Matthew Perry, the renowned actor and writer, had a fascinating life that extended beyond his fame on the beloved TV series “Friends.” In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing details of his family, his parents, and his siblings. Despite not having a family of his own, Matthew Perry’s life was deeply enriched by the close-knit bonds he shared with his parents, stepfather, and siblings.
Who is Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry, born on August 19, 1969, and regrettably passing away on October 28, 2023, was a prominent actor and writer with dual American and Canadian citizenship. He achieved widespread recognition for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on “Friends” from 1994 to 2004, earning accolades such as a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Beyond “Friends,” Perry enjoyed a prolific career in both television and film. He appeared in shows like “Ally McBeal” (2002) and received award nominations for his roles in “The West Wing” (2003) and “The Ron Clark Story” (2006). Perry also headlined the TV series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and played leading roles in various movies.
In addition to his acting career, Perry was a creative force, co-creating, writing, producing, and starring in “Mr. Sunshine” in 2011, as well as participating in other TV shows. He faced personal challenges with addiction but later became an advocate for rehabilitation and worked with the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, earning recognition with the Champion of Recovery Award in 2013 from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Matthew Perry had a Family
Yes, Matthew Perry had a family. He had parents, brothers, and sisters. He also had a stepfather named Keith Morrison, who is famous for working on a TV show called “Dateline.” Even though Matthew Perry never got married or had children of his own, he had a strong and close-knit family. His family, including his stepfather, meant a lot to him. They provided him with support and love throughout his life.
Matthew Perry’s Age
Matthew Perry had a long and successful life. He was born on August 19, 1969, and sadly, he passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. He left a significant impact on the entertainment world, especially through his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the TV show “Friends.” His talent brought joy and laughter to countless fans, and his legacy will endure.
Matthew Perry’s Career
Matthew Perry’s journey in the entertainment industry began in the late 1970s when he had small roles in TV shows like “240-Robert” in 1979. Later, he relocated to Los Angeles in pursuit of more acting opportunities, appearing in TV shows like “Not Necessarily the News,” “Charles in Charge,” and “Silver Spoons” during the 1980s.
In 1988, Perry secured his first movie role in “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon.” He continued to work in television, including a brief stint on “Growing Pains” in 1989. In the early 1990s, he became a regular on the CBS sitcom “Sydney” and made guest appearances on shows like “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
However, it was his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV show “Friends” from 1994 to 2004 that catapulted him to stardom. The show’s immense success made Perry and his co-stars household names. He also took on various film roles during this period.
After “Friends,” Perry diversified his acting portfolio with roles in TV shows like “The West Wing,” “Ally McBeal,” and “Scrubs.” He even directed an episode of “Scrubs.” In the 2000s, he starred in TV movies such as “The Ron Clark Story” and appeared in the series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” Perry also worked on independent films and stage productions in London.
Perry continued to act in various projects, including “Go On” and a new version of “The Odd Couple.” He wrote and starred in his own play, “The End of Longing.” Perry portrayed attorney Mike Kresteva in “The Good Fight” and embodied Ted Kennedy in “The Kennedys: After Camelot.”
In 2021, he reunited with his “Friends” co-stars for a special episode, “Friends: The Reunion.” Perry also authored a book titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” in 2022, which garnered substantial interest from his fans.
Matthew Perry’s Net Worth
Matthew Perry was a wealthy individual. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated at $120 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth. This substantial wealth did not solely result from his role on “Friends” but also from his contributions to other TV shows and movies, including “Ally McBeal,” “The West Wing,” “The Ron Clark Story,” and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” His prosperous career allowed him to accumulate this considerable fortune during his lifetime.
Who are Matthew Perry’s Parents?
Matthew Perry’s parents are Suzanne Marie Morrison and John Bennett Perry. He was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He is the only child that Suzanne and John had together. Shortly after Matthew was born, his parents separated, and they both later got married to other people.
Suzanne Perry
Matthew’s mother, Suzanne, initially pursued a career in journalism before serving as the press secretary for the Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau. Subsequently, she shifted her focus to political consulting and fundraising for various causes.
John Bennett Perry
Matthew’s father, John Bennett Perry, is an actor, much like his famous son. At the time of Matthew’s childhood, he resided with his mother in Ottawa, Canada. However, when Matthew turned 15, he relocated to California to live with his father. In his book, Matthew spoke fondly of his stepmother, Debbie, describing her as a “lovely woman.”
Keith Morrison
Keith Morrison, a prominent Canadian broadcaster known for his work on “Dateline,” is Matthew Perry’s stepfather. He has enjoyed a successful career in the field of journalism and broadcasting.
Matthew Perry’s Siblings
Matthew Perry had a diverse group of siblings, with half-siblings from both of his parents’ second marriages:
1. Caitlin Morrison
Matthew’s first sister, Caitlin, was born in 1981 when Matthew was 10 years old.
2. Emily Morrison
His second sister, Emily, was born in 1985.
3. Will Morrison
Matthew’s brother, Will, was born in 1987.
4. Madeline Morrison
Madeline Morrison is Matthew’s third sister, and she works as a producer for “Dateline.”
5. Maria Perry
Maria Perry is Matthew’s fourth sister and is from his father’s side of the family.
Matthew Perry’s Family: FAQs
1. Who is Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry is an American and Canadian actor and writer, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular TV series “Friends.” Perry has also appeared in various other television shows and movies throughout his career.
2. Did Matthew Perry have any siblings?
Yes, Matthew Perry had siblings.
3. How many siblings does Matthew Perry have?
Matthew Perry has five siblings from his parents’ later marriages.
4. Who is the father of Matthew Perry?
The father of actor Matthew Perry is John Bennett Perry, who is also an American actor.
5. Who was Matthew Perry’s mother?
Suzanne Marie Morrison, born in 1948, is a Canadian journalist who worked as the press secretary for Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Explore the intriguing family history of Matthew Perry, which played a significant role in shaping the life of this celebrated actor and writer.