Matthew Perry More than an Actor

Matthew Perry was a Canadian-American actor best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom Friends. He has also had a successful career in film, appearing in such movies as Fools Rush In, Almost Heroes, and 17 Again.

Early Life and Career

Young Matthew Perry

Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969. His parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Langford, are both actors. Perry’s parents divorced when he was one year old, and he was raised by his mother in Ottawa, Ontario.

Perry began acting in high school and appeared in several stage productions. He also played tennis competitively and was ranked in the top 180 in Canada. After graduating from high school, Perry moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.

Breakthrough with Friends

Perry’s breakthrough came in 1994 when he was cast as Chandler Bing in the NBC sitcom Friends. Chandler was a sarcastic and witty writer who was also a loyal friend. Perry’s portrayal of Chandler was critically acclaimed, and he was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards for his performance.

Friends was a huge success, running for ten seasons and becoming one of the most popular sitcoms of all time. Perry’s performance as Chandler made him a household name, and he became one of the most recognizable faces in the world.

Film Career

In addition to his work on Friends, Perry has also had a successful career in film. He has appeared in such movies as Fools Rush In (1997), Almost Heroes (1998), Three to Tango (1999), The Whole Nine Yards (2000), Serving Sara (2002), The Whole Ten Yards (2004), and 17 Again (2009).

Perry has also had success in television after Friends. He starred in the NBC drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-2007) and the ABC sitcom Mr. Sunshine (2011). He has also guest-starred on such shows as The West Wing, House, and The Good Wife.