Matthew Perry net worth, Bio, Career, Personal Life, Friends Earing, And More
At his death, American actor and comedian Matthew Perry net worth was $120 million. He was a talented actor who died at 54 on October 28, 2023.
As a key cast member of “Friends,” Perry earned $1 million per episode in later seasons. Even after his passing, he continued to receive significant earnings from the show’s reruns, ensuring a continuous stream of income for his estate.
Apart from his television success, Perry demonstrated astute investment skills in the real estate market. His portfolio of properties, coupled with his involvement in successful box office hits, significantly contributed to his overall financial prosperity.
In essence, Matthew Perry’s wealth was a result of his successful acting career, particularly his role in “Friends,” as well as his ventures in real estate and the entertainment industry.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Matthew Langford Perry |
| Nickname | Matthew, Perry |
| Birth date | August 19, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Williamstown, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | Canadian and American |
| Age (As of 2023) | 54 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Gender | Male |
| Ethnicity | English, Irish, German, Swiss-German, and French-Canadian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Father | John Bennett Perry |
| Mother | Suzanne Marie Morrison |
| Siblings | 5 (Caitlin Morrison · Emily Morrison · Maria Perry · Will Morrison · Madeline Morrison.) |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Lauren Miller |
| Famous For | His role as Chandler Bing on “Friends” |
| Eye color | Blue |
| Hair color | Light Brown |
| Height | 6’0″, 183cm |
| Weight | 82Kg, 181lbs |
| Profession | Actor, comedian, and producer |
| Social Media | Instagram: @mattyperry4 |
Biography
American-Canadian actor Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the iconic NBC sitcom ‘Friends’, entered the world on August 19, 1969, hailing from Williamstown, Massachusetts. His familial background boasts a notable heritage; his mother, Suzanne, held roles as a former secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and she’s also recognized as a Canadian-born journalist and an accomplished author.
On the other hand, his father, John Bennett Perry, carried his renown as a former American actor and model. Before joining ‘Friends’, Perry was a successful TV and film actor. His stellar performance in the 1994–2004 series brought him to global fame.
Perry’s mother raised him alone after his parents divorced when he was a year old. Suzanne later tied the knot with Keith Morrison, a journalist, when Matthew was 12 years old, expanding his familial ties.
Personal Life
Matthew Perry’s personal life has seen various relationships unfold over the years. In 1995, he dated Yasmine Bleeth. After that, he dated Julia Roberts from 1995 to 1996. He dated Lizzy Caplan from 2006 till 2012.
In November 2020, Perry announced his engagement to Molly Hurwitz. However, by June 2021, the engagement was called off. Notably, Perry holds citizenship in both Canada and the United States.
Did Matthew Perry have any children?
Matthew Perry, a television and film actor, was single throughout his life. He had no wife or children to include in his will.
Perry has a close relationship with his immediate family despite not having one. He was closest to his mother, Suzanne Perry, stepfather, Keith Morrison, and father, John Bennett Perry.
He was part of a sizable family with five half-siblings, contributing to his extensive Canadian-American heritage.
The Career of Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s journey into the world of acting began when he was 18, landing a role in “A Night In The Life Of Jimmy Reardon,” where he acted alongside River Phoenix. Delving into improv comedy at the LA Connection in Sherman Oaks, he swiftly rose to become a featured performer. He briefly appeared on television in the late 1980s and planned to attend USC. However, he was cast as Chazz Russell in “Second Chance,” which boosted his acting career.
Perry became famous for playing Chandler Bing in “Friends.” He made television history by appearing in all 236 episodes from 1994 to 2004. Besides “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and “Go On,” he starred in “Fools Rush In” and “The Whole Nine Yards.
Before his breakthrough on “Friends,” Perry steadily built his career with notable contributions. He garnered attention for his theater performances during high school and upon moving to Los Angeles, took on a slew of guest roles in various TV shows such as “Charles in Charge,” “Silver Spoons,” “Highway to Heaven,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” showcasing his versatility. His involvement extended to films and TV movies including “Dance ’til Dawn,” “She’s Out of Control,” “Call Me Anna,” and “Deadly Relations.”
Amidst his supporting roles, Perry also headlined multiple short-lived sitcoms such as “Second Chance,” “Sydney,” and “Home Free,” establishing himself as a hard-working actor in Hollywood. Interestingly, when the opportunity for “Friends” initially arose, Perry was initially engaged in another show called “LAX 2194.” However, he eventually became available, leading to his iconic role in the beloved series, marking a significant chapter in television history.
