Matthew Perry, an American actor and comedian, had a net worth of $120 million at the time of his death on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54 ¹. He gained international fame for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom “Friends” from 1994 to 2004.
Early Life and Career
Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969, Matthew Perry was raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, after his parents separated when he was one year old ¹. He began his acting career in high school, gaining notice for his theater work, and later moved to Los Angeles, where he appeared in guest roles on various TV shows.
Friends and Other Ventures
Matthew Perry’s breakthrough role was as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” which earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002 ¹. He also appeared in other TV shows and films, such as “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Go On,” “Fools Rush In,” and “The Whole Nine Yards.”
Salary and Earnings
Matthew Perry earned around $90 million from “Friends” base salary, excluding royalties from syndication, which reportedly earned him $10-20 million per year even after the show ended ¹. The cast members negotiated for backend points on the show, allowing them to earn royalties from its sale into syndication, making “Friends” one of the most successful TV shows in terms of earnings.
Personal Life and Addiction
Matthew Perry struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol throughout his life, entering rehab multiple times ¹. He became a celebrity spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in 2011 and received a Champion of Recovery award in 2013.
Real Estate and Philanthropy
Matthew Perry invested in various real estate properties, buying and selling homes in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and Malibu ¹. He was also involved in philanthropic work, particularly in the area of addiction recovery, and published a memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” in 2022.
Legacy
Matthew Perry’s net worth reflects his successful career in television and film, as well as his savvy business decisions, including negotiating for backend points on “Friends” ¹. His legacy as a talented actor and comedian continues to be celebrated by fans of the iconic sitcom “Friends” and his other work in the entertainment industry.
