Matthew Perry – Beyond Friends’ Chandler Bing
“I need love, but I don’t trust it. If I drop my game, my Chandler, and show you who I really am, you might notice me, but worse, you might notice me and leave me. And I can’t have that. I won’t survive that. Not anymore. It will turn me into a speck of dust and annihilate me.” – Matthew Perry in his memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing”.
Matthew Perry, a name synonymous with the witty and lovable Chandler Bing from the iconic television series “Friends,” has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. But there was much more to the talented actor than his unforgettable role as a sarcastic New Yorker. Here’s a closer look at Matthew Perry’s life and career beyond the confines of Central Perk.
Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry spent his formative years in Ottawa, Canada. His upbringing in a family where both his father, John Bennett Perry, and his mother, Suzanne Morrison, had connections to the entertainment industry perhaps paved the way for his own journey into acting. This early exposure to show business nurtured his passion for the craft.
While “Friends” catapulted him to international fame, Perry’s journey in the world of entertainment began long before he set foot in Central Perk. He made his acting debut in 1987, and from there, he steadily climbed the ladder of success with guest appearances in popular shows and a growing film career.
Perry’s versatility as an actor became evident as he transitioned between comedy and drama effortlessly. Apart from “Friends,” he appeared in various television series and movies, showcasing his range. His role as Oscar Madison in the TV series adaptation of “The Odd Couple” demonstrated his comedic prowess. Meanwhile, he delved into dramatic roles in films such as “Numb” and “The Good Fight.”
In addition to his acting talent, Matthew Perry also polished his skills as a writer and producer. He co-wrote and co-produced the romantic comedy film “Fools Rush In,” further expanding his creative horizons. This film had marked his venture beyond acting and reflected his multifaceted talents. Beyond his professional achievements, Perry had been open about his personal struggles, particularly his battle with addiction. The stress and anxiety that came with his skyrocketing popularity took a toll on him, leading to his reliance on alcohol and prescription drugs as a coping mechanism.
In a bid to confront his demons, Perry decided to seek help. He entered rehab for the first time in 1997. However, his struggles with addiction persisted, leading to multiple rehab stints over the years. His openness about his journey to sobriety has not only been an act of personal courage but has also served as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. He became a vocal advocate for addiction recovery, supporting organizations like the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. By sharing his story, he aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and encourage individuals to seek help and support. In his memoir, Matthew Perry also honestly admitted that if he were to turn back time, he would still turn to alcohol, because it helped him get through some difficult times. “If I had to do it all again, would I still audition for Friends? You bet your ass I would. Would I drink again? You bet your ass I would. If I didn’t have alcohol to soothe my nerves and help me have fun, I would have leaped off a building sometime in my twenties,” Perry said in his memoir.
While his public image is often associated with his on-screen persona as Chandler Bing, Matthew Perry’s real-life friendships with his “Friends” co-stars were a testament to the genuine connections formed during the show’s ten-season run. Perry remained incredibly close with Courteney Cox, with Cox even guest-starring on Perry’s sitcom “The Odd Couple,” which ran from 2015-2017, while “Friends” had concluded in 2004. Perry proved himself as a versatile actor, writer, and advocate, while also making a significant impact in the lives of those who have faced addiction.
“That’s probably my favorite thing about myself. Being creative, seeing, learning that if you’re uncomfortable or feeling anxiety, one of the ways to get out of that situation is to be creative.” – Matthew Perry said about himself in a cover story for the PEOPLE magazine in 2022.
Here are some quick facts about the late actor –
Tennis Enthusiast: Perry was a competitive tennis player during his school years and briefly considered pursuing a professional career in the sport.
Acting Debut: He made his acting debut in a 1987 television series called “Second Chance.”
Struggles with Addiction: Perry has been open about his struggles with addiction and has used his experiences to raise awareness about the issue.
Playwright: Perry wrote and starred in the play “The End of Longing” in 2016, which premiered in London.
Film Career: He has appeared in several films, including “The Whole Nine Yards” and its sequel, “The Whole Ten Yards.”
Voice Acting: Perry has done voice work for animated series like “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.”
Odd Jobs: Before his acting career took off, he worked various odd jobs, including as a delivery driver.
Social Activism: He is an advocate for addiction recovery and has used his platform to support organizations like the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
Charity Work: Perry has been involved in charity work and served as a spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
Dedicated Hockey Fan: He is a passionate fan of the Ottawa Senators, a National Hockey League (NHL) team.
Broadway Debut: Perry made his Broadway debut in the play “The End of Longing.”
Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 2004, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Relationships: He has had high-profile relationships with celebrities like Julia Roberts and Lizzy Caplan.
Mentorship: Perry has mentored and supported young actors, including helping Evan Rachel Wood early in her career.
