Matthew Perry, known for his memorable portrayal of Chandler Bing on “Friends,” passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. As we remember his remarkable career and the ups and downs of his life, we reflect on the journey of this talented actor and how he left an indelible mark in the world of entertainment.
Early Life and Family Ties
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, but he spent his formative years in Ottawa, Canada. He attended elementary school with none other than Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Perry came from a family with strong connections to politics and the media. His mother, Suzanne Morrison, was a journalist and also served as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, while his stepfather was Dateline’s Keith Morrison. His father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor and model, and a young Matthew even made a guest appearance on his dad’s cop show, “240-Robert,” in 1979.
Early Television Roles
Matthew Perry began his acting career at a young age, taking on minor roles in TV shows like “Charles in Charge” and “Silver Spoons.” It was during these early TV stints that he shared the screen with actress Valerie Bertinelli on the short-lived CBS sitcom “Sydney.” Perry later revealed in his memoir that he developed strong feelings for Bertinelli during the show, despite her being in a troubled marriage with rocker Eddie Van Halen at the time.
Chandler Bing on ‘Friends’
In 1994, Matthew Perry’s life changed forever when he landed the role of Chandler Bing on the iconic TV series “Friends.” His portrayal of Chandler was uniquely his own, and he brought a fresh and witty perspective to the character. Perry’s performance earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002. He described in his memoir that it felt as though he had lived as Chandler for a year, with the character’s humor and mannerisms becoming an integral part of his identity.
Venturing into Film
Perry also made a successful transition to the big screen. One of his most notable film appearances was alongside Bruce Willis in “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000) and its sequel “The Whole Ten Yards” (2004). He made a humorous bet with Willis, stating that if the first movie was successful, Willis would have to make a guest appearance on “Friends.” Perry won the bet, and Willis appeared in three episodes of the show.
Diverse Movie Roles
Matthew Perry’s filmography includes various roles in films such as “Serving Sara” (2002), “Fools Rush In” (1997), “Three to Tango” (1999), and “17 Again” (2009), where he starred alongside Zac Efron. His versatility as an actor allowed him to excel in both comedy and drama.
TV Endeavors Beyond ‘Friends’
Following the conclusion of “Friends,” Perry continued to explore television. He took on roles in shows like “The West Wing” for a period, starred in “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (2006-2007), and appeared in series like “Mr. Sunshine,” “Go On,” “The Odd Couple,” and “The Good Fight.” Perry’s work in “Studio 60” was particularly meaningful to him, and he praised the quality of the pilot episode.
Memoir: ‘Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing’
In 2022, Matthew Perry shared his life story, work experiences, relationships, and struggles with addiction in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” He wanted to offer his story to the world as a source of inspiration and support for others facing similar challenges. Perry emphasized that he waited until he was in a stable and sober place to write his memoir, ensuring it could genuinely help people.
Battle with Addiction
Perry’s battle with alcohol and drug addiction was a significant part of his life, and it began to surface during his early years on “Friends.” He candidly discussed the challenges he faced as his addiction progressed, sharing that he checked into rehab a total of 15 times. Despite these difficulties, he maintained a commitment to sobriety and sought help when needed.
A Fond Farewell
On October 28, 2023, the world bid a fond farewell to Matthew Perry as news broke of his passing at the age of 54. Reports indicated that he drowned in a jacuzzi at home, marking the end of a remarkable career and a life well-lived. Matthew Perry’s contributions to the world of entertainment will be cherished and remembered for generations to come.