Matthew Perry notable work outside of “Friends”
Throughout Matthew Perry’s career, he showcased his acting prowess in various productions beyond his iconic role in “Friends.” Here are some of his notable works and the characters he portrayed:
| Year | Title | His Role |
| 1988 | A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon | Fred Roberts |
| 1989 | She’s Out of Control | Timothy |
| 1994 | Getting In | Randal Burns |
| 1997 | Fools Rush In | Alex Whitman |
| 1998 | Almost Heroes | Leslie Edwards |
| 1999 | Three to Tango | Oscar Novak |
| 2000 | The Whole Nine Yards | Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky |
| 2002 | Serving Sara | Joe Tyler |
| 2004 | The Whole Ten Yards | Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky |
| 2006 | The Ron Clark Story | Ron Clark |
| 2007 | Numb | Hudson Milbank |
| 2008 | Birds of America | Morrie |
| 2009 | 17 Again | Older Mike O’Donnell |
In these diverse roles across various years, Perry exhibited his acting talent and versatility, showcasing a range of characters in different movies and projects.
Matthew Perry Investment in Real Estate
Matthew Perry started investing in Los Angeles real estate after “Friends”‘ first season. He quips, “It’s the law when you have a successful sitcom: Between the first and second seasons, you buy a house.” His first LA house sold for $2 million in 2001.
Perry paid $3.2 million for a 6,500-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion in 1999. He sold it for $6.9 million in 2005 after major renovations. After buying his West Hollywood property for $1.7 million in 2005, Elton John sold it for $5.7 million in 2014.
A $4.475 million 2008 LA mansion sold for $4.6 million in 2011. His $12 million 2011 Malibu coastal property sold for $13.1 million in January 2021 after promoting it for $15 million.
Perry then sold another Malibu home for $10.65 million in 2015. A Century City penthouse he bought for $20 million in 2017 was listed for $35 million in 2019 and sold to Rihanna for $21.6 million in June 2021.
Perry sold another LA home for $12.5 million in 2018. His $6 million Pacific Palisades home was bought in 2020. He bought a Hollywood Hills mansion for $5 million in June 2023, continuing his real estate ventures.
What made Matthew Perry famous?
Matthew Perry’s rise to fame began at 18 when he landed a role in “A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon,” acting alongside River Phoenix. This opportunity paved the way for more guest appearances on popular shows like Silver Spoons, Growing Pains, and Empty Nest.
When “Friends” debuted in 1994, Perry was arguably the most recognized among the ensemble cast, despite none of them being household names at that time. Notably, he was a regular on the sitcom “Sydney,” in which he starred alongside Craig Bierko and Valerie Bertinelli.
Perry’s connections run deep, coming from a family with notable ties. His mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison (nee Langford), served as the press secretary to then-Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Perry even shared playground moments with Trudeau’s son, Justin Trudeau, who currently serves as Canada’s Prime Minister. Trudeau expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter) following Perry’s passing.
His father, John Bennett Perry, is an actor, singer, and former model recognized for his role as the clean-shaven sailor in the Old Spice commercials of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, is a well-known Canadian journalist and a correspondent on Dateline NBC.
Matthew Perry-“Friends” earnings
During the 10-season run of “Friends,” Matthew Perry appeared in all 236 episodes. His earnings evolved over the show’s tenure. He and the main cast got $22,500 per episode in the first season. The second season costs $40,000 per episode.
The average episode compensation for Perry was $75,000 in Season 3, $85,000 in Season 4, and $100,000 in Season 5. His episode pay increased to $125,000 in the sixth season.
Following discussions, Perry’s Seasons 7 and 8 earnings rose to $750,000 per episode, $18 million each season. He got $1 million every episode in the final two seasons, netting $24 million from Season 9 and $18 million from Season 10. Over the entirety of the show, Matthew Perry amassed $90 million in base salary.
Friends Revenues
During the 2000 contract discussions, the “Friends” cast successfully negotiated for backend points in the show. This arrangement entitled them to receive royalties from the show’s syndication sales. Before this, ownership stakes in TV shows were primarily held by a few stars like Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Cosby.
Even years after its conclusion, “Friends” remains a lucrative asset, generating over $1 billion annually from syndication royalties and streaming deals. Reports suggest that each cast member can earn substantial royalties, amounting to $10-20 million in some years, solely from the show’s continued success in syndication.
Matthew Perry Addiction
Matthew Perry has battled drug and alcohol addiction for years. His Vicodin addiction began following a 1997 jet-ski accident, prompting a 28-day recovery program. In February 2001, Perry entered rehab again for Vicodin, methadone, amphetamines, and alcohol addiction. He expressed having spent approximately $9 million on his journey to achieve sobriety.
