Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969. He was raised by his mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison, and father, John Bennett Perry. Suzanne Perry, a Canadian journalist, was once a press secretary for former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, the father of the current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
John Bennett Perry, an American actor and former model, was instrumental in supporting his son’s acting career. However, Matthew’s parents separated when he was just a year old, and his mother later married Keith Morrison, a host on the popular TV show Dateline. This blended family included four additional siblings for Matthew.
As a result of his diverse familial background, American actor Matthew Perry was surrounded by numerous influences from both his parents and stepparents, who provided various perspectives on life and professional experiences. This upbringing may have contributed to his success in the entertainment industry.
Parents of Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, the renowned actor famous for his role in the popular sitcom “Friends,” was born to mother Suzanne Morrison and father John Bennett Perry. His parents played a significant role in supporting his career throughout his life.
Suzanne Morrison was a former pageant queen before meeting John Bennett Perry. After their relationship, she transitioned to a career in politics, working as a press secretary for Canadian President Pierre Trudeau. Her connection with the Trudeau family continued as Pierre’s son, Justin Trudeau, became the current Canadian Prime Minister.
Matthew’s father, John Bennett Perry, is an accomplished actor and a former model. He has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, providing Matthew with a strong foundation in the entertainment industry. John and Suzanne’s marriage, however, was short-lived as they separated when Matthew was just one year old.
Later, Suzanne married Keith Morrison, a renowned journalist and host of the popular news show “Dateline.” This union expanded Matthew’s family and introduced step-siblings to his life. The family has always been supportive of Matthew’s endeavors in acting, providing a nurturing environment throughout his journey in Hollywood.
In summary, Matthew has been fortunate to grow up with a talented and supportive family that influenced his career in the entertainment industry. From his mother’s background in politics and beauty pageants to his father’s acting experience, and his stepfather’s role as a journalist, Matthew Perry’s upbringing provided him with the necessary resources and support to flourish as an actor.
Early Life and Family
Birth and Childhood
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He spent his early years in Ottawa, Canada, where his mother moved after his parents divorced when he was a baby. Growing up, Matthew spent time between Los Angeles and Canada to maintain relationships with both parents.
Siblings
Matthew has four half-siblings from his mother’s remarriage to Keith Morrison in 1981. They are Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, and Madeline Morrison. Matthew’s bond with his siblings was strong, and they often spent quality time together.
Stepfather Influence
His stepfather, Keith Morrison, played an essential role in Matthew’s upbringing. Keith was an accomplished journalist and reporter for the news show Dateline. Keith’s influence and career inspired Matthew’s mother to become a journalist as well.
Relationship With Parents
Matthew cherished a close relationship with both his parents, who were always supportive of his endeavors. His father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor and served as a strong influence and inspiration for Matthew’s career choice. His mother, Suzanne Marie Langford, began her career as the press secretary for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and later pursued journalism due to Keith’s impact.
| Parent | Profession |
|---|---|
| John Bennett Perry | Actor |
| Suzanne Marie Langford | Press Secretary, Journalist |
Parents’ Professions
Matthew’s parents’ professions largely influenced his upbringing, leading him to develop an interest in both acting and journalism. However, acting won over young Matthew, and he followed the footsteps of his father, John Bennett Perry.
Matthew Perry’s Memoir
Matthew Perry expressed his gratitude and love for his family, particularly his parents and siblings, in his memoir published in 2022. In the memoir, he touched upon John and Suzanne’s unwavering support for him as well as the joy and love they shared throughout his life. The book serves as a testament to the strong emotional bonds in the Perry family unit.
Career and Legacy
Breakthrough and Success
Matthew Perry, born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, rose to fame in the 90s as the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends. The actor possessed a unique comedic genius that made him a fan favorite and helped him create a lasting legacy in Hollywood. During its 10 seasons, Friends became an international phenomenon that changed the landscape of television.
In addition to his breakthrough role on Friends, Perry starred in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. He showcased his talent for drama as well as comedy, proving his versatility as an actor.
During his time on Friends, he shared the scene with Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer.
Films and TV Shows
Some notable films starring Matthew Perry include Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, and its sequel The Whole Ten Yards. He also appeared in family-friendly films like George of the Jungle and 17 Again. His comedic timing and on-screen charm made him a popular choice for various film roles.
On television, Perry continued to demonstrate his acting skills in an array of projects. He starred in the remake of the classic sitcom The Odd Couple and appeared on episodes of Scrubs and the short-lived police drama 240-Robert. Other TV credits include leading roles in Serving Sara, Mr. Sunshine, and Go On.
Matthew Perry’s career in Hollywood is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. He leaves a legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Addiction and Recovery
Drug Addiction
Matthew Perry struggled with addiction throughout his life, particularly during his time on the popular television show “Friends.” His substance abuse issues included an addiction to Vicodin, an opioid painkiller. At the height of his addiction, he admitted to taking up to 30 pills per day. This extensive drug use eventually led to him entering rehab multiple times to seek help for his addiction.
In addition to Vicodin, Perry reportedly abused alcohol and other drugs. These substances significantly impacted his life and career, and he has openly discussed the importance of addressing addiction and seeking help.
Recovery and Public Statements
Matthew Perry’s journey to sobriety has been a significant topic in the media and his personal life. He has been open about his struggles, sharing the details of his experiences in interviews and public statements.
One notable interview took place in 2002 when Perry appeared on Dateline NBC with Diane Sawyer. During this interview, he discussed his addiction and the treatment he had undergone to combat it. Perry’s transparency about his struggles has been seen as a valuable resource for others battling addiction, as it helps to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Perry continued to share his story and advocate for addiction treatment in the public eye. In a 2015 interview on Watch What Happens Live, Perry discussed his experiences in rehab with host Andy Cohen. He also mentioned his work at his sober-living facility, which he opened to help others struggling with substance abuse.
Throughout his battle with addiction, Perry remained dedicated to his recovery and sought to help others by sharing his story. His openness has contributed to raising awareness about addiction and the importance of seeking help.
Death
Matthew Perry passed away on October 28th, 2023 in his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California, United States. The famous actor who gained superstardom for playing Chandler Bing on the TV show Friends, was found “unconscious in a stand-alone Jacuzzi”.
Following his death, his former colleagues and fans from all over the world took it to social media to pay their tribute.
