- Occupations: Actor, Creator, Executive Producer
- Birth Name: Matthew Langford Perry
- Nationalities: American, Canadian
- Birth Date: August 19, 1969
- Place of Birth: Williamstown, Massachusetts, United States
BIOGRAPHY Matthew Perry, born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, is the son of a model mother and a commercial actor father. Growing up in an artistic environment, he relocated to Ontario with his mother after his parents’ divorce, which granted him dual American and Canadian citizenship. He attended Ashbury College but left school at an early age with hopes of pursuing a career in tennis. However, setbacks and struggles with substance abuse diverted him from his passion. At the age of 15, he moved to Los Angeles with his father and embarked on an acting career.
Perry underwent multiple auditions and secured roles in series such as “What’s New, Doctor?,” “Madame is Served,” and “Beverly Hills.” While considering a return to the University of Southern California, he was discovered by William Richert, who offered him a role in a film based on his novel. Thus, in 1988, Matthew Perry made his big-screen debut in “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon,” appearing alongside River Phoenix.
With his career gaining momentum, he acted alongside Tony Danza in “Touche pas à ma fille” and participated in various TV films. In 1994, after a role in “Getting In” directed by Doug Liman, he landed the defining role of his career in the iconic series “Friends.” For ten seasons, he portrayed the sarcastic Chandler Bing, attaining stardom alongside his fellow cast members. His fame opened doors to numerous connections within the entertainment industry, including appearances by Julia Roberts, Claire Forlani, Meg Ryan, and more recently, Lauren Graham, in the series.
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Matthew Perry’s popularity afforded him guest appearances in hit series like “Ally McBeal” and leading roles in films such as “Love at First Sight” and “Consequences,” co-starring with Salma Hayek and his father, John Bennett Perry. Two years later, he took on the role of a bewildered husband opposite Bruce Willis in “My Neighbor the Killer,” a zany comedy in which he acted alongside Rosanna Arquette. Known for his comedic talent, he continued to feature in films such as “One Too Many” alongside Neve Campbell and “Serving Sara” with Elizabeth Hurley.
Despite his success, Perry faced personal challenges, including struggles with substance abuse that endangered his future and career. In 2001, he entered rehab while coordinating with the producers of “Friends” to accommodate his treatment.
In 2003, Perry ventured into the London theater scene alongside Minnie Driver in “Sexual Perversity in Chicago.” Although renowned for his work in theater, he remained primarily engaged in the film industry. In 2004, he reprised his role in “My Neighbor the Killer 2” and was featured in the dramas “Fever” alongside Robin Tunney and “The Beginning of Wisdom” directed by William Dear.
Returning to the small screen, he starred in “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” but maintained a presence in the film industry. In 2008, he appeared alongside the popular Zac Efron in “17 Again.” In 2010, following the conclusion of “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” Perry joined a new series called “Mr. Sunshine,” where he portrayed a stadium manager experiencing a mid-life crisis.
