of death far exceeded therapeutic levels. This led to a police investigation, culminating in the indictment of five individuals, including Perry’s assistant, two doctors, and two drug dealers, for their roles in supplying the drugs.
By May 2024, guilty pleas and charges brought to light the circumstances of Perry’s substance procurement. The fallout included the suspension of medical licenses and legal repercussions for those involved. Following his death, the National Philanthropic Trust established the Matthew Perry Foundation to support individuals suffering from addiction, continuing his legacy of advocacy and recovery.
Film
- 1988: A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon as Fred Roberts
- 1989: She’s Out of Control as Timothy; Fat Man and Little Boy as Bomb Technician (Uncredited)
- 1994: Getting In as Randal Burns (Direct to video)
- 1997: Fools Rush In as Alex Whitman
- 1998: Almost Heroes as Leslie Edwards
- 1999: Three to Tango as Oscar Novak
- 2000: The Whole Nine Yards as Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky; The Kid as Mr. Vivian (Cameo, Uncredited)
- 2002: Serving Sara as Joe Tyler
- 2004: The Whole Ten Yards as Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky
- 2007: Numb as Hudson Milbank (Also Executive Producer)
- 2008: Birds of America as Morrie
- 2009: 17 Again as Older Mike O’Donnell
- 2015: Misery Loves Comedy as Himself
Television
- 1979: 240-Robert as Arthur
- 1983: Not Necessarily the News as Bob
- 1985: Charles in Charge as Ed
- 1986: Silver Spoons as Davey
- 1987–1988: Second Chance/Boys Will Be Boys as Chazz Russell (Main Role)
- 1988: Dance ’til Dawn as Roger
- 1989: Growing Pains as Sandy (Recurring Role)
- 1990: Sydney as Billy Kells (Main Role)
- 1994–2004: Friends as Chandler Bing (Main Role)
- 2006–2007: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip as Matt Albie (Main Role)
- 2012–2013: The Good Wife as Mike Kresteva (Recurring Role)
- 2015–2017: The Odd Couple as Oscar Madison (Main Role, Also Creator & Executive Producer)
- 2021: Friends: The Reunion as Himself (Executive Producer)
Theatre
- 2003: Sexual Perversity in Chicago as Danny (Comedy Theatre, London)
- 2016–2017: The End of Longing as Jack (Playwright; Playhouse Theatre, London & Lucille Lortel Theater, NYC)
Video Games
- 2010: Fallout: New Vegas as Benny
Awards and Nominations
- Golden Globe: Nominated for The Ron Clark Story (2007)
- Emmy Awards: Multiple nominations, including for Friends and The Ron Clark Story
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Won for Friends ensemble performance (1996); several nominations.
- Huading Awards: Won Best Global Actor for Go On (2013).
Film Acting Credits
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon | Fred Roberts | Credited as Matthew L. Perry |
| 1989 | She’s Out of Control | Timothy | |
| 1989 | Fat Man and Little Boy | Bomb Technician | Uncredited |
| 1994 | Getting In | Randal Burns | Direct to video |
| 1997 | Fools Rush In | Alex Whitman | |
| 1998 | Almost Heroes | Leslie Edwards | |
| 1999 | Three to Tango | Oscar Novak | |
| 2000 | The Whole Nine Yards | Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky | |
| 2000 | The Kid | Mr. Vivian | Cameo (Uncredited) |
| 2002 | Serving Sara | Joe Tyler | |
| 2004 | The Whole Ten Yards | Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky | |
| 2007 | Numb | Hudson Milbank | Also Executive Producer |
| 2008 | Birds of America | Morrie | |
| 2009 | 17 Again | Older Mike O’Donnell | |
| 2015 | Misery Loves Comedy | Himself | Documentary |
Television Acting Credits
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 240-Robert | Arthur | Episode: “Bank Job” |
| 1983 | Not Necessarily the News | Bob | Episode: “Audrie in Love” |
| 1985 | Charles in Charge | Ed | Credited as Matthew L. Perry |
| 1986 | Silver Spoons | Davey | Episode: “Rick Moves Out” |
| 1987–1988 | Second Chance/Boys Will Be Boys | Chazz Russell | Main Role |
| 1988 | Dance ’til Dawn | Roger | TV Movie |
| 1989 | Growing Pains | Sandy | Recurring Role |
| 1990 | Sydney | Billy Kells | Main Role |
| 1994–2004 | Friends | Chandler Bing | Main Role |
| 2006–2007 | Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip | Matt Albie | Main Role |
| 2012–2013 | The Good Wife | Mike Kresteva | Recurring Role |
| 2015–2017 | The Odd Couple | Oscar Madison | Main Role; Also Creator & Executive Producer |
| 2021 | Friends: The Reunion | Himself | Executive Producer |
Theatre Acting Credits
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Sexual Perversity in Chicago | Danny | Comedy Theatre, London |
| 2016 | The End of Longing | Jack | Playwright; Playhouse Theatre, London |
| 2017 | The End of Longing | Jack | Playwright; Lucille Lortel Theater, NYC |
Video Game Credits
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Fallout: New Vegas | Benny |
Awards and Nominations
| Award | Year | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Globe Awards | 2007 | Best Actor – Miniseries or TV Film | The Ron Clark Story | Nominated |
| Emmy Awards | 2002 | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | Friends | Nominated |
| 2003 | Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series | The West Wing | Nominated | |
| Screen Actors Guild | 1996 | Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series | Friends | Won |
| Huading Awards | 2013 | Best Global Actor in a TV Series | Go On | Won |
Publications by Matthew Perry
| Year | Title | Details | ISBN | OCLC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir | Foreword by Lisa Kudrow. Published by Flatiron Books, New York. Explores Perry’s life and career, including struggles with addiction. | 978-1-250-86644-8 | 1338841699 |
