39 Facts About Matthew Perry

Early Life and Family

Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on "Friends," has an interesting background that shaped his career and personal life.

1. Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry moved to Ottawa, Canada, with his mother after his parents' divorce.
2. His mother, Suzanne Morrison, served as press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
3. Perry's father, John Bennett Perry, is an actor and former model, which influenced Matthew's career choice.
4. He has five half-siblings from his parents' subsequent marriages.
5. Perry attended Rockcliffe Park Public School and Ashbury College in Ottawa, where he was a top-ranked junior tennis player.

Career Beginnings

Before becoming a household name, Perry had several roles that helped him hone his acting skills.

6. At age 15, Perry moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, living with his father.
7. He landed his first TV role in the series "240-Robert" in 1979.
8. Perry's first significant role came in 1987 when he starred in the sitcom "Second Chance."
9. He appeared in the 1990 film "A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon" alongside River Phoenix.
10. Perry guest-starred in popular TV shows like "Growing Pains" and "Beverly Hills, 90210" before hitting it big.

Friends and Stardom

"Friends" catapulted Perry to international fame, making him one of the most recognizable faces on television.

11. Perry auditioned for "Friends" in 1994, landing the role of Chandler Bing.
12. "Friends" ran for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
13. Perry's character, Chandler, was known for his sarcastic humor and awkward charm.
14. He earned an estimated $1 million per episode during the final seasons of "Friends."
15. Perry received an Emmy nomination for his role in "Friends" in 2002.

Post-Friends Career

After "Friends," Perry continued to work in television and film, exploring different genres and roles.

16. He starred in the 2006 TV series "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," created by Aaron Sorkin.
17. Perry appeared in the 2009 film "17 Again" alongside Zac Efron.
18. He co-created and starred in the 2011 sitcom "Mr. Sunshine."
19. Perry played a recurring role in "The Good Wife" from 2012 to 2013.
20. He starred in the CBS sitcom "The Odd Couple" from 2015 to 2017.

Personal Struggles and Triumphs

Perry has been open about his personal struggles, particularly with addiction, and his journey to recovery.

21. He battled alcohol and prescription drug addiction during his time on "Friends."
22. Perry completed multiple stints in rehab, starting in 1997.
23. He became an advocate for addiction recovery, opening Perry House, a sober living facility.
24. Perry received the 2015 Phoenix Rising Award for his efforts in helping others with addiction.
25. He has spoken publicly about his struggles to raise awareness and reduce stigma.

Interesting Facts

Perry's life is filled with fascinating tidbits that many fans might not know.

26. He holds dual citizenship in the United States and Canada.
27. Perry is an avid tennis player and once ranked 17th nationally in junior singles.
28. He voiced Benny in the video game "Fallout: New Vegas."
29. Perry is a fan of the "Fallout" series and even hosted a launch event for "Fallout 3."
30. He has a scar on his right cheek from a childhood accident involving a door.

Relationships and Friendships

Perry's relationships and friendships have often been in the public eye, reflecting his personal and professional life.

31. He dated Julia Roberts in the mid-1990s after she guest-starred on "Friends."
32. Perry has been linked to several other actresses, including Lizzy Caplan and Yasmine Bleeth.
33. He remains close friends with his "Friends" co-stars, particularly Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston.
34. Perry and Cox's characters, Chandler and Monica, had a significant romantic storyline on "Friends."
35. He has often credited his friends and family for supporting him through his struggles.

Philanthropy and Advocacy

Beyond his acting career, Perry has dedicated time and resources to various charitable causes.

36. Perry supports the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, advocating for treatment over incarceration for non-violent drug offenders.
37. He has participated in numerous charity events, including celebrity tennis tournaments.
38. Perry has used his platform to raise awareness about addiction and recovery, speaking at conferences and in media interviews.
39. He continues to support organizations that provide resources and support for those struggling with addiction.

Final Thoughts on Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry's life is a mix of success, struggles, and resilience. From his iconic role as Chandler Bing on "Friends" to his battles with addiction, Perry's journey is both inspiring and cautionary. His dedication to helping others through his recovery center shows his commitment to making a difference. Perry's story reminds us that even those who seem to have it all can face significant challenges. His honesty about his struggles has opened up important conversations about mental health and addiction. As fans, we can appreciate his talent while also respecting his courage to share his personal battles. Perry's legacy is not just about his work on screen but also his impact off it. Let's continue to support and learn from his experiences, celebrating both his achievements and his resilience.