Matthew Perry Online Memorial: Forever Loved and Remembered
In Loving Memory of Matthew Perry
American-Canadian actor
19 Aug 1969 — 28 Oct 2023
“A comic actor remembered for timing, vulnerability and a legacy of helping others seek recovery.”
Matthew Perry's Birth Location
Williamstown
Matthew Perry's Burial Location
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Matthew Perry's Death Location
Los Angeles
Matthew’s A Life Across Stage and Screen
From formative years and early roles to the performances, collaborations and relationships that defined a remarkable career
Discovering a Life in Performance for Matthew
After his parents divorced, he was raised largely in Ottawa, Ontario, where he became a strong junior tennis player before moving to Los Angeles as a teenager and turning seriously toward acting. Perry worked through guest roles and short-lived series before his career changed in 1994, when he was cast as Chandler Bing on Friends.
Learning the Craft for Matthew
Chandler's sarcasm, vulnerability and loyalty became central to the series' emotional rhythm, and Perry's performance helped make the show a global comedy landmark. Friends ran for 10 seasons, won major awards and continued to reach new generations long after its 2004 finale.
The Role That Opened New Doors for Matthew
Perry earned an Emmy nomination for the role and became closely associated with a style of comedy that balanced quick jokes with visible tenderness. Beyond Friends, Perry built a varied television and film career.
A Body of Work Takes Shape for Matthew
He starred in The Whole Nine Yards, Fools Rush In, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Go On and The Odd Couple, and he received further Emmy nominations for The West Wing and The Ron Clark Story. He also directed an episode of Scrubs in which he appeared with his father, linking his public craft with a family connection that mattered to him.
The Person Beyond the Camera for Matthew
In later years, Perry spoke with unusual candor about addiction, recovery and the cost of substance use disorder. His 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, became a New York Times bestseller and gave many readers a direct account of illness, survival, shame, humor and the hope of helping others.
Condolence Book: Your Words for Matthew
Share a memory, a message of love or words of comfort with everyone who holds Matthew close.
Volume of Memories
In Loving Memory of Matthew Perry
“Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.”
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Matthew Perry In Performance and Beyond the Camera
Photographs from the roles, creative partnerships and quieter chapters behind a familiar public presence
Matthew: A Defining Public Moment
A carefully preserved image from Matthew Perry’s life and public story.
Memory 1 of 6
Voices That Remember Matthew
Family, colleagues and audiences remember the intelligence, generosity and presence brought to every role
The Life Story ofMatthew Perry
Matthew’s Story, Held Close
The complete human story behind the performances, from early ambition and hard-earned craft to family and lasting influence
Matthew’s Where the Story Began
Matthew Langford Perry was an American-Canadian actor whose warmth, wit and sharply timed humor made him one of television's most beloved performers. Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969, he was the son of journalist Suzanne Langford Morrison and actor John Bennett Perry.
Discovering a Life in Performance for Matthew
After his parents divorced, he was raised largely in Ottawa, Ontario, where he became a strong junior tennis player before moving to Los Angeles as a teenager and turning seriously toward acting. Perry worked through guest roles and short-lived series before his career changed in 1994, when he was cast as Chandler Bing on Friends.
Learning the Craft for Matthew
Chandler's sarcasm, vulnerability and loyalty became central to the series' emotional rhythm, and Perry's performance helped make the show a global comedy landmark. Friends ran for 10 seasons, won major awards and continued to reach new generations long after its 2004 finale.
The Role That Opened New Doors for Matthew
Perry earned an Emmy nomination for the role and became closely associated with a style of comedy that balanced quick jokes with visible tenderness. Beyond Friends, Perry built a varied television and film career.
A Body of Work Takes Shape for Matthew
He starred in The Whole Nine Yards, Fools Rush In, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Go On and The Odd Couple, and he received further Emmy nominations for The West Wing and The Ron Clark Story. He also directed an episode of Scrubs in which he appeared with his father, linking his public craft with a family connection that mattered to him.
The Person Beyond the Camera for Matthew
In later years, Perry spoke with unusual candor about addiction, recovery and the cost of substance use disorder. His 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, became a New York Times bestseller and gave many readers a direct account of illness, survival, shame, humor and the hope of helping others.
Later Chapters and Lasting Bonds for Matthew
After his death, the Matthew Perry Foundation carried forward that part of his legacy by fighting stigma and supporting pathways to compassionate recovery. Perry died at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023, at age 54.
The Performances and Love That Remain for Matthew
Public tributes from fans, friends, colleagues and recovery advocates reflected the many ways people knew him: as Chandler, as a gifted comic performer, as a person who struggled openly, and as someone who wanted his experience to make healing easier for others.
The People at the Heart of Matthew’s Life
The family relationships and generations that belong to Matthew’s story.
The Parents Who Shaped Matthew’s Beginning
John Bennett Perry
father
John Bennett Perry is publicly documented as father within Matthew Perry’s family story.
Suzanne Langford
mother
Suzanne Langford is publicly documented as mother within Matthew Perry’s family story.
Beyond the Public Story: Remembering Matthew
Personal and public photographs remembering the human being beyond the characters known around the world
In memory of Matthew Perry (1969–2023). Share stories, messages, and memories with family and friends.