Matthew Perry will forever be remembered as the quick-witted and lovable Chandler Bing from Friends, one of television’s most iconic sitcoms. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and heartfelt charm, Perry became a household name during the 1990s and early 2000s.
Beyond his legendary TV success, Matthew’s story is one of triumph and tragedy — a man who made millions laugh while privately battling personal demons. Though he passed away in October 2023, his influence on comedy, television, and mental health awareness continues to inspire millions around the world.
As of 2025, fans still celebrate his incredible legacy, with his estate and projects continuing to contribute to his posthumous net worth.
Matthew Perry Biography / Quick Info Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Langford Perry |
| Date of Birth | August 19, 1969 |
| Date of Death | October 28, 2023 |
| Age (at death) | 54 years old |
| Place of Birth | Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American-Canadian |
| Profession | Actor, Writer, Producer |
| Known For | Playing “Chandler Bing” on Friends |
| Years Active | 1979 – 2023 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $120 Million (Approx.) |
| Education | Ashbury College, The Buckley School |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lbs) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Parents | John Bennett Perry (Actor), Suzanne Morrison (Journalist) |
| Marital Status | Never Married |
| Religion | Christian |
| Residences | Los Angeles, California |
| Cause of Death | Drowning (Accidental) |
| Books | Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (2022) |
Early Life & Education
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and raised in Ottawa, Canada. His mother, Suzanne Morrison, worked as a journalist and press secretary for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, while his father, John Bennett Perryphy, Age, Height, Family, Career &
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Growing up, Matthew excelled at tennis and even ranked as one of Canada’s top junior players before turning his focus to acting. He moved to Los Angeles at 15 to live with his father, where he attended The Buckley School, known for its celebrity alumni.
Career Journey
Early Career
Matthew began acting in the 1980s, appearing in shows like Charles in Charge, Growing Pains, and Beverly Hills 90210. His natural humor and expressive face made him a standout in every role.
Breakthrough with Friends
In 1994, Perry landed the role that would define his career — Chandler Bing on Friends. The show became a global phenomenon, running for ten seasons and earning Perry both critical acclaim and immense wealth.
His sarcastic one-liners and lovable awkwardness made Chandler one of TV’s most iconic characters. During the show’s peak, Perry and his co-stars each earned $1 million per episode, setting a record for sitcom salaries.
Film and Later Work
Beyond Friends, Matthew starred in successful films such as:
- The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
- Fools Rush In (1997)
- 17 Again (2009)
- The Ron Clark Story (2006)
He also created and starred in TV projects like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Go On.
Writing and Memoir
In 2022, Perry released his autobiography, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, a deeply personal account of his struggles with addiction, fame, and recovery. The book became a #1 New York Times Bestseller, receiving global praise for its honesty and vulnerability.
Struggles & Redemption
Throughout his career, Matthew Perry was open about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction. He spent millions on rehabilitation and treatment, at one point admitting he didn’t remember filming entire seasons of Friends.
Despite his struggles, he turned his pain into purpose. Perry converted his Malibu home into the Perry House, a sober-living facility for men, helping countless others on the path to recovery.
His courage to speak publicly about addiction changed how Hollywood viewed mental health, making him a symbol of resilience and hope.
Net Worth 2025
At the time of his passing in 2023, Matthew Perry’s estimated net worth was $120 million. His earnings came from acting, royalties, and book sales.
Even after his death, residual income from Friends and streaming royalties continues to contribute to his estate’s value.
Income Sources:
- Friends royalties ($20 million per year from syndication)
- Film and TV salaries
- Real estate and production credits
- Book and memoir sales
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $100 Million |
| 2023 | $120 Million |
| 2025 | $120 Million (Estate Value) |
Assets & Lifestyle
Before his passing, Matthew owned multiple luxurious properties in Los Angeles and Malibu. His penthouse in Century City was valued at over $20 million.
Despite his wealth, Perry lived a modest lifestyle in his later years, focusing on sobriety, writing, and advocacy work. He was known for his generosity — supporting addiction recovery centers and children’s charities.
Family & Personal Life
Matthew Perry never married but was linked to several high-profile relationships, including actress Lizzy Caplan. He remained close with his Friends co-stars — particularly Jennifer Aniston, who supported him during his recovery journey.
He often described the Friends cast as his “chosen family,” and they, in turn, called him the heart of the group.
Perry’s legacy lives on through the laughter he brought to millions and the lives he touched with his honesty and compassion.
Legacy & Impact
Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023 was met with an outpouring of love from fans and celebrities worldwide. His Friends co-stars released a joint statement calling him “family” and praising his unmatched humor and kindness.
His memoir remains one of the most powerful accounts of fame and addiction, while Friends continues to introduce his work to new generations through streaming platforms like Netflix and Max.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle | **Followers (Approx.) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| @mattyperry4 | 8.2M+ followers | Legacy account active | |
| Twitter (X) | @MatthewPerry | 2M+ followers | Archived |
| YouTube | — | — | — |
Awards & Achievements
- Emmy Award Nomination (2002) – Friends
- Golden Globe Nomination – The Ron Clark Story
- Screen Actors Guild Award – Ensemble Cast (Friends)
- Writers Guild Award Nominee (The West Wing)
- New York Times Bestseller (2022) – Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
Interesting Facts
- Matthew was born in the same hospital as actor Chris O’Donnell.
- He almost missed his Friends audition due to another TV pilot.
- His favorite Friends episode was “The One with the Embryos.”
- He helped rewrite Chandler’s jokes on set — many of which were his own.
- His final Instagram post, just days before his passing, showed him relaxing in a hot tub with the caption: “Oh, so warm water swirling around makes you feel good?”
Conclusion
Matthew Perry’s life was a mix of comedy, courage, and compassion. Though he left us too soon, his legacy as an entertainer and mental health advocate continues to inspire millions.
In 2025, his laughter still echoes through Friends reruns, his words continue to heal through his memoir, and his foundation helps people rebuild their lives — just as he once rebuilt his own.
FAQs
1. What was Matthew Perry’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Matthew Perry’s estate is valued at $120 million.
2. How did Matthew Perry die?
He passed away in October 2023 due to accidental drowning at his Los Angeles home.
3. What was Matthew Perry’s most famous role?
He is best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends.
4. Did Matthew Perry write a book?
Yes, his 2022 memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing became a worldwide bestseller.
5. What is Matthew Perry’s legacy?
His legacy lies in his humor, honesty about addiction, and lasting contribution to mental health advocacy.