The name Matthew Perry instantly brings to mind the iconic character from Friends. Do you immediately picture the witty Chandler Bing? While many are familiar with his on-screen persona, few know about his Ottawa roots. Ottawa Ski will take you through the life of this beloved actor.
Matthew Perry’s Childhood
Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Perry later moved to Canada with his mother, where he spent most of his childhood. His father, an actor, singer, and former model, passed on his love for performing. However, his parents divorced shortly after his birth.
Growing up in Ottawa, Perry lived with his mother and attended Ashbury College, a prestigious boarding school. His family expanded when his mother remarried Keith Morrison, a well-known Canadian journalist. Perry’s mother was also a journalist and even worked as a press secretary for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
His childhood was happy and quite normal, with a strong passion for both tennis and acting. A deep fascination with the entertainment industry led Perry to move to Los Angeles at 15, ending his time in Ottawa and marking the beginning of his journey into the acting world.
Living with His Father and Early Roles
Upon moving to Los Angeles, Perry initially stayed with his father while refining his acting skills. His efforts paid off when he began landing roles.
At 18, he starred in the popular TV show Boys Will Be Boys. However, his breakthrough came at the age of 25 when he was cast as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom Friends. The show ran for ten successful seasons, ending in 2004, but cementing his legacy in television history.
Beyond Friends, Perry had notable roles in:
- 17 Again
- Fools Rush In (1997), where he acted alongside Salma Hayek and his father
- Mr. Sunshine
- The Odd Couple
- Serving Sara
Although these roles varied in success, nothing quite matched the impact of Friends.
Love for Ottawa
Perry never hesitated to express his love for Ottawa and fondly reminisced about his childhood in Canada’s capital. He was a devoted fan of the Ottawa Senators hockey team and once shared a funny childhood memory: at age 10, he got into a schoolyard fight with Justin Trudeau, Canada’s future Prime Minister.
Addiction Struggles
In the foreword of Perry’s memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, his Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow asks a question many fans have pondered: How is Matthew Perry doing?
Perry battled alcohol and drug addiction for over a decade. His struggles peaked in 2018, leading to pneumonia, a ruptured colon, and a two-week coma. He underwent a dozen surgeries, with doctors giving him only a 2% chance of survival. At 49, he realized he had spent much of his life in rehab clinics and hospitals.
However, by the time the Friends reunion aired in 2021, Perry had been sober for 18 months—a significant milestone. Unlike others struggling with addiction, he lacked anonymity; his lowest moments were captured by the media for the world to see.
His battle inspired him to write his memoir, which began while he was in a Los Angeles hospital. What started as short notes on his phone turned into a full-length book with over 110 pages. Encouraged by his manager, Perry continued writing, reflecting on his journey.
Friends and Addiction
Many fans were shocked to learn that shortly after his character Chandler married Monica on Friends, Perry was sent to rehab. He openly admitted to struggling with the pressures of fame throughout the show’s 10 seasons. While the sitcom provided him with wealth and global recognition, it also intensified his personal battles.
Despite these challenges, Friends allowed him to purchase a luxurious home in the Hollywood Hills, attend A-list events, and contribute to various charities.
Personal Life
Fans have always been curious about Perry’s relationships. In his memoir, he candidly discussed his past romances, describing them as difficult but formative experiences.
His first serious relationship was with Tricia Leigh Fisher, the sister of the late Carrie Fisher, when he was 18. He later fell deeply in love with actress Valerie Bertinelli while she was still married.
One of his most famous relationships was with Julia Roberts. However, Perry shocked fans by revealing that he ended the relationship out of fear of being abandoned. He later dated actress Lizzy Caplan for six years, but she married someone else in 2016.
In November 2020, Perry proposed to talent manager Molly Hurwitz while under the influence of alcohol. Despite his fears of being left, the couple quietly ended their engagement. They had been together for three years, though she was nearly half his age.
Friends: The Reunion
For years, fans of Friends hoped for a cast reunion, and in 2021, it finally happened. All six main actors came together for a special episode, which became a massive success.
However, Perry’s slurred speech in one scene concerned many viewers, leading to speculation about a possible relapse. Fortunately, it was later revealed that he had undergone emergency dental surgery before filming, causing temporary speech issues.
Despite the discomfort, Perry insisted on participating, proving his commitment to the show and his fans.
Devotion from Fans
Many fans were surprised when they saw Perry in later years, as time had changed his appearance. However, to the Friends audience, he will always be remembered as the lovable and witty Chandler Bing, the character who brought so much joy to millions worldwide.
Matthew Perry’s Tragic Passing
On October 28, 2023, the world lost Matthew Perry at the age of 54 due to an accidental ketamine overdose. The beloved actor was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home. His funeral was an intimate affair, attended by a small group of close friends and family.
While he may no longer be with us, Perry’s legacy lives on. His impact on television, his candid memoir, and his advocacy for addiction recovery continue to inspire countless fans. And through it all, his Ottawa roots remain an essential part of his story.