During his addiction, Perry recounted being unable to recall three years of his time working on “Friends,” specifically the period between seasons three and six due to the severity of his issues.
In efforts to aid others struggling with similar challenges, Perry became a notable advocate, serving as a celebrity spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in 2011. His contributions were recognized with a Champion of Recovery award in May 2013 from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Perry established the Perry House, a sober living facility located in his former Malibu residence, which he later sold in 2015, consequently closing the rehab center. It’s been reported that Matthew Perry has remained sober since May 2021.
The Perry estate may have included charity.
Matthew Perry, an actor and philanthropist, may have left part of his estate to charity. Perry was active in philanthropy and had important personal and professional relationships. He vigorously supported addiction concerns.
At his Malibu estate, the actor built a sober living facility and planned a charity for addicts. He established the Matthew Perry Foundation on November 3 as a donor-advised fund managed by the National Philanthropic Trust to continue his philanthropy.
Perry said in a 2022 interview that he wanted his humanitarian work to be recognized alongside his acting achievements, comparing it to his part in “Friends.” It was important to him that his philanthropic activities be remembered as much as his acting career.
Individuals may decrease estate taxes by making charitable donations. Federal estate taxes are waived for $12.92 million in 2023. For amounts over this limit, estate taxes might reach 40%. Perry may be subject to significant estate and inheritance taxes even though California doesn’t.
To avoid estate taxes, some people, especially benevolent donors, donate assets above the estate-tax threshold to charity. High-net-worth individuals seek consultants for such methods. Estate planning, however difficult, is particularly important for people owning real estate, intellectual property, copyrights, and royalties. The legacy of Matthew Perry may extend beyond his acting career to his charity work.
Matthew Perry’s intended legacy
In his memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir,” Matthew Perry shared his thoughts on how he wished to be remembered. He acknowledged that his legacy would likely be deeply connected to his work on “Friends,” something he was grateful for and proud of, even if it meant being the subject of internet memes poking fun at his struggles.
However, Perry expressed a desire for his efforts to assist others to be recognized as his true achievements. He wished that his contributions toward helping people would take precedence over his acting career when reflecting on his life after his passing, although he acknowledged that this might not be the case.
FAQs about Matthew Perry net worth
1. How much did Matthew Perry have when he died?
Matthew Perry might have been worth $120 million when he died.
2. Where did Matthew Perry get his money?
A career in acting made Perry rich. He made $1 million every episode as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” earning up to $1 million in its latter seasons. He amassed wealth through shrewd real estate investments.
3. Does Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends’ income continue after his death?
Although Perry died, ‘Friends’ reruns and syndication arrangements continued to provide him wealth.
4. How did Matthew Perry buy a property?
Perry purchased and sold several Los Angeles residences. His investment portfolio comprised Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Malibu, Hollywood Hills, and Century City penthouses. Real estate contributed significantly to his wealth.
5. Does Matthew Perry’s philanthropy affect his wealth?
Perry founded a sober living center at his Malibu estate and was very philanthropic. Several charity initiatives were supported by his donor-advised fund, the Matthew Perry Foundation. While his philanthropy affected how he distributed his riches, it didn’t affect his net worth.
6. How did Matthew Perry’s ‘Friends’ residuals affect his wealth?
‘Friends’ cast members, including Matthew Perry, bargained syndication backend points. They shared in the show’s continuous profits, which have been substantial. Perry’s net wealth increased when ‘Friends’ ended due to its revenues.
7. Did addiction affect Matthew Perry’s finances?
Perry acknowledged his addiction and his struggles. In his recuperation, he spent $9 million. His great job and investments kept him wealthy despite these hardships.
8. Was Matthew Perry’s will written?
Perry may have left his assets to his close relatives, philanthropic causes, and estate planning choices because he was single and had no children. Specifics about him will stay private.
Conclusion
Matthew Perry, the American-Canadian actor who played Chandler Bing in “Friends,” had a nearly $120 million net worth when he died in 2023. His wealth came from “Friends,” where he earned up to $1 million per episode in the show’s later seasons and received significant residuals from syndication deals after his death.
Perry also made smart real estate investments in Los Angeles, which helped him succeed. His investments in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Malibu, Hollywood Hills, and Century City penthouse showed his financial competence. Perry’s riches were sustained by his successful entertainment career and wise real estate investments, despite his $9 million addiction treatment costs.
His philanthropy, including developing a sober living facility and the Matthew Perry Foundation to support charities, shows his dedication to society. Beyond his wealth, Matthew Perry’s legacy includes his impact on the entertainment business and his philanthropy. His financial prosperity and philanthropic efforts demonstrate a life of professional success and service to others.