Matthew Perry (1969 – 2023) was a Canadian-American actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends (1994 – 2004), a show that brought him international fame. His comedic timing and sarcastic wit made Chandler one of the most beloved characters on television. Perry also starred in films such as Fools Rush In (1997), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), and 17 Again (2009), showcasing his range beyond sitcoms.
Born in Massachusetts, Perry was raised in Canada before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. His early career included guest roles on Growing Pains and Beverly Hills, 90210. However, his breakthrough came with Friends, where he and his co-stars became some of the highest-paid TV actors, earning $1 million per episode by the final seasons.
Despite his success, Perry struggled with addiction for most of his life. He was open about his battles with substance abuse, which began in the late 1990s after a jet-ski accident led to a dependence on painkillers. Over the years, he attended multiple rehabilitation programs and later became an advocate for addiction recovery, receiving the White House’s Champion of Recovery award in 2013.
Beyond acting, Perry co-created the sitcom Mr. Sunshine (2011) and starred in The Odd Couple (2015 – 2017). His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing (2022), detailed his struggles and his journey toward healing. Tragically, Perry passed away in 2023 due to the acute effects of ketamine, sparking discussions about addiction treatment. His legacy as a talented actor and advocate for recovery continues to resonate.